Antioxidant

Antioxidant is a natural compound which is capable to help the body to protect from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are the group of atoms that can cause damage to cells; impair immune system that may leads to infections and some degenerative problems of heart and long standing problems. Thus, Antioxidant plays an important part in preventing the body from various health concerns. Basically free radical damage occurs due to aging processes and free radicals should be keep in check by the action of free radical scavengers that occur naturally in the body. The main role of these scavengers is to neutralize the free radicals. Certain enzymes serve this vital function. Various other nutrients and compounds act as antioxidants like Vitamin A, beta-carotene, caretonoids, flavonoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, mineral selenium and amino acid. Melatonin is a hormone that serves as powerful free radical neutralizer. Some herbs may possess antioxidant properties. ^[1]

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Vitamins – The Natural Antioxidants

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that recharges other antioxidants, like vitamin E to keep them effective. ^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]} Vitamin C is water soluble vitamin and its solubility makes it efficient radical scavenger in body fluids. ^{[1, 2]} Significant amount of Vitamin C protects brain and spinal cord from free radical damage. Vitamin C guards against deposition of fatty materials in the walls of the blood vessels. ^{[1, 5]}

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant which is fat soluble vitamin and has potential to avoid the oxidation of fats. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 9]} Vitamin E helps to avoid deposition of fatty substances in the walls of the blood vessels. It may improve utilization of oxygen, enhance immune responses, lessen the risks of heart related problems and cataracts. ^{[1, 4, 8, 9]}

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are the potent family of antioxidants that include alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. ^{[1, 2]} Almost 500 carotenoids are found naturally, out of which 50 can be converted in to vitamin A in the body. ^[1] Carotenoids have ability to quench free radicals and have helpful effects on long standing problems. ^{[1, 3, 6]} They may have potential to lower the risks of cataracts and age related eye problems and exhibit beneficial effects on heart associated problems. ^{[1, 3, 8]}

Beta Carotene

The body has ability to convert beta carotene into vitamin A which is a fat soluble vitamin. ^[1] After conversion of vitamin A the extra beta carotene acts as an antioxidant, break down the free radicals and avoiding cellular damage to eyes, lungs and skin. ^{[1, 3, 5]}

Minerals that act as an Antioxidants

Zinc

The most important antioxidant function of Zinc is to avoid fat oxidation. ^{[1, 2, 5, 10]} It is a component of enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Zinc is required for proper maintenance of vitamin E levels in the blood and encourages vitamin A absorption.  ^{[1, 3]}

Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in increasing the antioxidant enzyme level in the cells. ^{[1, 2]} It is an integral constituent of enzyme glutathione peroxidase which is important protector of blood cells and of the heart, liver and lungs. ^{[1, 3, 5, 11]}

Amino Acid that serves as an Effective Antioxidant

Glutathione

Glutathione is formed by the amino acid cysteine, glutamic acid, & glycine. ^[1] This protein is produced in the liver ^[1] and acts as a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the formation of free radicals and avoids free radical damage. ^{[1, 2, 3, 6]} Glutathione is beneficial for shielding the body against damage from cigarette smoking, toxins, exposure to radiation, also detoxifies heavy metals and drugs and useful for various blood and liver problems. ^[1]

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-Acetylcysteine is a sulfur containing amino acid which main function is to produce free radical fighter glutathione and to help sustain its sufficient levels. ^{[1, 2, 3, 6]} N-Acetylcysteine is a potent detoxifier of alcohol, tobacco, smoke and environmental pollutants which are immune suppressors. NAC has ability to boost up the levels of protective enzymes in the body, slow down the cellular damage characterized by aging processes. It may also decrease both frequency and duration of infectious problems. NAC might be helpful for various long standing problems. ^[1]

Methionine

Methionine is a unique amino acid that neutralizes dangerous free radicals. ^{[1, 3]}

Enzymes having Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)

Nicotinamide Adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is also known as coenzyme 1 is the spark that generates energy in the body’s cells. NADH possesses the high antioxidant capability and plays a vital role in DNA repair and maintenance of defense system. ^[1]

