Most Effective Antioxidants / Tonics for the Body
Free radicals in the body speed up the aging process that, in turn, increases your risks for chronic degenerative diseases
like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, among others. The aging process, of course, shows up as fine lines, wrinkles and
age spots, among other signs of aging skin. Antioxidants, which inhibit the actions of free radicals, are then desirable
additions to your life specifically to your diet.
We must emphasize an important point in the following discussion of the most potent antioxidants. Scientists have discovered that antioxidants can either work together or cancel each other out. In most instances, fortunately, these substances can work in positive synergy so it is important to consume several antioxidants via dietary sources and nutritional supplements.
Vitamin A
Found in fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat and oily saltwater fish, Vitamin A is essential in the proper development and normal
functions of the eyes, skin and immune system, among other body parts. Many uses have been found for this powerful
antioxidant including but not limited to:
• Lessen complications from measles, diarrhea and HIV
• Minimize the symptoms of PMS, yeast infections and vaginal infections in women
• Raise sperm count in men
• Treat skin diseases like acne, eczema, and sunburns; eye disorders like glaucoma, cataracts and AMD; and improve vision.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is arguably the most potent antioxidant known to man with health benefits in several areas including:
• Stress – Vitamin C is the first nutrient to be depleted in individuals who are stressed, both in the physical and mental
sense, particularly in persons who smokers, alcoholics and obese.
• Colds – It can lessen the risks for complications like lung infections.
• Strokes – Studies have shown as much as 42% lower risks for strokes in persons with high concentrations of Vitamin C.
• Skin Aging – The vitamin lessens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry skin.
Eat plenty of Vitamin-C rich fruits (oranges and tangerines) and dark, leafy green vegetables (kale, garden cress, and collard greens). Learn more about vitamin C at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/03/Newly-Discovered-Role-of-Vitamin-C-in-Skin-Protection.aspx
Vitamin E
This is a fat-soluble vitamin found in cereals, eggs, fruits, vegetables, wheat germ oil and vegetables oils. You can reap
its benefits including:
• Ward off the signs of skin aging as well as in protecting the skin from the effects of chemotherapy
• Lessen the risks or hasten the treatment of cardiovascular diseases like blocked arteries, hypertension and angina
• Adjunct treatment for diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and restless leg syndrome, among other diseases affecting the nerves and muscles
• Improve physical endurance, boost muscle strength and lessen muscular damage after exercise As with all other antioxidants on this list, physicians recommend getting these chemical substances mainly from dietary sources. Nutritional supplements are only recommended in special cases, say, when you have an illness that prevents effective absorption or production of the substance in the body.
Lycopene
Lycopene provides the red coloration in fruits and vegetables like watermelons, tomatoes, pink guavas, apricots and pink grapefruits. It is used in the prevention of heart diseases including atherosclerosis; of cancers in the breast, ovaries,
prostate, lungs and pancreas; and of HPV infections. You can get lycopene mainly from tomatoes.
Selenium
Foods rich in selenium are crab, fish, poultry and wheat. Aside from its importance in the maintenance of normal physiological functions of the body, selenium appears to increase the beneficial actions of other antioxidants – case of positive synergy. It is used in lessening the risks for cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers of stomach, lungs and prostate.
There are other effective antioxidants like glutathione, melatonin and flavonoids, to name a few more, but the abovementioned are the cream of the crop, so to speak. Regardless of importance, however, the bottom line in getting these antioxidants is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. |
