Beneficial to skin care also......
It is now widely accepted in medical and scientific circles that oxidative damage is one of the major causes of many diseases and has a profound adverse effect on the aging process. This common theory of how aging occurs can be seen as you watch metal rust or an apple turn brown. Both are caused by oxidation, and are the first steps in degeneration.
Oxidative damage is caused by free radical molecules in our environment and inside our bodies that act to break down our cellular structure and function. As the cell structure breaks down, we start to “fall apart†and visible signs of aging begin.
When you have too few antioxidants to counteract your free radicals, significant damage can occur, leading to a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from stroke and fibromyalgia, to sinusitis, arthritis, vision problems, and even Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A poor diet, cigarette smoking, environmental pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun also increase the free-radical load, creating a situation known as "oxidative stress."
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation. Antioxidants enable your body to defend itself against damage by neutralizing oxidation and free radicals.
We can proactively help prevent aging by including more antioxidants in our diet and skin care products.
Well known antioxidants are:
It is now widely accepted in medical and scientific circles that oxidative damage is one of the major causes of many diseases and has a profound adverse effect on the aging process. This common theory of how aging occurs can be seen as you watch metal rust or an apple turn brown. Both are caused by oxidation, and are the first steps in degeneration.
Oxidative damage is caused by free radical molecules in our environment and inside our bodies that act to break down our cellular structure and function. As the cell structure breaks down, we start to “fall apart†and visible signs of aging begin.
When you have too few antioxidants to counteract your free radicals, significant damage can occur, leading to a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from stroke and fibromyalgia, to sinusitis, arthritis, vision problems, and even Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A poor diet, cigarette smoking, environmental pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun also increase the free-radical load, creating a situation known as "oxidative stress."
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation. Antioxidants enable your body to defend itself against damage by neutralizing oxidation and free radicals.
We can proactively help prevent aging by including more antioxidants in our diet and skin care products.
Well known antioxidants are:
- Astaxanthin - found in salmon, trout, shrimp, lobster & fish eggs. Studies of the cancer-preventative properties of Astaxanthin have proven it a powerful free radical scavenger, helpful in preventing hardening of the arteries and certain types of cancers.
- Pycnogenol – extracted from the bark of the maritime pine growing in Gascony, France. Pycnogenol boosts the immune system and strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. It supports a better circulation by preventing stress-induced constriction of arteries and blood clotting. Additionally the extract contains substances which act against cramps.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid – found in foods such as spinach, liver & brewer's yeast. It is both water and fat soluble so it can help fight free radical damage in all areas of the cell. Another perk, Alpha Lipoic Acid recycles vitamins C & E enhancing their effectiveness and allowing them to continue quenching free radicals.
- Vitamin C (Ester C) – found in strawberries, oranges, cauliflower & broccoli. Best known as an immunity booster, Vitamin C is also relied on by the body’s ligaments, tendons & collagen to stay strong and healthy. Vitamin C may also help speed wound healing & minimize bruising, increase resistance to heart disease, prevent certain cancers & protect against cataracts.
- Vitamin E – found in wheat germ, olive oil, almonds & leafy green vegetables. Fat soluble Vitamin E helps in the formation of red blood cells and facilitates the use of the trace mineral selenium and Vitamins A and K. It directly protects the skin from UV light and may prevent or delay heart disease & related complications. Vitamin E may be toxic when taken in high doses.
- Vitamin A – while retinol, or preformed vitamin A, occurs only in foods of animal origin, fruits and vegetables that contain certain carotenoids also provide vitamin A activity. Carotenoids are plant pigments, responsible for the red, orange, and yellow color of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A can help promote healthy vision and ward off infections such as colds, flu, and bronchitis.
