Antioxidants and Health
Just like rust on a car, oxidation can damage our body's cells and may contribute to the breakdown of healthy immunity and speed up the aging process. Oxidation happens as the result of damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that form in the body as a result of normal body metabolism, over-exercise, stress, being exposed to dirty air and other environmental pollutants.
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation by counteracting free radicals.* They do this by binding to them and transforming them into non-damaging compounds. Consequently, antioxidants are integral in supporting the body's natural defense system.*
Powerful antioxidants include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, and garlic. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and green tea all contain antioxidants as well. These important nutrients and foods support a healthy body in the production of healthy cells which is the best strategy for protection against free radical damage and consequently the development of serious health challenges.
As we age, free radical levels in the body increase so that a continuous intake of antioxidants is important to assure overall health and protection. Antioxidant intake along with exercise, a positive attitude and an overall healthful diet are invaluable tools to defend against cell damage and prolong a healthy life, full life.
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*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease.
This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Beta-Carotene May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer
LAGRANGE, Ill. - A study published in Cancer, 1999 (86:1783-1792), found that beta-carotene supplements may bridge the dietary gap and reduce the risk of prostate cancer among men who do not consume many fruits and vegetables. Researchers focused on almost 15,000 men participating in the ongoing Physicians' Health Study. Results found that men with low blood levels of beta-carotene at the start of the study had a 45 percent increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, men in this group who took beta-carotene supplements had a 32 percent lower risk of prostate cancer. There was also evidence that beta-carotene supplements lowered the overall risk of cancer among these men. Source: Natural Products Industry, Insider®, Volume 5, No. 2, February 7, 2000
Beta-Carotene May Help Destroy Leukemia Cells
In a recent study using human leukemia cells, researchers looked at the ability of various carotenoids to induce cancer cell death. Carotenoids are natural pigments and antioxidants found abundantly in most fruits and vegetables. Of all the cartoenoids, beta-carotene showed the most promise in destroying leukemia cells. This study goes along with previous cell research showing the effectiveness of beta-carotene to inspire cell death in different types of cancer cells. Source: Free Radical Research, 2002; 36: 791-802.
Increase Of Antioxidant Intake May Lower Asthma Risk In Youth
In a large nutrition survey of youths between 4-16 years of age, researchers found that increases in intakes of antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C and the trace mineral selenium were associated with a lower risk of asthma prevalence. Asthma is respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing and is usually of allergic origin. Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 169. Read More.