Free Radicals - What are they and who cares anyway?

FREE RADICALS: What are they and why should we care?
The vital role of antioxidants

A Free Radical is an oxygen molecule which has lost an electron due to any of a number of causes including UV and electromagnetic radiation, chemicals, pollution and stress. Free Radicals steal electrons from other substances to stabilize themselves and in so doing trigger a chain of molecular breakdown.

This process is called oxidization and is commonly seen in such forms as metallic rust and fruit discolouration. The breakdown of DNA tissue allows cells to reproduce incorrectly leading to cancerous growth.

The body’s immune system has an inbuilt mechanism to cope with this problem. Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) is a natural antioxidant which acts as to neutralize Free Radical activity by sacrificing electrons. With age, SOD levels become depleted leaving the body more susceptible to Free Radical damage.

There are several sources of antioxidants which neutralize Free Radicals and protect the body from degenerative diseases caused by Free Radical damage. Cancer, Arthritis and Aids are all degenerative conditions caused directly or indirectly by oxidization. Antioxidants can have a dramatic effect on degenerative conditions. The most widely known antioxidants are Vitamins A, C & E. These all sacrifice electrons to neutralize Free Radicals for up to three hours. These vitamins are essential to life. Humans, unlike most other mammals, do not produce vitamin C in their body, and rely solely on their diet for it.

There are a number of dietary sources of antioxidants also, which are even more potent Free Radical scavengers than the vitamins mentioned. OPC’s (Oligomeric Proanthocyanadin Complexes) are found in both pine bark and grape seeds. OPC’s are around 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E, and continue to sacrifice electrons for up to 72 hours in the body. Pine bark extracts are Hydrophilic (water soluble) and grape seed extracts are Lipophilic (oil soluble) and provide the greatest permeation throughout the body when used together. Lipophilic antioxidants have the ability to enter the cell and pass the blood barrier of the brain providing unrivalled protection in these areas from Free Radical damage.

Documented actions of OPC's Dr. Richard Passwater, Dr. Jaques Masquelier, Huntington Institute and other leading universities in Europe
General: Repairs atherosclerosis Lowers cholesterol Resists mutagen attacks Repairs artery linings Hastens healing Retards aging Improves and strengthens: Energy Blood circulation Capillaries Skin smoothness Joint flexibility Cell collagen Arteries and veins Immune resistance	Reduces and fights: Stress Fatigue Depression Inflamation Allergies Histamine levels Free radicals Edematous legs Blood pressure Arthritic pain Headache pain Prostate swelling Menopause symptoms PMS Spasms and cramps Macular degeneration	Helps to prevent: Cancer Stroke Diabetes Parkinson's disease Alzheimer's disease Asthma Bronchitis Hayfever Cataracts and glaucoma Eczema Vascular disease Gout Cellulitis Bruising and skin cracking Skin wrinkling Fat formation Varicose veins Ulcer formation Lipid peroxidation

A recent discovery, Curcuminoids are up to 60 times stronger than vitamin C and 150 times stronger than vitamin E. Derived from the Indian herb turmeric, curcuminoids were first discovered during aids research in Kenya where it was noted that 10 times more Africans were dying from aids than Indians living in the same areas. Turmeric is the yellow colouring agent used in Indian curries. Recently there has been a frenzy of scientific studies on curcuminoids which show that they possess anti-autoimmune properties which inhibit diseases like aids and lupus. Curcuminoids also have the unique ability of preventing the formation of free radicals within the body. Curcuminoids also act synergystically to re-energize vitamin C.

Commentary on Curcuminoids
Ayurvedic Adaptogens and Bioprotectants - Vladimir Badmaev MD PhD, and Muhammed Majeed PhD

One of the most important goals of modern health care, in addition to prevention of disease, is the development of active treatments that control illnesses with minimum side effects to the body.

The biological activity of curcuminoids can best be described by the word "protective." In addition to strong antioxidant properties, these compounds have been found to possess anti-inflammatory activities comparable in strength to steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs, as well as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antimutagen, anticancer and detoxifying properties.

The two distinct modes of curcuminoid antioxidant action have been identified as prevention of the formation of free radicals and intervation to neutralize the already formed free radicals by the process of free-radical scavenging.

Research showed that circuminoids had significant activity in both antioxidant modes of action: prevention and intervention. It should be noted that some other natural antioxidants do not offer a combined prevention and intervention activity and that the biological effectiveness of curcuminoids is owed, to a large extent, to the combined mechanisms of prevention and intervention.

The information above is based on extensive generic research and is presented for educational purposes only.
No implications should necessarily be drawn from the above information as to the effectiveness or otherwise of any specific product or treatment.
Consultation with your preferred healthcare professional is strongly recommended prior to changing your diet or lifestyle.
No responsibility will be accepted for injury or incident to any persons acting solely on the information presented above.