Antioxidants

By: Douglas Adams

Substances, including vitamins A, C and E and the trace elements
selenium, manganese and zinc, thought to protect the cells from
destructive oxidation by free radicals.

Free radicals are compounds naturally produced in the body. They
contain one or more unpaired electrons, or electrical charges,
and are therefore unstable. To achieve stability, free radicals
borrow or steal electrons from stable compounds. This process
allows formerly stable compounds to become reactive and cause
the oxidation that may interfere with normal cell function and
possibly mutate cells.

Peroxides are among the free radicals that are byproducts formed
when fat molecules react with oxygen. Free radicals are also
formed by radiation and are present in air pollution, ozone and
cigarette smoke. Other examples of oxidation are the rusting of
iron and the browning of apples and lettuce left exposed to the
air. Oxidation also occurs when cooking fats become rancid.

In a six month study at the Washington University School of
Medicine, 11 young men were given supplemental antioxidants
consisting of 600 International Units of vitamin E, 1,000
milligrams of vitamin C, and 30 milligrams of beta carotene
daily. A nine man control group was given a placebo supplement.
After running for 35 minutes on a treadmill at the beginning and
of the end of the study, free radical production was measured in
each group. The vitamin users produced 17 to 36 percent fewer
free radicals than the control group.

About the author:
Douglas Adams is the owner of http://www.allwellbeing.com , a
website dedicated to increasing knowledge of health related
issues.

For high quality health care products visit
http://www.shaklee.net/douglas_adams