Super Antioxidant
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.
