Antioxidants and Your Health

Introduction

Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining balance within the body. These nutrients protect the body's cells from damaging free radicals which are accumulated as a result of daily life. ¹ If the body does not have enough antioxidant reserves to combat the onslaught of free radicals, then cell damage can occur. Over time free radical damage may contribute to many of the degenerative diseases we are faced with today. Keep reading to learn more about how antioxidants may help protect your body from disease.

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a substance that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of the process of oxidation. ¹ Antioxidants come in many different forms such as: vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Some examples of well-known antioxidants are: beta carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E and the mineral selenium. However, there are many more antioxidants that can be used by the body to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals.

What is a free radical?

A free radical is basically a molecule with unpaired electrons (or an odd number of electrons) in it's outer shell. ² The laws of science have taught us that a free radical does not want to exist with unpaired electrons. Therefore a free radical will attack another molecule within the body and steal it's electron. Then the attacked molecule becomes a free radical itself and will attack another molecule. As this process continues, cell damage can occur; especially if there are not enough of the right antioxidants in place...

Where do free radicals come from?

There two main sources of free radicals: free radicals that come from inside the body (endogenous) and free radicals that come from outside the body (exogenous). Endogenous free radicals are the by-products of metabolism, aerobic respiration and inflammation. ¹ Exogenous free radicals can come from a number of sources including: sunlight, pollution, X-rays, smoking and alcohol. ¹

What does all this talk about antioxidants and free radicals mean?

A diet rich in antioxidants might be better than health insurance. Antioxidant rich foods will protect cells and prevent pre-mature aging. Which foods are rich in antioxidants you ask? In general, fruits and vegetables are frequently seen at the top of the list. ³ Also, here is a list of the twenty most antioxidant rich foods.

Another source of antioxidants is supplementation. Vitamin E and vitamin C are among some of the most powerful antioxidants available in supplement form. We carry a complete line of supplements to suit your personal needs. Furthermore, T.J. Clark's Legendary Liquid Trace Minerals also provide a potent source of antioxidants in the form of bioavailable minerals and elements.

Our Legendary Minerals are an impressive scavenger of free radicals (free ions). They are many times more effective than most nutritional supplements in binding with and removing harmful particles. Please beware of companies that claim to sell you a bottle of ionic minerals (free radicals). When you buy T.J. Clark's Liquid Trace mineral formula, you get a minimally processed product that comes from nature. We believe that mother nature knows best.

In the end antioxidants play a part in keeping us healthy and looking younger. As we age, our antioxidant needs will most likely become greater. ² So make sure to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and for extra insurance take T.J. Clark's Legendary Minerals. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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1. How Antioxidants Work.  Robin Brett Parnes.  How Stuff Works.
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2. Understanding Free Radicals and Antioxidants.  Health Check Systems.
   http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm
   
   
3. Best Food Sources of Antioxidants.  Cathy Wong.  About.com: Alternative Medicine.
   http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/antioxidants.htm