Guest guest Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Fwd: Antioxidants......They can Help relieve Pain Fwd: Antioxidants......They can Help relieve Pain JoAnn Guest Aug 04, 2005 12:42 PDT Lets first look at what antioxidants are; Antioxidants are a natural occurring substance, although they can also be synthetic substances. Antioxidants, among other things, help to protect cells from the damaging effects of what is know as " oxygen free radicals. " Antioxidants are agents that prevent or inhibit " oxidation " . Our bodies produce antioxidants to counteract the damage of free radicals, but if the supply is low, cellular damage occurs resulting in more illness sooner or later. The prefix " anti " means against and antioxidants " inhibit " oxidation. Oxidation begins when free radicals, unstable molecules, grab electrons from stable ones. Free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants, which can give up their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. Antioxidants can be in the form of 'enzymes', such as superoxidase dismutase and peroxidases and vitamins A, C and E, scavenger free radicals. Superoxidase dismutase and other cellular enzymes convert the very destructive and damaging effects that hydroxyl radicals have on your body into hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted into water and harmless oxygen before they can damage the cells and mitochondrail membranes, destroy cellular proteins, enzymes and DNA mutations. Assisting your cells enzyme protectors are the antioxidant's vitamins E,C and beta carotene which is a precursor to vitamin A. Wondering what roles these vitamins can play in your health? These vitamin actually absorb and attach to the free radicals that are in your body and prevents them from attacking your healthy normal tissues. Diseases such as cancer can be a result of DNA mutation, which results in the excessive production of oxygen free radicals that overwhelms available oxidants. I am inclined to believe that Endometrial cancer is a result of the work of oxygen free radicals. Co-enzyme Q10 [CoQ10] recycle the vitamins C and E, which restores their antioxidant powers after the damage has been encountered with these free radicals. Did you know that your heart contains more CoQ10 than any other organ in your body? Oligomeric proanthocyanidins [OPC] is derived from the bark of French maritime pine trees and grapes. OPC's are more powerful than the vitamins C or E. These antioxidants can strengthen connective tissue, muscles and blood vessels-- which benefit the cardiovascular system. OPC's are supplements made from the pine bark of French maritime pine trees and grapes. Antioxidants can also help to relive pain by reducing free radical formation. These antioxidants would include the vitamins E & C, beta carotine, selenium, pycnogenol, bioflavonoids, CoQ 10, alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba and bilberry. It's also thought that macular degeneration and cataracts are an indication that your body is 'deficient' in antioxidants. It's been shown that those with age related macular degeneration have low levels of glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes. The herb Gingko, or known as Gingko biloba appears to have antioxidant properties which may strengthen the cardiovascular system, especially when combined with garlic and ginseng. When buying ginseng, it's best to search for Asian (Panax) or American (Panax quinquefolius) ginseng. The top Vitamin Antioxidants: vitamin A vitamin C vitamin E Selenium, the Mineral The top fruit Antioxidants prunes raisins blueberries blackberries strawberries Prunes have more then double the antioxidant level of raisins. The top vegetable Antioxidants alfalfa kale spinach brussels sprouts broccoli flowers Herbs high in antioxidants Rosemary Sheperd's purse Turmeric Definitions: -Free radicals are molecules that contain an odd number of electrons. If two radicals react, both are eliminated, but if a radical reacts with a non- radical, another free radical is produced, thus causing a chain of events that could can cause certain stages in the progression of injury within the body. -Oxygen free radicals are released during the respiratory burst phase of phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages during the inflammatory process and cause direct cell damage. -Peroxidases is an enzyme that hastens the transfer of oxygen from peroxide to tissue that requires oxygen, which is essential to intracellular respiration. -Superoxidase dismutase is an enzyme that destroys superoxide. This enzyme can contain manganese, copper and zinc. It is not the truth that will heal you, but the knowledge of the truth. Robin Stone http://www.kua.net/~rstone http://www.FriendsForHealthNaturally _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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