Ganoderma
Free Radicals - The Enemy Within
Free radicals are unstable molecules within the body that attack
and destroy benign cells making the body vulnerable to disease.
They destroy the biochemical processes within cells and
compromise the immune system which makes the body vulnerable to
disease. Free radicals are also known as oxidants and to neutralize
them you need to take AntiOxidants.
Antioxidants can be categorized as a) water-soluble or b)
fat-soluble and divided according to source of origin.
Within the body
a) Superoxide dimutase (SOD) - prevents the damage caused by the
toxic oxygen molecule known as superoxide.
B) Glutathione - is an amino acid which is converted by our
bodies into glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant.
Glutathione is a major cellular cleanser and a free radical
scavenger. It detoxifies heavy metals and defends against damage
from smoking, radiation and chemotherapy.
External
Vitamin A - vitamin A and its
precursor beta carotene are powerful free radical scavengers.
Vitamin C - it has been proven time and time again that vitamin
C is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoid
becomes even more potent. It also enhances the immune system and
may recycle other antioxidants like vitamin E.
Vitamin E - is a powerful antioxidant as well, and prevents
oxidation of lipids(oxidized LDL is responsible for hardening of
arteries).
It also improves oxygen utilization, enhances immunity,
may be useful in preventing cataracts caused by free radicals and
has a protective effect on the heart.
Minerals
Selenium - acts synergistically with vitamin E and may also
increase vitamin E uptake.
Zinc - has antioxidant properties and is a constituent of
superoxide dimutase (SOD). It may help keep vitamin E levels in
blood and aid in absorption of vitamin A.
Semi essential antioxidants
CoQ10 - is an antioxidant that may play an important role in
generation of cellular energy, immune system stimulation and also
play a role in certain cardiovascular conditions. It may exert its'
antioxidant effect by scavenging single oxygen.
Alphalipoic acid - may enhance the functioning of vitamin E,
vitamin C and glutathione. It is both water-soluble and fat soluble
therefore is also known as the "universal antioxidant".
Lutein - is found in vegetables like spinach and kale. It
promotes long-term eye
health in two ways. Lutein
protects the eyes from damaging effects of the sun and as an
antioxidant it protects the eyes from free radical damage and
premature aging. The human body is unable to manufacture lutein,
so the body must rely on lutein rich foods and supplements.
DHEA - is also called the "mother hormone", because it is the
raw material for most steroid hormones produced in the body. It
acts as an antioxidant and may be effective in preventing premature
aging and stress.
Melatonin - may provide special protection to the nucleus within
a cell, that contains DNA. It may stimulate the enzyme glutathione
peroxidase.
Also, used as a sleep aid.
To sum up:
Regular antioxidant intake may contribute to a longer and
healthier life.
Antioxidants like superoxide dimutase(SOD) may also protect
against hearing loss.
Vitamins A,C,E and melatonin may reduce age related degenerative
diseases and slow the aging process.
Mayur Vibhakar is a health professional and editor of
.innervibrance.com/free_radicals.html, a site dedicated
to achieving optimal health through natural means.
For more information on Free Radicals please visit the site.
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