Antioxidants

xidants are natural compounds that help protect theprotection of vitamin C. In addition, this herb protects
body from harmful free radicals. These are atoms orthe eyes and may enhance vision; supports and
groups of atoms that can cause damage to cells,strengthens collagen structures; inhibits the growth of
impairing the immune system and leading to infectionsbacteria; acts as an anti-inflammatory; and has
and various degenerative diseases such as heartantiaging and anticarcinogenic effects. Tests have
disease and cancer. Antioxidants therefore play ashown that the compound glucoquinine, found in
beneficial role in the prevention of disease. Freebilberry leaves, helps to lower blood sugar levels.
radical damage is thought by scientists to be theBurdock
basis for the aging process as well.The herb burdock (Arctium lappa) was tested by
There are a number of known free radicals thatresearchers at the Chia Nan College of Pharmacy and
occur in the body, the most common of which areScience in Taiwan for its antioxidant properties. They
oxygen-derived free radicals, such as superoxidefound that burdock is a powerful antioxidant, capable
radicals and hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorite radicals,of scavenging hydrogen peroxide and superoxide
hydrogen peroxide, various lipid peroxides, and nitricradicals. It also showed a marked scavenging effect
oxide. They may be formed by exposure toagainst hydroxyl radicals. The study showed also that
radiation, including exposure to the sun's rays;burdock and vitamin E quench more free radicals
exposure to toxic chemicals such as those found inwhen used in combination. Burdock also might protect
cigarette smoke, polluted air, and industrial andagainst cancer by helping to control cell mutation.
household chemicals; and various metabolic processes,Coenzyme
such as the process of breaking down stored fatCoenzyme QIQ is an antioxidant that is structurally
molecules for use as an energy source.similar to vitamin E. It plays a crucial role in the
Free radicals are normally kept in check by the actiongeneration of cellular energy, is a significant
of free radical scavengers that occur naturally in theimmunologic stimulant, increases circulation, has anti
body. These scavengers neutralize the free radicals.aging effects, and is beneficial for the cardiovascular
Certain enzymes serve this vital function. Foursystem. Also known as ubiquinone (from quinone, a
important enzymes that neutralize free radicals aretype of coenzyme, and ubiquitous, because it exists
superoxide dismutase (SOD), methionine reductase,everywhere in the body), coenzyme Cho is found in
catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. The bodyhighest concentrations in the heart, followed by the
makes these as a matter of course. There are also aliver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas. Within the
number of phytochemicals and nutrients that act asmitochondria, the cells' energy-production centers,
an-tioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene andcoenzyme Cho helps to metabolize fats and
other carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, andcarbohydrates. It also helps to maintain the flexibility
the mineral selenium. Researchers have recentlyof cell membranes.
found that eggplant contains high levels of chlorogenicIn Japan, coenzyme Cho has been approved for use
acid, which has proven to be a highly effectivein treating congestive heart failure. Various research
antioxidant. Another antioxidant is the hormonereports suggest that coenzyme Cho also may be
melatonin, which is a powerful free radical neutralizer.beneficial in treating cancer, AIDS, muscular
Certain herbs have antioxidant properties as well.dystrophy, allergies, gastric ulcers, myopathy,
Although many antioxidants can be obtained fromperiodontal disease, diabetes, and deafness.
food sources such as sprouted grains and fresh fruitsNatural sources of coenzyme Cho include meats,
and vegetables, it is difficult to get enough of thempea-nuts, sardines, and spinach.
from these sources to hold back the free radicalsCurcumin (Turmeric)
constantly being generated in our pollutedFound in the spice turmeric, the phytochemical
environment. We can minimize free radical damage bycurcumin has antioxidant properties that prevent the
taking supplements of key nutrients. A high intake offormation of and neutralize existing free radicals. It
antioxidant nutrients appears to be especiallystops precancerous changes within DNA and
protective against cancer.interferes with enzymes necessary for cancer
Antioxidants work synergistically in giving protectionprogression. Curcumin stops the oxidation of
against free radical damage, so it is better to takecholesterol, thus protecting against the formation of
smaller doses of several different antioxidants than aplaque in the arteries. In a study of chronic smokers,
large amount of only one. For example, whilethose who took curcumin excreted a substantially
beta-carotene by itself is an excellent antioxidant, alower level of mutagens (substances that induce cells
mix of natural carotenoids provides more healthto mutate) in their urine, a reflection of how well the
benefits than beta-carotene alone. There are manybody is dealing with these cancer-causing substances.
