Antioxidants & Healthy Aging

Antioxidants provide the body with protection from potentially damaging compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals with unpaired electrons that steal electrons from other molecules, causing a vicious chain reaction that wreaks havoc on the body. Free radicals can damage the body’s tissues and may increase the risk of developing certain diseases.

Free radicals are normal by-products of metabolism, as well as environmental toxins like air pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, heavy metals and pesticides.

Antioxidants provide preventive care to the body, protecting against the negative health consequences that can result from free radical damage. They scavenge or neutralize free radicals, stopping the free radical chain. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, with higher amounts in plant foods. Many supplements are available on the market to help ensure the body receives an adequate amount of antioxidants daily. Some of these Traditional Antioxidants include:

• Vitamin C

• Natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)

• Beta-Carotene (provitamin)

• Selenium