Benefits of antioxidants

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Antioxidant vitamins     Antioxidant minerals

Semi essential antioxidants    Antioxidant herbs

Specific amino acids    

Antioxidants within the body

a) Superoxide dimutase (SOD) - prevents the damage caused by the toxic oxygen molecule known as superoxide. SOD occurs naturally in barley, broccoli, cabbage, wheatgrass, brussels sprouts and green plants.

b) Glutathione - is an amino acid which is converted by our bodies into glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant. Some over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may deplete glutathione levels. Glutathione is a major cellular cleanser and a free radical scavenger. It detoxifies heavy metals and defends against damage from smoking, radiation and chemotherapy.

Antioxidant vitamins

The body relies on quality food to replenish it's internal antioxidant stores. From whole, unprocessed foods come the antioxidants Vitamin A,C & E. Click here for the top ten healthy foods.

Vitamin A - vitamin A and its precursor beta carotene are powerful free radical scavengers.

Vitamin C - it has been proven time and time again that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C combined with bioflavanoids becomes even more potent. It also enhances the immune system and may recycle other antioxidants like vitamin E.

Vitamin E - is a powerful antioxidant as well, and prevents oxidation of lipids(oxidized LDL is responsible for hardening of arteries). It also improves oxygen utilization, enhances immunity, may be useful in preventing cataracts caused by free radicals and has a protective effect on the heart.

Antioxidant minerals

Selenium - acts synergistically with vitamin E and may also increase vitamin E uptake.

Zinc - has antioxidant properties and is a constituent of superoxide dimutase (SOD). It may help keep vitamin E levels in blood and aid in absorption of vitamin A.

Semi essential antioxidants

CoQ10 - is an antioxidant that may play an important role in generation of cellular

energy, immune system stimulation and also play a role in certain cardiovascular conditions. It may exert its' antioxidant effect by scavenging single oxygen.

Alphalipoic acid - may enhance the functioning of vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione. It is both water-soluble and fat soluble therefore is also known as the "universal antioxidant".

Lutein - is found in vegetables like spinach and kale. It promotes long-term eye health in two ways. Lutein protects the eyes from damaging effects of the sun and as an antioxidant it protects the eyes from free radical damage and premature aging. The human body is unable to manufacture lutein, so the body must rely on lutein rich foods and supplements.

DHEA - is also called the "mother hormone", because it is the raw material for most steroid hormones produced in the body. It acts as an antioxidant and may be effective in preventing premature aging and stress.

Melatonin - may provide special protection to the nucleus within a cell, that contains DNA. It may stimulate the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Also, used as a sleep aid.

Antioxidant herbs

Pycnogenol - its source is pine bark, it is a potent antioxidant, may be more potent than vitamin C and E, the British scientific journal (LANCET) showed the risk of heart disease was 50 percent lower in people that consumed high amounts of pycnogenol.

Grapeseed extract - also a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals. It may inhibit enzymes that attack collagen and elastin the main structural materials of the arteries. Thus, it may prevent arterial damage.

Ginkgo Biloba - is a useful antioxidant known for its ability to enhance circulation. It may aid in mental functioning, lowering blood pressure and may inhibit blood clotting. CAUTION must be observed by individuals taking certain medications like Warfarin because ginkgo may have an added effect if taken with Warfarin (Check with your physician first). Ginkgo is also traditionally used in erectile dysfunction.

Green Tea - contains catechin which is an important ingredient that has antioxidant properties, it may protect against cancer and lower cholesterol levels, help burn fat and combat mental fatigue.

Turmeric - main ingredient is curcumin, traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and also traditionally used for protecting the liver against toxins, may inhibit platelet aggregation(CAUTION: same as ginkgo above).

Amino acids 

Methionine - is an essential amino acid that may help prevent fatty buildup in the liver and arteries. It may also help detoxify harmful agents like lead, prevent brittle hair, protect against radiation, inactivate free radicals and prevent glutathione depletion. Sources include eggs, fish, garlic, onions, soybeans, yogurt, meat and lentils.

Cysteine - is needed to produce the powerful antioxidant glutathione which is used by the liver and lymphocytes to detoxify chemicals and other toxins. It may be a powerful detoxifier of alcohol, tobacco smoke and other pollutants.

Recent studies have shown that we're not getting enough antioxidants from our food for optimal protection against disease. So, it is obvious that we need external supplementation of antioxidants.

To sum up:

1) Individuals that have higher antioxidant levels and who regularly take antioxidants seem to have longer healthy life spans. 

2) Antioxidants antagonize free radicals and improve health.

3) Antioxidants like superoxide dimutase(SOD) may also protect against hearing loss.

4) Vitamins A,C,E and melatonin may reduce age related degenerative diseases and slow the aging process.

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