good combination formulas available that make itCurcumin also blocks toxic compounds from reaching
easy to take multiple antioxidants every day.or reacting with body tissues, and may prevent
Some of the major antioxidants are described in thecataracts.
sections that follow.Curcumin should not be taken by anyone who has
The Antioxidantsbiliary tract obstruction or is taking anticoagulants, as
Alpha-Lipoic Acidcur-cumin stimulates bile secretion and acts as a
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerfulblood-thinner.
antioxidant—both on its own and as aFlavonoids
"recycler" of vitamin E and vitamin C. It can restoreFlavonoids are especially potent antioxidants and
the antioxidant properties of these vitamins aftermetal chelators. They are chemical compounds that
they have neutralized free radicals. ALA alsoplants pro-duce to protect themselves from
stimulates the body's production of glutathione andparasites, bacteria, and cell injury. More than 4,000
aids in the absorption of coenzyme QIQ, bothchemically unique flavonoids are known; they occur in
important antioxidants. Because ALA is soluble in bothfruits, vegetables, spices, seeds, nuts, flowers, and
water and fat, it can move into all parts of cells tobark. Wine (particularly red wine), apples, blueberries,
deactivate free radicals.bilberries, onions, soy products, and tea are some of
Supplemental ALA has been used for almost threethe best food sources of flavonoids. Certain
de-cades in Europe to treat peripheral nerveflavonoids in fruits and vegetables have much greater
degeneration and to help control blood sugar levels inantioxidant activity than vitamins C and E or
people with diabetes. It also helps to detoxify thebeta-carotene. In fact, flavonoids protect the
liver of metal pollutants, block cataract formation,antioxidant vitamins from oxidative damage.
protect nerve tissues against oxidative stress, andNumerous medicinal herbs contain therapeutic
reduce blood cholesterol levels. According to Lesteramounts of flavonoids; they often are a major
Packer, Ph.D., professor of molecular and cell biologycomponent of an herb's medicinal activity. Natural
at the University of California-Berkeley and a leadingsources of the flavonoids include broccoli, tomatoes,
antioxidant researcher, ALA could play an importantsoybeans, onions, apples, and red wine.
role in the prevention and treatment of chronicGarlic
degenerative diseases such as diabetes andThis versatile healing herb also has antioxidant
cardiovascular disease. ALA is known also as aproperties. The sulfhydryl (sulfur and hydrogen)
metabolic antioxidant, because without it, cells cannotcompounds in garlic are potent chelators of toxic
use sugar to produce energy. The body does notheavy metals, binding with them so that they can be
produce large amounts of ALA, but because it isexcreted. These same compounds are effective
found naturally in only a few foods, including spinach,protectants against oxidation and free radicals.
broccoli, potatoes, brewer's yeast, and organ meats,Garlic aids in the detoxification of peroxides such as
supplementation may be necessary.hydrogen peroxide and helps to prevent fats from
Bilberrybeing oxidized and deposited in tissues and arteries.
The herb bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), a EuropeanGarlic also contains antioxidant nutrients such as
relative of the American blueberry, contains naturalvitamins A and C and selenium.
antioxidants that keep capillary walls strong andStudies on aged garlic extract (AGE) have shown
flexible. They also help to maintain the flexibility ofthat the aging process substantially boosts garlic's
the walls of red blood cells and allow them to passantioxidant potential. AGE protects against DNA
through the capillaries more freely. Bilberry containsdamage, keeps blood vessels healthy, and guards
anthocyanidins, phytochemicals that help to loweragainst radiation and sunlight damage. According to
blood pressure, inhibit clot formation, and enhanceresearcher and nutritionist Robert I-San Lin, Ph.D.,
blood supply to the nervous system. Studies indicateaged garlic extract can prevent liver damage caused
that anthocyanidins can provide up to fifty times theby carbon tetrachloride, a common indoor pollutant
anti-oxidant protection of vitamin E and ten times theand free radical generator.