Simply stated, antioxidants are the soldiers in our bodies that protect us every second of the day from the hundreds of thousands of damaging free radicals (no, not your neighbor) that constantly invade our bodies. If you want to live better longer, prevent disease and look younger, you must maintain high levels of antioxidants in your body at all times.
Free Radicals:
Free Radicals are short-lived molecules which damage cells and DNA. Cells are composed of smaller units called atoms. Each atom contains a center or nucleus that is surrounded by electrons. Biological oxidation, the process of making energy, involves moving electrons from one oxygen molecule to the next. However, sometimes an electron escapes. This “free” electron is called a free radical. Free radicals constantly form almost everywhere in the body at an astonishing rate. When they attack DNA they increase the likelihood of cancer. When they target fat molecules traveling in the bloodstream, they set the stage for heart disease and stroke. Therefore, free radicals can promote the downward spiral of disease and premature aging. It’s like a wild game of tag in the body.
Sources: Cigarette smoke, sunlight, toxins in the air, radiation (cell phones), airline travel, pesticides, and even exercise.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body by providing the missing electron thus stabilizing the cells. They (1) keep the body youthful (there is solid scientific evidence that antioxidants can prevent aging on the cellular level), (2) bolster your natural defenses against cancer, (3) prevent and even reverse heart disease and (4) sharpen your mental edge. According to Dr. Richard Cutler, former Director Anti-aging Research, National Institutes of Health, “The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.”
There is a simple, non-invasive, inexpensive test that can measure the antioxidants in your body at the cellular level. For information go to www.pharmanexscanner.com and watch the scanner video.
Sources: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables and high quality supplements.