Free radicals have received a lot of publicity in recent years, because modern medical research has identified free radical damage as an underlying cause of premature aging and many chronic and degenerative diseases. Overall, free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of at least 50 diseases.

Free radicals are molecules that are missing electrons. Since these compounds are "hungry" for electrons they "steal" them from other compounds, such as cell membranes, DNA or other cellular components. This destabilizes the tissues that have been robbed of electrons, causing them to also steal electrons perpetuating the damage. This process is also known as oxidation.

Oxidation is a natural process occurring all around us.
For example, when a fire is burning, wood or other fuel is being rapidly oxidized or broken down to release heat and light. Most oxidation takes place more slowly, such as iron rusting or silver tarnishing.

The body uses controlled oxidation to burn carbohydrates, fats and proteins, releasing the energy stored in them for cellular functions. The body also uses oxidation to destroy invading microbes as part of the immune response.

So, as long as oxidation is controlled, it is a useful part of the process of life.

Free radicals, however, cause oxidation to spin out of control, thus damaging life. You see this process at work when you cut into an apple and it turns brown. Oxidation or free radical damage causes the apple to start to decay.

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid Most antioxidants are either water or fat-soluble. Alpha Lipoic Acid is both, making its protective powers available to all of the cells in the body. This is why ALA is called the universal antioxidant, as it can protect the integrity of the cell membrane, while off setting cellular stress. ALA protects nerve cells and promotes mitochondrial activity to keep your body and its tissues young. it also helps support the body's natural removal of toxins by aiding detoxi?cation pathways in the liver.
Turmeric Curcumin Turmeric Curcumin harnesses the power of turmeric extract to promote a healthy inflammatory response to support joint, skin, brain and gut health as well as immune system function. One serving of Turmeric Curcumin is equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root turmeric. Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin is clinically studied and proven to deliver superior absorption and effectiveness. Superior potency and delivery of the antioxidant-rich turmeric extract Supports the body's healthy inflammatory response Supports the joint, skin, brain and gut health Supports immune system function May promote healthy microbiome balance Black pepper extract improves bioavailability and absoprtion
Brain Protex One of the most well-known red pigments is the antioxidant lycopene. Research suggests that lycopene may help prevent cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung and stomach. Lycopene is an important ingredient in Men's Formula, which helps protect prostate health, but it is also found in Brain-Protex, an antioxidant blend for protecting brain tissue from free radical damage. Brain Protex is a good antioxidant supplement for people who want to avoid losing their memory and mental ability as they age.
Thai-Go Thai-Go has a certi?ed ORAC value (ORAC is a measurement of something's ability to neutralize Free radicals) and has the highest ORAC value of any product of its kind. It can help protect the cardiovascular system, boost immunity, reduce allergic reactions, reduce in?ammation and more. It is easy and pleasant to take. In fact, it tastes so good that children will readily take it. A couple of tablespoons twice daily is all that is needed, although many people take more.
Super Orac For those who do not want to take a liquid formula, Super ORAC has some of the same bene?ts as Thai-Go in capsule form. It contains mangosteen extract, turmeric root, polyphenols from green tea, acai berries and more. Take 1-2 capsules of Super ORAC twice daily for prevention of chronic illness or for reducing in?ammation and pain in the body
Super Antioxidant Another encapsulated antioxidant product is SuperAntioxidant, which contains tocotrienols, lycopene, alpha lipoic acid, rose hips, milk thistle and tumeric. This product helps protect the body against free radical damage and assists in the process of liver detoxi?cation to help remove toxic chemicals from the body. It is a good formula to try if you are frequently exposed to chemicals.
CoQ 10/100 Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like substance present in every cell in the body. It is vital for cellular energy, cardiovascular health and longevity. As an antioxidant Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on cells throughout the body, but it is particularly helpful for the heart and cardiovascular system. An important sign that a person might bene?t from Co-Q10 is gingivitis or gum disease. There is a high correlation between inflammation of the gums and inlammation of the arteries, which promotes the formation of arterial plaque. Co-Q10 reduces this inflammation, helping both the gums and the arteries to heal. Co-Q10/100 is a highly absorbable form of Co-Q10 that is eight times more bioavailable than most other Co-Q10 products. One to two capsules per day is suf?cient for most needs.

 

Neutralizing Free Radicals with Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation from causing healthy tissues to decay. They are like the radiator or cooling system in your car. Your car engine burns or oxidizes gasoline in a controlled way, but this generates excess heat. The cooling system of your car removes this heat to keep it from damaging the engine. Antioxidants have the same function in living tissues-they keep the metabolic engine from "overheating" and causing damage to the body.

An antioxidant is a substance that can donate an electron without becoming immediately unstable. The antioxidant donates an electron to the free radical, making it stable. This is why putting slices of apple into some water containing vitamin C, an antioxidant, will keep them from turning brown as quickly.

Without the aid of antioxidants, oxidation can damage DNA, causing cells to mutate and become cancerous.
Oxidative damage will also give rise to arterial plaque, causing heart disease and increasing the risk of strokes.
Without antioxidants, free radicals can damage brain tissue, leading to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or senility.

In short, antioxidants are Nature's anti-aging compounds, protecting us from diseases associated with aging. The best way to get these compounds is from whole foods and herbs.
Plants are rich in antioxidants, because they are also subject to free radical damage, so they protect themselves by producing antioxidant compounds.
When we eat these plants, we get the benefit of those antioxidants. That's why most nutritional experts agree that eating 5 to 7 one-half cup servings of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best things anyone can do to improve their health.