Antioxidants

A substance that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid

    1. Description: ALA is a direct antioxidant that is bound to protein and functions as a cofactor for several important mitochondrial complexes.

    2. Benefits: ALA can protect the brain from toxic free radicals. Lipoic acid triggers antioxidant defense and enhances cellular glucose uptake. By doing so, it helps to increase insulin sensitivity, thus lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. ALA has been shown to help with diabetic neuropathy.

    3. Fun Fact: Suffer from MS, or know someone who does? ALA has been linked to slowing the disease progression of multiple sclerosis.

  • Coenzyme Q10

    1. Description: This antioxidant nutrient is found in every living cell and is essential for providing us with the energy necessary to carry out bodily functions, or they simply won’t work. As we age, levels of CoQ10 drop. Other known causes of low levels are poor eating habits, stress, and infection. CoQ10 works by improving the function of the mitochondria, which are the “powerhouses of the cells.”

    2. Benefits: It helps to increase energy, improve heart function, help reverse gum disease, and improve the immune system. Angina sufferers have reported that taking CoQ10 reduced their pain more effectively than other prescribed medications.

    3. Fun Fact: Know someone with Parkinson’s? CoQ10 can slow the rate of deterioration in Parkinson’s disease.

  • Glutathione

    1. Description: While technically an anti-aging amino acid, glutathione works as an antioxidant to deactivate free radicals that speed up the aging process. It is an antitumor agent, as well as a respiratory accelerator in the brain.

    2. Benefits: Glutathione has been used to help in the treatment of allergies, cataracts, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and arthritis. It has also helped prevent harmful side effects of high dose radiation or x-ray exposure in the ill patient.

    3. Fun Fact: Like to smoke and/or drink? Glutathione protects against the harmful effects of cigarette smoke and alcohol.

  • Selenium

    1. Description: Vitamin E and Selenium are synergistic, meaning they help make each other work. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that slows down aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation. It is critical for the production of glutathione, which is needed by every cell in the body.

    2. Benefits: It helps to protect against various types of cancer, aids in reducing the risk of stroke, helps prevent heart disease, helps keep youthful elasticity in tissues, alleviates hot flashes and menopausal distress. It can also help in reducing symptoms of dandruff.

    3. Fun Fact: Males should be on a selenium supplement. Almost half of their body’s supply is held in the testicles and seminal ducts next to the prostate gland. It is then lost in semen. Increasing selenium raises sperm count and increases fertility in men.