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Twentieth-century life gave us a myriad of new and stunning technological
advances that served to not only reduce our work load but to expose us
to a whole host of new and potentially harmful toxins. Virtually every
day most of us are exposed to countless pollutants which cause the
formation of damaging oxidants in our bodies. Auto exhaust, tobacco
smoke, UV rays, pollution, preservatives, and food and water additives
continually assault our bio-cellular systems and may cause physiological
damage. As a result, our risk of developing a degenerative disease is
significantly increased. Moreover, our constant exposure to oxidizing
agents can even accelerate premature tissue breakdown causing us to age
more rapidly.
Inevitably, regardless of where or how we live, we will find ourselves
vulnerable to these dangerous substances. While this declaration sounds
ominous at best, mother nature has provided us with some very impressive
defense compounds called antioxidants, which have the capability to
protect us from the perils of oxidants or free radicals as they are also
called.
While supplementing our diets with vitamins and minerals is strongly
recommended, certain remarkable, natural substances exist which have
recently come to the forefront of scientific research. These compounds
are referred to as antioxidants, and they aroused interest in the
scientific community. Determining what substances provide the most
optimal antioxidant capabilities and making those nutrients available to
the public must be first and foremost in our quest for health and
disease prevention. In addition, making sure that the nutrient compounds
selected are bioavailable is vital. Frequently, supplements we believe
are assimilated within the cellular structures of our bodies, do little
more than just pass through them.
How To Use Antioxidants
Taking a broad spectrum antioxidant is the best way to go. Antioxidants
work in the body at different sites or cellular metabolism; therefore,
relying on one particular antioxidant is not as effective as a broad
spectrum. A person needs a nice variety of free radical scavengers in
both vitamin and herb form. Look for formulas that use some or all of
the following: grape seed extract, bioflavonoids, vitamin E, selenium,
glutathione, lipoic acid, vitamin C, beta carotene and herbs like Ginkgo
biloba. Sometimes other vitamins and minerals that enhance each other
may be added to the mix.
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