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 possesses antioxidant properties and plays a crucial role in generation of cellular energy. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11]} It has positive effects on aging processes and supports cardiovascular health. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 6]} Coenzyme Q10 helps the process of utilization of fats and carbohydrates and has wholesome effects on sustains the flexibility of cell membrane. ^{[1, 4]}

Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide Dismutase or (SOD) is an enzyme that rejuvenates cells and slows down the rate of cellular destruction. ^{[1, 2, 12]} Superoxide Dismutase neutralizes free radicals and assists the body to utilize zinc, copper, and manganese. ^{[1, 2, 12]}

Hormone possesses Antioxidant Functions

Melatonin

Melatonin is an efficient hormone which is free radical quencher and has ability to easily penetrate in every cell of the body. ^{[1, 2, 4, 5]} Melatonin may have wholesome effects on long standing problems, modulate immune system, provide shield against degenerative problems. Melatonin is also helpful in stimulating the enzyme glutathione peroxidase which has antioxidant functions. ^[1]

Nutrients that serve as an Antioxidant

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant and neutralizes free radical damage. ALA has ability to stimulate the production of glutathione, assists the absorption of coenzyme Q10, may lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol & sugar levels, detoxify the liver and may have positive role in supporting heat health. ^{[1, 3, 5, 6]}

Herbs that play a role of Antioxidant

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile healing herb that possesses antioxidant properties and supports the process of detoxification. It significantly slows down the aging process and keeps the blood vessels healthy, avoids liver damage, modulates blood pressure and reduces the risks of heart problems. ^{[1, 3, 13, 14]}

Burdock

Burdock is a herb that has potent antioxidant properties and has the capability to scavenge free radicals and may have positive effects on long standing problems. ^{[1, 8, 13]}

Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a herb that contains natural antioxidant and has positive effects in keeping the blood vessels healthy and flexible. ^{[1, 8, 14]} It may lower blood pressure, reduce clot formation and improve the blood supply to the brain. Bilberry is beneficial for supporting eye health and may improve vision, aid and strengthen collagen structure, inhibit aging processes and reduce soreness and redness. ^{[1, 6, 8, 14, 15]}

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba has potent antioxidant properties and supports brain, retina and cardiovascular system. It exhibits favorable effects in improving circulation, memory, impotence and macular degeneration. ^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 14]}

References:

1. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 14, 15, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant
3. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 7, 13, 14, 16, 18-21, 22, 27, 56, 70, 71, 114, 150, 155, 157, 166, 213, 265. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
4. Kenneth A. Goldberg, M.D. (2001) The Men’s Health. Longevity Program. Page No. 97, 101-104, 108, 112, 113. USA: Rodale Inc.
5. Mike Fillon. (2003) Real RDAs for Real People. Page No. 178, 179, 180, 181-187, 195, 223, 234, 235, 238, 292. USA: Woodland.
6. Dr. Richard Firshein (1998) The Nutraceutical Revolution. Page No. 5, 7, 26, 87, 191, 175-184, 216, 226, 318, 319. London: Vermilion
7. Georges M. Halpern, MD, PHD (2004). Ulcers free! Nature’s safe and effective remedy for ulcers. Page No. 136, 138. U.S.A: Squareone
8. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 26, 121, 128, 129, 130, 267, 269, 447. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
9. Remington. (1975). Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences. (15th edition). Page No. 942. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Company.
10. Stephen Holt, M.D. (2003). The Antiporosis Plan. Page No. 52. USA: Wellness Publishing.
11. Robert R. Barefoot. (2001). Barefoot On Coral Calcium: An Elixir Of Life. Page No. 67, 74. USA: Wellness Publishing.
12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superoxide_dismutase
13. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 11, 249, 279. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
14. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 50-57, 121-128, 158. New York: Gramercy Books.
15. Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.) (1994) Max Wichtl Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceutical. Page No. 352. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.

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