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The Single Best Antioxidant
Supplement - a myth |
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| Many of us work
hard through life so that we can enjoy time with our family
and friends during a long, relaxing retirement. However, the
choices we make today have a definite impact on our ability
to live extended, quality lives. This is demonstrated in a study
conducted by Dr. Thomas Perls at the Harvard School of Medicine.
He discovered that people living over 100 years are not plagued
by long periods of sickness, but are healthy right up to the
end. These anti-aging centenarians have a few things in common:
none were overweight, few ever smoked, and alcohol was used
in moderation. In addition to leading a health oriented, low-stress
lifestyle, the study found those living to an old age had much
higher levels of natural antioxidants and lower concentrations
of free radicals in their bodies. This was a direct result of
both diet and genetics. Clearly, finding the best antioxidant
supplement is important for those of us without the natural
ability to make it to one hundred on our own. |
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Understanding Antioxidants and
Free Radicals |
| We know that
antioxidants occur naturally in our bodies and help prevent
damage done by free radicals. However, in order to understand
how important this is, a bit more explanation is required. Cells
are the power plants for our bodies. As they do their work as
the building blocks of life, cells are constantly changing by
throwing off or accepting electrons. This process is called
respiration and is the means by which cells produce and release
energy. (Similar to wood burning and releasing heat) However,
some of the electrons get lost along the way and react with
other molecules. This is when toxic free radicals are created.
These little guys have a short life, but are the biological
equivalent of a hand grenade exploding inside a cell. They punch
holes in the cell membrane and damage healthy molecules, thus
altering the cell's composition. As our cells are damaged as
a result of this oxidative stress, we age more quickly, and
eventually fall victim to degenerative disease. Free radicals
are also created when our bodies are exposed to harmful substances
such as pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals, and pesticides.
The good news is that the body produces antioxidants to hold
back the constant assault by these free radicals. When we have
a large enough reserve of antioxidants, damage to the cell is
minimized and we get to live longer. |
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The Role of Anti Oxidant Supplements |
| Certainly the
first step in living longer is to slow down the production of
free radicals. This means that you should probably quit smoking,
avoid sniffing paint, and stop eating french fries everyday.
Then, assuming you've taken some basic steps in becoming healthier,
supplementing your diet with antioxidants is appropriate. In
fact, there really isn't a best antioxidant supplement. Advertising
may promise the "fountain of youth" in a single pill, but this
is not realistic. Simply stated, different antioxidants play
unique roles in protecting us from cell damage. When taken together,
these supplements complement each other and provide the greatest
benefit. |
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| Vitamin E is so effective in preventing heart disease because it protects the cellular membrane from breakdown by preventing the stray electrons from oxidizing LDL cholesterol. In one study, it was discovered that the body's concentration of Vitamin E was a better indicator than even cholesterol levels in predicting whether a patient will have a heart attack or stroke. |
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| Vitamin C works within the fluid of the cell and enables enzymes to complete various cellular functions. Also, Vitamin C actually helps to replenish Vitamin E, while mitigating the effects of free radicals due to exposure to toxic chemicals. |
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| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an enzyme that is produced naturally in the body and assists with energy transfer within the cell. Most notably, it inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which creates blockages in the arteries. This in turn results in lower blood pressure. As a supplement, it is particularly useful in the prevention of and recovery from cardiac disease. |
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| Alpha-lipoic Acid helps regenerate other antioxidants, enhances the respiration process, and has been shown to reduce the impact of diabetes on the nervous system. |
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| Luetin reduces the negative effects of ultra-violet radiation on the eyes and may help protect against the formation of cataracts as we age. |
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| Beta-Carotene or pro-Vitamin A, can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease by taking out oxidative radicals. Concurrently, beta-carotene improves the function of the immune system and protects the eyes from the harmful UV rays in sunlight. |
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| Lycopene, naturally found in tomatoes, has been known to protect against and reduce the effects of prostate cancer. It has also shown promise in helping to prevent heart disease and lung cancer. |
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| Selenium is a mineral has shown significant ability to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 60% according to two independent studies. |
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| Green Food Supplements are for those who would like to receive the benefits of antioxidants in the most natural way possible, but without having to drink wheat grass juice everyday. If you are interested in using only organic green foods in order to supplement your diet, please visit our Green Food Supplements Page. |
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| If you've found this information useful, consider one of the following recommended antioxidants. We have done the research so that you don't have to. Not only do our partners provide the highest quality supplements, but you'll find their prices much more reasonable than full retail. Order with confidence today and take the first step to a longer life! |
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