Free Radicals, Oxidation, and Antioxidants

Free Radicals, Oxidation, and Antioxidants
Posted on 4/30/2009 12:27:02 PM

As we discussed on Monday, free radicals abound in our society and we need to combat the adverse effects that these destructive molecules have on our bodies. As we know, free radicals are believed to play a role in more than sixty different health conditions, including unhealthy aging, adverse cardiovascular health and many other detrimental health challenges.

Our bodies have natural antioxidant defense mechanisms to keep the free radicals in check but sometimes they are deficient or defective and cannot keep up with the environmental demands. Fortunately, nature has also provided us with abundant sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidants from an External Source

In addition to the antioxidant enzymes that our own bodies make, many vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine (an amino acid). Herbs, such as bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, and ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body.

Other popular sources of antioxidants are extracts of resveratrol and ellagic acid. Green tea extract has also long been known as a powerful antioxidant and has been used therapeutically for thousands of years. Superfood "greens drinks" are also very popular for their high ORAC values. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a numerical evaluation of the antioxidant effect of a particular substance. Greens drinks are so concentrated that they will often have the equivalent ORAC value of eating 10 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per serving.

There are so many types of antioxidants on the market, it can be difficult trying to figure out which ones may be right for you. Refer to the list below for some general guidelines to help you make your decision.

Antioxidant Overview:

Superfood blends (New Greens, Berry Fusion)
These products have very high ORAC values that can serve as an easy and tasty way to get a great broad-spectrum supply of daily antioxidants.

Resveratrol (PureVinol-25)
Resveratrol is a compound often associated with the health benefits of red wine, because of its powerful antioxidant and cardioprotectant properties. It promotes cardiovascular health through its antioxidant action and its ability to promote healthy platelet function and maintain healthy arachidonic acid metabolism. PureVinol-25 is a proprietary extract which provides concentrated levels of polyphenols and trans-Resveratrol from the red wine matrix and the root from one of the richest known sources of resveratrol, Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb that has been utilized for centuries.

Coenzyme Q10 (Pure Q10)
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and helps preserve vitamin E, the major antioxidant of cell membranes and blood cholesterol. As we discussed last week in the articles about cholesterol, one of the adverse effects of the statin drugs that block the production of cholesterol is interruption of the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10. Virtually every cell of the human body contains CoQ10. It is concentrated in the mitochondria, the area of cells where energy is produced. Most human cells contain hundreds to thousands of mitochondria; the heart contains the most with 5000 mitochondria for each heart cell! Many studies have indicated the benefits of CoQ 10 for cardiovascular function. Try Pure Q10 for FREE.

Green Tea Extract
Green tea has been extensively studied and beneficial effects have been noted. One green tea compound in particular, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been the subject of intensive study because it may interfere with abnormal cell growth. Abnormal cell growth is a factor in the development of many serious diseases. The EGCG content of Pure Prescriptions Green Tea Extract is among the highest in the industry (50% minimum, derived from 98% total tea polyphenols). The green tea offered by Pure is also decaffeinated so it can be taken in high doses without increasing central nervous system activity or what's commonly known as the "jitters". Other research suggests green tea compounds may also have positive effects on blood sugar levels, inflammation, dental health, and cardiovascular health.

Ellagic acid (Ellagic Defense)
Ellagic Acid has a promising protective role in supporting liver, lung, esophagus, stomach, colon and prostate health. In recent years, researchers have been focusing on phytochemicals, which are compounds produced by plants. Phytochemicals naturally occur in vegetables and fruit and have profound biological activity in the body. There is abundant evidence from epidemiological studies that the phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables can significantly improve health, most likely due to the polyphenol antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory effects. The ellagic acid contained within Ellagic Defense is classified as a phytochemical. Get a FREE Bottle of Ellagic Defense Here.

Antioxidant-ES
Antioxidants work best when they are taken in combination. Antioxidants work in several ways: they may reduce the energy of the free radicals they are quenching, they stop the free radical from forming in the first place, and they interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidant-ES is a high-quality antioxidant blend to support general health.

Curcumin C3 Complex
This nutrient, derived from turmeric, has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions. First, it exhibits strong antioxidant activity by protecting against free radical damage. Second, it acts as an anti-histamine causing a reduction of inflammation. Third, it protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Fourth, it may help heart health by improving circulation and reducing platelets from clumping together. Curcumin C3 Complex is patented for its unique composition ratio and use. Research shows that C3 Complex offers consumers a wide range of health benefits. Due to its broad positive impact on many physiological activities in the body, C3 Complex stands in a class of its own as a bioprotectant "super antioxidant".

The body likes to use antioxidants from a variety of sources so if any of the above product descriptions apply to your particular health status that would be a good place to start. You also may want to consider varying your supplemental intake of the different types of antioxidants so your body can benefit from the unique action of the various products. If you are following the recommended dosages, you cannot really take too much antioxidants but it is possible to take more than what your body can use. As we usually suggest as a general daily protocol:

High-potency multi vitamin-mineral (Daily Multi)
Omega-3 fatty acids (Pure NKO)
Superfood blend (NewGreens or Berry Fusion)

PLUS, extra antioxidant support from any of the above descriptions that apply to you

For a Limited Time you can let us pick up the tab on the shipping costs for the above featured products. No Hassles, No Gimmicks and No coupon codes required! Just use the product links above or give us a call toll-free at 1-800-860-9583 to order!

Key References:
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This article is a re-print from Pure Prescriptions' "Wellness Wednesdays by Dr. Chad Larson. If you like this you can receive these updates by signing up for our mail list absolutely free.
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