IF YOU EVER wondered why an apple turns brown after you cut it open or why iron rusts when exposed to the elements, you are questioning the damage and destructive effects of oxidants (free radicals) which are routinely found in the environment.
Oxidation causes similar harm to the cells of your body. When you breathe, digest food, exercise or just sleep, your body produces potentially harmful agents called free radicals. The free-radical chain reactions in your body take place many times over the course of a day. On top of this, things like emotional stress, ultraviolet light, toxic substances in the air (pollution) and cigarette smoke also generate free radicals that can put your health at risk. Fortunately, nature provides us with powerful allies known as Antioxidants, which work in opposition to the destructive free-radicals. Research has found that Antioxidants inhibit and control free radicals.
To minimise the damaging effects of free radicals, a balance of Antioxidants is required on a daily basis. The most important Antioxidants include: Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamins C and E, Carotenoids such as Beta-carotene, NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine), L-Cysteine, Glutathione and components found in certain Botanicals such as Ginkgo biloba, Bilberry, Red Wine (grape skins) and Green Tea. The minerals Zinc and Selenium are also crucial components of important Antioxidant enzyme systems in the body. It is important that steps should be taken to ensure adequate dietary sources of Antioxidants are taken, including consumption many of the fruits and vegetables shown in the picture above, but additional supplementation to provide optimal intake may be desirable.