Many of the ingredients in this blend are biologically and physiologically active with beneficial effects, due to the antioxidant properties.
Before the specific ingredients will be discussed, we will discuss antioxidants in general and the problem of “free radicals”.
The antioxidants in general demonstrate anti-aging properties by preventing cellular damage and damage to DNA and RNA constituents.
a) What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules which can interact with “free radicals” and terminate the reaction
before cellular damage occurs. Within the body there are several enzyme systems that scavenge
free radicals:
1. The principal vitamin anti-oxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C.
2. Selenium is a trace metal that is required for one of the body’s antioxidant enzyme
systems.
b) What are “Free Radicals?”
Free radicals are atoms or a group of atoms with an odd unpaired number of electrons which can
be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. The free radicals can cause damage to
cellular components, such as DNA and the cell membrane.
c) Antioxidants and Cellular Damage
Thus, one can see antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage which
is common in cancer, aging and a variety of chronic diseases. Antioxidants are present in foods,
as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and polyphenols. Many of the antioxidants are often identified
by their distinctive colors:
1. The deep red of cherries and tomatoes
2. Orange of carrots
3. Yellow of corn, mangoes, saffron
4. Blue-purple of blueberries, blackberries and grapes.
d) Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that are neither vitamins or minerals and yet may have health
enhancing effects.
Many of the phytochemicals are antioxidants and include carotenoids and flavinoids.
1. Carotenoids – are the fat soluble colors in fruits and vegetables and are a family of more than
600 antioxidants. Beta-carotene, which is found in carrots and other yellow/orange vegetables
and fruits, converts to vitamin A.
a. Alpha carotene is high in carrots and green beans,
b. Lycopene – high in tomatoes
c. Leutin and zeaxanthin – is high in spinach and dark green vegetables.
2. Lycopene – is a strong antioxidant and affords strong protection against certain types of free
radicals.
3. Co-Q10
Co-Q10 or ubiquinone is found in the mitochondria of the cells and has two functions.
a. Co-Q10 transports electrons in energy production
b. Is also an antioxidant that protects against “free radicals”
The heart, brain and muscles which have high levels of mitochondria may be most
affected by decreased levels of Co-Q10.
e) Alpha-lipoic acid
Lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant and needed for mitochondrial function. Lipoic acid is both
water and fat soluble and protects lipids and nerve fiber lining against oxidation. Lipoic acid has
the remarkable ability to recycle several other important antioxidants, including Vitamin C and E,
glutathione and Co-Q10, as well as itself. Lipoic acid is often called the “universal antioxidant”.
Lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, an
important antioxidant in the cells.
These phytochemicals are found in everyday fruits and vegetables. Eating spinach, kale and green
leafy vegetables along with a cup or more of blueberries everyday will double the antioxidant
intake from foods.
f) Turmeric Seed
Turmeric seed, the basis for yellow mustard, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
The turmeric seeds contain the polyphenol “cur cumin”.
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