Free Radicals play the leading role when it comes to research related too antioxidants. You no doubt have heard of free radical chains and know that they cause damage in our bodies but did you know how they are formed? They are molecules that are unstable because they include an unpaired electron in their make-up. Electrons are usually stable when in a pair. The free radical will attempt to become stable by fastening to cell membranes in the body and robbing the molecule and as a result generating another free radical. Damage is caused to the body as a chain of free radicals is formed.

Free radicals can be formed naturally in the body, as result of various processes e.g. the breakdown of bacteria by the white blood cells or outside of it by environmental pollutants e.g. smoking. In excess they produce harmful oxidation in the body. Each attack spontaneously produces another until it causes the cells death.

Free radical damage can cause: -

•Heart disease.
•Premature aging.
•Degenerative eye disorder.
•Cancer.
•Arthritis.

This is where the antioxidants can come to the rescue. They prevent cellular damage by interacting with the free radicals and ending the free radical chain. Studies have shown that antioxidants: -

•Improve the immune system.
•Encourage good eye health.
•Sustain a healthy cardiovascular function.
•Control cholesterol levels.
•Tackle many age related issues.

Our body manufactures numerous antioxidant enzymes together with glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase and as well as this the vitamins C, E and beta-carotene act as antioxidants.

Many fruits and vegetables are effective resources of antioxidants. Here are some of the best antioxidant sources: -

•Cruciferous vegetables – cauliflower, watercress cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, radishes, kale and turnips. Break down potential carcinogens -reduce the possibility of cardiovascular disease.
•Curcumin extract – antiviral, cholesterol lowing and anti-inflammatory.
•Fo ti root extract –memory - lowers triglyceride levels.
•Ginkgo biloba leaf – boosts oxygen levels in the brain - metabolism, increases blood flow to the brain and other organs - regulates neurotransmitters.
•Grape seed extract – possesses cancer-fighting properties - improves vascular strength - reduces cholesterol.
•Green tea extract –glucose metabolism -dental health-cardiovascular health -digestion.
•Lycopene from tomatoes - healthy prostate - heart function.
•Hawthorn berry extract –blood circulation - cardiac muscles- arterial wall.
•Pine bark extract – stabilizes collagen -maintains elastin- structural strength of blood vessels- healthy blood - erectile dysfunction.
•Schizandra fruit extract –liver-normal functioning - respiratory system, cardiovascular system -central nervous system.
•Quercetin – Anti-inflammatory-cholesterol lowering-antiviral.
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