Antioxidants 101: The Scoop on Free Radicals

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Antioxidants. Free radicals. Oxidation. Cell damage. Anyone who’s paid attention to health news in the past few years has been bombarded with these terms, and seen the explosion of products that contain antioxidants, from skin creams to smoothies. Antioxidants have been touted as miracle molecules that prevent a multitude of diseases, from cancer to heart disease to aging. But what are they, and how can you get more of them?

When your body is exposed to toxins, such those that are found in tobacco, alcohol,  and polluted air and water, your cells oxidize and release molecules that are known as free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that have unpaired electrons, and this drive to get a matching electron causes a chain reaction in the rest of your cells that can lead to permanent damage, including aging and diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

It’d be impossible (not to mention pretty miserable) to try to avoid smoke, alcohol, pollutants and other toxins for your entire life; luckily we also have these little molecules known as antioxidants, called such because they limit the damage (oxidation) caused by free radicals in your cells. Some antioxidants are created by your body, but most come from the foods you eat, such as colorful fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains.

If your diet is lacking or you need an extra boost, you can also add antioxidant supplements to your regimen. Here are some of our favorite antioxidant products:

  • Readisorb Also known as the “Master Antioxidant,” Glutathione plays a critical role in helping your body detoxify and protect itself against oxidative stress. This easily absorbed liquid contains more than 400 mg of Glutathione per serving.
  • Innate Response Resveratrol Reds: Resveratrol Reds is a potent antioxidant formula blended with synergistic whole food fruits and vegetables to fill gaps in the diet. Many research studies show that the benefits of resveratrol nutritionally support the overall health for the cardiovascular system by promoting healthy arteries and helps to maintain a healthy metabolism.
  • Pharmax Endogenous Antioxidants & Cofactors: This powerful blend of N-Acetyl Cysteine (precursor to Glutathione) and other endogenous antioxidants helps support detoxification and combat cellular oxidation.
  • Metabolic Maintenance Deluxe Scavenger: Optimum doses of essential antioxidants are combined in one formula to create this powerful daily supplement.
  • ARNOX Advantage: This great-tasting Nitric Oxide booster is also full of antioxidants, to help support cardiovascular health.
  • Genestra Selenium + E: This synergistic blend of two important antioxidants—selenium and Vitamin E—helps maximize the prevention of cellular damage.

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