| Twentieth-century life gave us a myriad of new and stunning
technological advances that served to not only reduce our work load
but to expose us to a whole host of new and potentialy harmful toxins.
Virtually every day most of us are exposed to countless pollutants
which cause the formation of damaging oxidants in our bodies. Auto
exhaust, tobacco smoke, UV rays, pollution, preservatives, and food
and water additives continually assault our bio-cellular systems and
may cause physiological damage. As a result, our risk of developing a
degenerative disease is significantly increased. Moreover, our constant
exposure to oxidizing agents can even accelerate premature tissue
breakdown causing us to age more rapidly.
Inevitably, regardless of where or how we live, we will find ourselves
vulnerable to these dangerous substances. While this declaration
sounds ominous at best, mother nature has provided us with some very
impressive defense compounds called antioxidants, which have the
capability to protect us from the perils of oxidants or free radicals as
they are also called.
While supplementing our diets with vitamins and minerals is strongly
recommended, certain remarkable, natural substances exist which have
recently come to the forefront of scientific research. These compounds
are referred to as antioxidants, and they aroused interest in the
scientific community. Determining what substances provide the most
optimal antioxidant capabilities and making those nutrients available to
the public must be first and foremost in our quest for health and
disease prevention. In addition, making sure that the nutrient
compounds selected are bioavialable is vital. Frequently, supplements
we believe are assimilated within the cellular structures of our bodies,
do little more than just pass through them. |
| How To Use Antioxidants |
Taking a broad spectrum antioxidant is the best way to go.
Antioxidants work in the body at different sites or cellular metabolism;
therefore, relying on one particular antioxidant is not as effective as a
broad spectrum. A person needs a nice variety of free radical
scavengers in both vitamin and herb form. Look for formulas that use
some or all of the following: grape seed extract, bioflavonoids, vitamin
E, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, vitamin C, beta carotene and herbs
like Ginkgo biloba. Sometimes other vitamins and minerals that enhance
each other may be added to the mix. |
