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Antioxidants:
Our Environmental
Protectors
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
In our
ever-polluted world it is estimated that there are
over 80,000 known chemicals in our
environment. These are in the air we breathe,
the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear
and the houses we live in. We are literally surrounded in
our modern day world with substances that have the
potential to do us harm.
So how
do we protect ourselves?
A class of
nutrients exist called antioxidants. Anti-oxidants
have a remarkable way of helping our bodies to remain
healthy.
Let’s take a
view of what goes on in the body and why we need this
protection.
When it comes
to the life of each cell in our bodies, one nutrient is
responsible for thousands of chemical reactions on the
cellular level. This nutrient is oxygen. It is essential
for energy production in each and every one of our 60
trillion cells.
The
utilization of oxygen however comes with a price.
When cells utilize oxygen they create a molecule called a
free radical in the process.
These
are produced in one of four ways.
·
When
cells burn oxygen free radicals are byproducts.
·
When
detoxifying foreign compounds free radicals are created.
·
When the
immune system is mobilized to attack and kill invaders the
white cells create free radicals to aid in the attack. Once
the attack is over many free radicals remain in the system.
·
Outside
sources of ultraviolet light, air pollution, pesticides,
poor diet, and medications lead to increased free radical
production.
So
what is a free radical?
To put it
simply free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have
at least one or more unpaired electrons. This makes them
very unstable so they look to steal electrons from other
molecules or cells as a way to stabilize
themselves. In the process they
cause damage to these surrounding areas and have been
linked to many degenerative diseases like cancer, heart
disease, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. It
is estimated that over 100 disease processes are linked to
free radicals.
Antioxidants work by eliminating free radicals.
They basically put the brakes on the activity of the free
radicals by colliding and neutralizing them. Once an
antioxidant has done its’ job it is useless for further
activity. It is important to remember that antioxidants
work as key elements in the complex cellular reactions,
protecting different part of the cells from different
species of free radicals.
Let’s
take a look at some of the more common antioxidants and how
they work.
·
Carotenoids
- aids healthy skin and mucous membranes protecting us from
invading microorganisms and toxins by promoting immune
responses. They destroy carcinogens, lower cholesterol
levels and guard against heart disease. These include beta
carotene, lycopene,
lutein, and
xanthene. These come from many
fruits and vegetables.
·
Vitamin C - in conjunction with
bioflavanoids (hesperidin,
quercetin, etc.) protect
against free radical damage specifically to the brain and
spinal cord. Aids immune function and is utilized in
interferon production.
·
Vitamin E - this prevents the oxidation of
fats. It improves oxygen utilization, enhances immune
response, aids cardiac output, and works with liver
detoxification.
·
Co Q 10 - works similarly to vitamin E. It is
crucial for cellular energy and is a significant immune
stimulant, increases circulation, shown to have anti aging
properties and is beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
·
Zinc - known for it own antioxidant activity
also works with others like vitamin E, and beta carotene as
well as production of another antioxidant called
superoxide
dismutase, an enzyme. It helps promote glandular and
reproductive health and aids the immune system.
·
Selenium - helps produce a very potent liver
enzyme called glutathione. This helps the heart and lungs
as well as aiding the immune activity when infection is
present. It also has shown tumor inhibiting properties.
The previous
nutrients are mostly vitamin and minerals. It is
interesting to know that if we eat a diet rich in fiber,
fresh organic fruits and vegetables that we are getting
these compounds on a daily basis. They work as a family
together even though they can be taken as single
nutrients.
Let’s
look at some of the botanicals that have antioxidant
activity.
·
Bilberry- helps to keep the capillaries and
red blood cells strong and flexible. Supports collagen
structures and inhibits the growth of bacteria, is an
anti-inflammatory and has anti- carcinogenic effects.
·
Gingko biloba -
enhances circulation by opening the vascular system. It has
a blood pressure lowering effect and has been shown to
prevent clotting. It contains a good amount of
quercetin.
·
Garlic - the sulfur bearing amino acids of
cysteine help the liver to
produce glutathione. Which is powerful detoxifier of
alcohol, tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants.
·
Green tea - contains a compound called
catechins. They help protect
against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce
clotting factors. It helps regulate blood sugar.
·
Opc’s
(oligomeric
proanthocyanidins)
- are unique flavanols that may
be 50 % more active than vitamin E in antioxidant
properties. They strengthen and repair connective tissue,
moderate allergic and inflammatory responses. They are
found in grape seed extract and pine bark extract (
pycnogenol)
·
Alpha lipoic acid -
is essential for cellular energy production, it functions
in both a lipid or water medium.
Has been helpful in diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments.
As you can see
there is a huge array of antioxidants,
phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals in our food.
The synergism of these nutrients working together helps to
keep us healthy. It is important that we make assessments
in our lifestyle so that we can reduce the toxic load
placed upon our bodies daily.
It is sad that
only 10 percent of the
U.S. population is eating the
recommended quantities and varieties of food to
offer protection. Try to pay attention to your daily
lifestyle habits and determine what needs to go and what
needs to be enhanced. You only have one life to live. Let’s
live it healthy.
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