Antioxidants: The Fountain of Youth...

Antioxidants are a group of unique vitamins and minerals, some manufactured by our body and found in a variety of foods (especially abundant in the Plant Kingdom) that are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage from free radicals. Tufts University researchers found that antioxidants can rejuvenate an aging immune system, while other studies suggest their prevention and even reversal of age-related memory loss and mental problems, and they have even been found to aid those suffering from ADHD. In charge of maintaining a healthy balance in our body, antioxidants work in synergy with one another, providing us with a strong defense network against degenerative diseases like heart disease, skin cancer, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules with unpaired number of electrons. They are produced by natural functions like the process of making energy in the body. This process called biological oxidation happens by moving electrons from one oxygen molecule to the next; when one electron escapes, it is classified as a free radical.
Free radicals play a role in both life and death. At low levels, some act as switches, turning genes on and off. They perform critical functions from controlling the blood flow through our arteries to fighting infection and keeping our brains sharp and in focus. Some free radicals can even kill cancer cells. But just like the flip of a switch, some of these signaling molecules can turn on us and create degeneration, and irreparable damage. Without an ample amount of antioxidants in the body, these “free” electrons can create a variety of diseases like stroke and heart attack, promote premature aging, and even increase the likelihood of cancer. Overproduction of free radicals in a specific area causes inflammation, which can lead to arthritis. In order to combat these free radicals, there must be a substantial supply of antioxidants in the body. Maintaining the right balance between antioxidants and free radicals is key for optimal health.

The Antioxidant Network

The antioxidant network is an amazing structure with various players on whom your life depends on (you’ll see why in a bit). Antioxidants disarm free radicals by engulfing them (like Pac-Man), which allows the radical to join the antioxidant’s molecular structure. The antioxidant then becomes a weak free radical, which doesn’t really cause any harm. Then, it is up to other antioxidants in the network to restore the former antioxidant turned weak free radical into its glorious antioxidant state again. In this way, free radicals are neutralized, and antioxidants recycle each other back to their original state. Antioxidants are said to be our own personal physicians, as they are the ones responsible for making sure our

cells are healthy. When a cell is not healthy, the antioxidant network’s job is to detect this anomaly, and send a signal to our genes on what to do (if the cell should continue living, or if it should die). Just so you get an idea of how important this is: The number of oxidative hits to DNA per human cell is 10,000 a day. Multiply that times 50 trillion cells in your body. Now do you begin to see why you need to eat fruits and veggies every day? Since you are as healthy as your cells are, it is literally up to antioxidants – which you get by eating from the Plant Kingdom – to keep you alive. The following are the top stars of the antioxidant network:

❉ Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant not produced by the body, but obtained through food or supplements. It regenerates vitamin E and works with it to prevent oxidation of lipoproteins that can lead to heart disease. It is essential in keeping immune function strong, may have antiviral and antibacterial properties, preventing and reducing the common cold. Also necessary for the production of collagen, which holds the body together and is critical for wound healing and arthritis. This vitamin has been documented to decrease bronchitis, tonsillitis, and other common throat and lung ailments. Foods rich in vitamin C include: Red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cherries, strawberries, kiwis, jicama, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and kale.

❉ Vitamin E is fat-soluble and must also be obtained through food and supplements. It travels through the body in molecules called lipoproteins and protects them from oxidation. Oxidation of lipoproteins can lead to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Keeps your brain cells from aging as well as your skin youthful by protecting it against UV, ozone radiation damage. It relieves symptoms of arthritis, and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s. This vitamin is also recycled by lipoic acid and Coenzyme Q10 and has a unique ability to be the only one who can move through the fatty parts of a cell membrane. Foods rich in vitamin E include: Almonds, Sunflower seeds, olives,

spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, blueberries, avocado and whole grains.

❉ Lipoic Acid, the most versatile of all, is the only one who can regenerate the entire antioxidant defense network. It protects against stroke, heart disease, and cataracts, and it strengthens memory and prevents brain aging. This antioxidant reverses mushroom poisoning of the liver, which is usually incurable, and suppresses bad genes. Lipoic acid can boost levels of glutathione. Our bodies produce lipoic acid in small quantities. Foods rich in lipoic acid are green plants like

spinach, broccoli, and dark leaf vegetables like collard greens.

❉ Co Q10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an effective treatment for heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. It is also synthesized in most human tissues. This fat-soluble antioxidant, present in all cell membranes, rejuvenates brain cells and may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Works very closely with vitamin E. Foods that contain Co Q10 are: soy beans, sesame seeds, pistachio nuts, cauliflower, broccoli, and strawberries.

❉ Glutathione is manufactured by the body and keeping high levels of it prevents premature aging. This primary water-soluble antioxidant recycles vitamin C and it’s involved in the storage and transport of amino acids. Glutathione is crucial for a strong immune system and the detoxification of drugs, pollutants and healthy liver function. Foods that boosts the levels of glutathione in our bodies are: avocados, asparagus, kale and also foods rich in sulfur containing amino acids like dark leafy vegetables, onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli and cauliflower.

Network Boosters

Phytochemicals are potent plant-based chemicals, and most are classified as antioxidants. Most enhance the effectiveness of the star antioxidants.

❉ Flavanoids are antioxidant compounds found in the pigments of plants. They interact with the network by regenerating vitamin C. The strongest are pycnogenol and ginkgo biloba. Flavanoids promote good circulation, contain anti-inflammatory effects, protect against heart disease, treat impotence, slow down aging, and act as brain boosters.

❉ Carotenoids are natural pigments, of which 60 are found in fruits and vegetables with bright colors. Some of them are converted into vitamin A, which plays a role in healthy skin and the ability to protect against skin cancer. Some, like lutein, can decrease risks of cataracts. Beta-carotene mixed with others can boost immune function and lycopene lowers rate of prostate cancer.