ANTIAGING PRODUCTS: ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help prevent heart disease, cancer and
even Alzheimer's. Antioxidant foods contain vitamins
C and E, trace elements like selenium
and many less familiar compounds. They work by protecting
us from the effects of chemicals known as
free radicals. The only way to counteract the effects
of free
radicals is to destroy them, and that's where antioxidants
come in.
Antioxidant supplements act as powerful scavengers
and interrupt the electronic chain building process
that causes free radicals to be produced. This helps
to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to
cellular damage
and disease.
It has been estimated that up to 30 percent of Americans
are taking some form of antioxidant supplement.
Types of Antioxidant Supplements
The most common antioxidants, but not the most effective,
are Vitamins C and E protect the body. Other antioxidants,
more effective against the destructive effects of free
radicals, each working in a different way, include.
Mild Antioxidant Supplements
L-Cysteine
L-Cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that
acts as a free-radical scavenger. It aids detoxification,
by supporting the liver in producing and storing glutathione,
part of an important antioxidant enzyme system andprotects
cells and tissues from chemicals. Take with vitamin
C, and also with other amino acids.
Zinc
Zinc also has mild antioxidant effects through its
function in the enzyme superoxide dismutase, a free-radical
scavenger. Zinc also contributes to immune support.
Other
Manganese and copper act as mild antioxidants, mainly
as support, along with zinc, of the superoxide dismutase
(SOD) enzymes, which metabolize the superoxide free
radicals.
More Powerful Antioxidants
Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ-10]
CoQ-10
is also called ubiquinone plays a crucial role in producing
energy in cells and also acts as a powerful antioxidant.
It is widely recommended to repair heart damage and
to boost the function of the heart, as well as in preventative
use to safeguard against heart attacks and valve damage.
As an antioxidant, CoQ10
prevents cholesterol from being attacked. In very large
doses of
CoQ-10 [along with vitamin E] appeared to slow the
progression of Parkinsons
disease. CoQ-10
supplements may interact with medications; including
some anti-clotting drugs and diabetes
drugs.
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on Coenzyme Q-10
Pycogenols
Pycogenols are found in pine bark extract and grape
seed extract. Grape seed extract is thought to be the
most powerful antioxidant supplement available today,
containing OPC’s [Oligomeric proanthocyanidins].
OPC’s are 20 times more powerful than Vitamin
C and 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E. They also
assist the skin, by restoring and protecting both collagen
and elastin. OPC’s also cross the brain barrier,
as does ALA.
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on Pycogenols
Green Tea
Green Tea is made from leaves that are not fermented
before they dry. It also contains OPC’s. Green
tea also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol
and is thought to have antimutagenic [anti-cancer] effects.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is the only antioxidant that
is both fat and water soluble, meaning it can access
all parts of the cell, to trap free
radicals wherever they may be. It is also one of
the few substances that can cross the blood/brain barrier.
ALA supplementation causes increased levels of glutathione,
which helps the body dispose of toxins. Glutathione
protects the brain from free
radical damage, and low levels of glutathione in
the brain are associated with brain disorders such as
stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
disease. It also has strong immune support capabilities,
being currently used in HIV treatments. And its benefits
don’t stop here; ALA also helps in diabetes
and fighting cancer.
Lycopene
Predominantly found in tomatoes, lycopene predominantly
prevents prostate cancer and some other forms of cancer.
Lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate
gland, colon and skin. Its oncentration in body tissues
tends to be higher than all other carotenoids.
Supports Antioxidant Function
Selenium
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