| Potent substances called antioxidants afford us the best prospect for
disease prevention, toxin protection and sustained longevity and vigor.
In light of this fact, making sure we arm our cellular systems with
adequate supplies of antioxidants should become one of our first health
priorities. It has now been established that more than 60 human
diseases involve free-radical damage, including cancer and heart
disease. Several natural protectants against free radicals, which are
also called free radical scavengers, have the chemical ability to donate
electrons to free radical molecules, thereby making them more stable
and less dangerous. Some of the most common of these free radical
scavengers or antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and
beta carotene, coenzyme Q10, selenium, proanthocyanidins,
glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, superoxide dismutase, bioflavonoids,
melatonin, bilberry (herb), and Ginkgo biloba (herb).
Each of the antioxidant compounds listed are discussed in more detail in
the appropriate reference sections of this book. At this point, we will
discuss the role of bioflavonoids. |
