Free Radicals Explained

Free radicals - A visual example of free radicals that we have all seen is when you cut an apple, leave it laying out for a short time, and it turns brown! Free radicals at work!!

How do free radicals harm the body?

Free radicals are produced by the body to aid in the metabolic processes, such as digestion and the conversion of food into energy. They are actually quite helpful in many of the body's natural functions. However, when too many are produced, they can turn against you and become a dangerous enemy.

Each free radical is capable of destroying an enzyme, protein molecule or a complete cell. They can multiply by process of a chain reaction. These reactive substances can damage cell structures so badly that immunity is impaired and DNA codes are altered. What free radicals do is combine and react chemically with other molecules that they were not meant to combine with. This process is called oxidation, much like what happens to that rusted nail or the cut apple. Similarly, if our cells are left unprotected, a similar process can occur inside the body, with imminent and progressive damage.

Free radicals also speed up the process of aging, such as the breakdown of collagen. In addition, because they react with oxygen, free radicals may reduce the oxygen supply to your cells.

Every second of our lives billions of free radicals wage war in our bodies. This seriously compromises the immune system which threatens our vitality.

Where do free radicals come from?

Free radicals are produced in large quantities when the body is exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, X-rays, and gamma rays from radioactive material. They also occur from cigarette smoke, car exhaust and industrial fumes. Ironically enough, breathing in pure oxygen promotes free radicals as well. Our bodies undergo about 10,000 free radical hits on a daily basis. It is virtually impossible to escape from them. But there are measures that can be taken to protect ourselves from the destructive force of free radicals.

Protect your body from free radical damage with antioxidants!

Our bodies try to protect us from free radical damage by producing enzymes that neutralize them. However, they are not capable of handling this function without antioxidants provided by our diets. Antioxidants are protective molecules also referred to as free radical scavengers. Antioxidants destroy free radicals by feeding electrons to them; thus neutralizing a free radical rendering it harmless. We can prevent free radical damage by supplementing our diets with antioxidants.The Power of Antioxidants: Tumeric and Curcuminoids

The turmeric plant, from which Curcumin is extracted, is a large-leaved herb, closely related to ginger. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-hepatotoxic (good for the liver) herb. It contains a mixture of powerful antioxidant phytonutrients known as curcuminoids.

Curcuminoids refer to a group of phenolics present in tumeric , which are chemically related to its principal ingredient, curcumin. Three main curcuminoids were isolated from turmeric: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. All three impart the hallmark yellow pigmentation to the Curcuma longa plant, particularly to its roots.

Continuing laboratory and clinical research indicates that turmeric and its phenolics have unique antioxidant properties. It is a powerful ingredient for immune support.

Further, according to the study, curcumin helped to maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range, helped to suppress free radicals and increase antioxidants in the kidneys.

Diets rich in curcumin may help explain why rates of memory loss are much lower among the elderly in India compared with their Western peers. Curcumin supports and promotes brain health which is essential to memory maintenance.

OPC: The Multifunctional Antioxidant

OPC, known throughout Europe as "the youth nutrient" because of its ability to combat the damage done to collagen, is believed to be the most effective natural free radical scavenger available.

Scientific studies have shown that OPC, which stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins, is one of the most powerful antioxidant free radical scavengers known to man. After decades of research, OPC has been given the official recognition and distinction as "vitamin P. "

OPC is also a vitamin C potentiator, meaning OPC supports Vitamin C’s function in the body. Some antioxidants are protectors of other antioxidants, some increase the potential of others and some can even regenerate other antioxidants. OPC protects vitamin C, thus delivering more vitamin C to the cells for nourishment. Unlike other anti-oxidants, OPC has a unique ability to cross the blood brain barrier providing direct protection to the brain and the central nervous system.

In comparing OPC derived from its two predominant sources, grape seed and pine bark, grape seed has a higher OPC content than pine bark and grape seed also contains gallic esters. Gallic esters are also powerful anti-oxidants found in grapes, which work together with OPC.

OPC has been used in Europe for over 30 years. OPC is non-toxic, and has been known to improve skin texture, strengthen capillaries and arteries, help maintain proper circulation, improve visual acuity, support memory retention, reduce stress, and help to maintain joint flexibility.


RESOURCES: - Incredible Antioxidant Support

Antioxidants work by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals so they become harmless to your body – thus helping to protect your skin and the rest of your body from the ravaging effects of premature aging.

Master Cell Protector™ provides you very generous quantities of powerful antioxidants, such as OPC Green Tea Extract, Alpha Lipoic acid, Vitamin E (100% natural), plus vitamin C, vitamin A, and selenium. Master Cell Protector™ also contains another important antioxidant, curcuminoids. There is a tremendous amount of research on the antioxidant, benefits derived from curcuminoids.

Master Cell Protector™ is an even more effective protector of not just your youth, but your health as well.

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