Antioxidants.
A group of nutrients that effectively clean house, mopping up the free radicals that, left unchecked, damage the body's DNA.
Every breath we take causes oxidation, similar to tarnish on silver or rust on metal, breaking down and causing damage to every cell in the body. Add to that pollution, alcohol, smoking & stress, these free radical scavengers really come into their own.
Vitamins A, C & E and the mineral Selenium are the main nutrients that help to protect against oxidation.
Vitamin A protects the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat & lungs, as well as protecting Vitamin C from oxidation.
Vitamin C fights bacterial infections as well as reducing the effects of substances that cause allergy's. It also protects from oxidation vitamins A & E, as well as some of the B vitamins.
Vitamin E also protects the B vitamins as well as vitamin C from oxidation. With the ability to unite with oxygen, vitamin E prevents oxygen from being converted into toxic peroxides and acts as an anti -pollutant for the lungs.
Selenium and vitamin E are synergistic, stronger together, each supporting the other. As antioxidants they can aid in slowing down the aging process and the gradual, age related, hardening of tissues. Men seem to have a greater need for selenium. Roughly half of their bodily supply is concentrated in the reproductive organs and is of particular importance for prostate health.
The last two that I will mention here, depending who you read, are not always classified as antioxidants. I believe they are too important to ignore.
Zinc acts as an orchestrator, policing the flow of body processes and the maintenance of the enzyme system and cells. It is important for prostate health and the reproductive system in general. Zinc is essential for good immune function. Studies also suggest zinc is necessary for the functioning of the brain.
Coenzyme Q10
Also known as ubiquinone, often abbreviated as CoQ10.
This vitamin-like, oil-soluble substance is found in virtually every cell in the body.
It is responsible for the generation and transport of chemical energy within the cells for metabolism.
The highest concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the organs with the greatest energy needs--the heart, liver and kidneys, the heart taking the lions share.
As an antioxidant it helps to prevent the oxidation of artery clogging LDL cholesterol.
Coenzyme Q10
Also known as ubiquinone, often abbreviated as CoQ10.
This vitamin-like, oil-soluble substance is found in virtually every cell in the body.
It is responsible for the generation and transport of chemical energy within the cells for metabolism.
The highest concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the organs with the greatest energy needs--the heart, liver and kidneys, the heart taking the lions share.
As an antioxidant it helps to prevent the oxidation of artery clogging LDL cholesterol.
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