Antioxidants, a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Carotenoids, of which beta-carotene is the most popular, are a pigment that adds color to many fruits and vegetables -- without them, carrots wouldn't be orange, for example. Together as antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Take these, they are a great insurance policy from what life throws our way.*

At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule wants to be oxidized (remember that stuff from your chemistry class?), and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation, for instance.*

If allowed to go their merry way, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, certain cell structures, and genetic material within the cells. In the worst-case scenario and over a long time period, such damage can become irreversible and lead to disease (e.g., cancer). This is where antioxidants come into play.*

Antioxidants "mop up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm to your body. Researchers have postulated that antioxidants prevent the possible carcinogenic effects of oxidation. Despite numerous studies carried out on the role of antioxidants in cancer and heart disease prevention, the jury is still out as to which groups of people, if any, benefit from taking antioxidant supplements.*

Some studies have shown that smokers with diets high in carotenoids have a lower rate of lung cancer development than their smoking counterparts whose carotenoid intake is relatively low. However, a recent study indicated that some beta-carotene takers, primarily smokers, actually had higher death rates. Other research efforts have suggested that diets high in carotenoids may also be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Also, vitamin C has been found to prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds, the cancer-causing substances from nitrates and nitrites found in preserved meats and in some drinking water.*

Many researchers claim that elderly people, especially those who have reduced their food intake, frequent aspirin users, heavy drinkers, smokers, and people with impaired immune systems may benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily. In terms of heart disease and stroke, it is possible that higher levels of antioxidants slow or prevent the development of arterial blockages, a complicated process involving the oxidation of cholesterol. Moreover, antioxidants may deter the collection of plaque on arterial walls.

Obviously, conflicting reports on the health benefits of antioxidants and beta-carotene exist. It is difficult to know what to believe and whose advice to follow (that's why you are at LifeSource, right?). It is best to remember that vitamin and mineral supplements should never be used as substitutes for a healthy, well balanced diet! Your best bet is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, and mangoes are great sources of antioxidants.

Eating a variety of foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol will provide a rich natural source of these vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Every cell in our body produces tens of thousands of free radicals on a daily basis. From a long-term perspective, the oxidation that inevitably results can have a devastating effect on the integrity of our healthy cells. LifeSource Vitamins Super Antioxidants are comprised of the most powerful oxidation quenching nutrients available today. Countering the effects of oxidation provides us with greater amounts of energy, increased stamina, and a better state of overall health. Our distinctive blend of these highly effective free-radical fighters can play a substantial role in warding off some of life’s most damaging toxins.*

Clinical use of antioxidant vitamin supplementation may help to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic studies find lower CHD morbidity and mortality in persons who consume larger quantities of antioxidants in foods or supplements. Clinical trials indicate that supplementation with certain nutrients is beneficial in reducing the incidence of CHD events. Recent studies show that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins E and C have benefits in CHD prevention; however, supplementation with ß-carotene may have deleterious effects and is not recommended. Current evidence suggests that patients with CHD would probably benefit from taking vitamin E in a dosage of 400 IU per day and vitamin C in a dosage of 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Clinicians may also want to consider vitamin supplementation for CHD prevention in high-risk patients. Folate lowers elevated homocysteine levels, but evidence for routine supplemental use does not yet exist.*


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How Antioxidants Fight Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals

As you age, your body tissues suffer from oxidative stress due to the process of oxidation. Oxidation occurs when molecules within your body lose electrons to electrically-charged molecules of oxygen in your bloodstream. These electrically charged oxygen molecules are called "free radicals," and they have the potential to cause damage to cellular DNA. Over time, the damage can become irreversible and lead to disease.

If you're like most people, you want smooth, healthy skin, but maybe you don't want to wade through hundreds of chemically-laden products to get it. That's where antioxidants can help. Incorporating the right antioxidants into your diet and skincare routine can have a positive effect on your skin.

Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation -- a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants.

Blueberries, pomegranates, green tea, and dark chocolate—these are just some of the antioxidant-rich "superfoods" found in almost any supermarket today. As well as improving our general health, there is growing evidence that diets high in antioxidants may confer some protection against a long list of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and even HIV. Given their increasing popularity, the fundamental question bears asking: What exactly are antioxidants, and how do they work in our bodies?

Antioxidants come in several forms, including the vitamins A, C, and E; plant-derived polyphenols, found in colorful fruits and vegetables; and also the element selenium, found in nuts and broccoli. "What these compounds share," explains K. Sandeep Prabhu, Penn State assistant professor of immunology and molecular toxicology, "is the ability to neutralize harmful molecules in our cells."

These harmful molecules, known as free radicals, contain unpaired electrons—which is unusual because electrons typically come in pairs. "The unpaired electrons make free radicals highly reactive, and in this state, they can cause damage by attacking the components of our cells, and can even cause cancer," Prabhu says.

So where do free radicals come from? Some are created as a natural by-product of reactions in our cells, says Prabhu. Other sources of free radicals include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and exposure to UV light or radiation. And once free radicals are formed, they can make more free radicals by scavenging electrons from other molecules, "creating a domino effect," he adds.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals either by providing the extra electron needed to make the pair or by breaking down the free radical molecule to render it harmless. "Antioxidants stop the chain reaction of free radical formation and benefit our health by boosting our immune system," explains Prabhu. Because antioxidants are used up in the process of free radical neutralization, a diet rich in antioxidants is essential to ensure a constant supply.

Research has shown that antioxidants can have an important impact on serious diseases. In one recent study, the addition of a polyphenol-rich blueberry gel to the diet of oral cancer patients prevented recurrence of cancer. Another experiment demonstrated that increased levels of selenium in the diets of a group of HIV-positive patients significantly delayed progression of the disease.

In light of these impressive results, should everyone be taking antioxidant diet supplements? Prabhu warns that there can be too much of a good thing: "As with most things, excessive levels of antioxidants can be toxic." Furthermore, he stresses, "We don't yet fully understand the mechanisms by which selenium and other antioxidants work, and so we must be cautious about prescribing diets high in these elements." In the Prabhu Lab, work is currently underway to discover how selenium works, with the goal of introducing selenium as a therapy for HIV.

LifeSource Vitamins Super Antioxidants will ensure your body is given a chance to fight these free radicals. Eat lots of fruit and veggies and try our Super Antioxidants to make sure you are fit for the fighting of these free radicals! Super Antioxidants are a great insurance policy from what life throws our way. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. Helps fight Oxidative Stress.*

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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

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