Free radicals are the body’s worst enemies.  These are said to damage normal cells which in turn cause a plethora of medical conditions such as premature aging, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, different forms of cancer and heart-related diseases.

Because of the health threats that free radicals pose to the human body, it is important that we ensure adequate intake of free radical scavengers – an enzyme, mineral, or vitamin that has the ability to neutralize or destroy free radicals before it causes damage. These free radical scavengers are most often known as antioxidants.

The antioxidant industry has grown so big that more and more claims are being put out, even if the claim has no basis at all.  So here is a list of 12 powerful free radical scavengers – just to somehow ease your confusion and guide you on what is real, and what is beneficial for you:

1. Beneficial Bilberry

   Bilberry contains an important antioxidant that promotes healthy vision.  In fact, it is possesses one of the major antioxidants that are found in the retina of the eyes.  It helps in the prevention and treatment of eye problems such as eye strain, night blindness, diabetic retinopathy, nearsightedness (myopia), glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.

   Other health benefits of bilberry include the promotion of healthy blood vessels, reduction of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, helps in wound healing, enhances immune system and has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for people with gum disease, gout, varicose veins, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis as well as atherosclerosis.

2. Amazing Alpha-Lipoic Acid

   Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) has been dubbed as the “Universal Antioxidant” because of its ability to enhance the function of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.  On its own, it can also powerfully neutralize free radicals found in membranes, tissues and organs. It is soluble both in fat and in water which gives it the ability to exert its effects on all throughout the body.

   ALA has been used in the treatment of patients with alcohol-related liver disease.  For people with diabetes, ALA has also been found to lower blood sugar levels.  A study conducted on animals who suffered a stroke revealed that those who were given Alpha-lipoic acid suffered lesser degree of brain damage and had an increased rate for survival.

   Dietary sources of ALA include Brewer’s yeast, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach,  and organ meats such as heart, kidney and liver.

3. Combative Coenzyme Q10

   For people ages 30 years old and above, their coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) levels start to drop, which leaves the body more prone to damage caused by free radicals.  CoQ10 has been known as a powerful antioxidant, and according to a study, the supplementation of which helps improve elastin and collagen levels in the skin, and aids in repairing damaged cells.  It has also been known to reduce blood sugar levels, enhance the function of the immune system and improve energy levels.

   While dietary sources for CoQ10 are available in the form of oily fish like tuna and mackerel, it is difficult to avail of therapeutic amounts.  This is the reason why supplements of CoQ10 are widely endorsed.  Keep in mind that the supplement must be in an oil-based formula in order to ensure better absorption.  Personally, I recommend that you use Jarrow Formulas.

4. Colorful Carotenoids

   Carotenoids are naturally-occurring compounds that are mainly responsible for the giving fruits and vegetables their characteristic yellow, orange and red colors.  The forms of carotenoids are: a). Beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes, pumpkins, peaches and carrots; b). Lycopene in tomatoes, guava, red grapefruit and watermelon; c). Zeaxanthin and Lutein found in red capsicums, pumpkin and dark green veggies; and d). Cryptoxanthin in peaches, oranges and mangoes.

   These serve as antioxidants which helps enhance a person’s immune system, fights of damage-causing free radicals, lowers the risk for cancers of the stomach, cervix and digestive tract.  It also lowers bad cholesterol levels and helps combat heart disease.

5. Go Garlic

   Most people tend to turn a blind eye towards garlic especially because of the unpleasant odor that comes with it.  However, numerous studies have revealed the benefits of garlic consumption.  As an antioxidant, it helps strengthen one’s immune system, thereby decreasing a person’s chances of contracting commonly contagious conditions such as colds, flu and infection, while those who are already afflicted with such have been found to have shorter recovery period.  Garlic consumption has also been found to inhibit nitrosamine formation – powerful carcinogens that precipitate the formation and development of certain forms of cancer. Garlic has also been used in the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

   According to a Japanese study published in the Journal of Food Agriculture and Chemistry, eating fresh garlic is more beneficial than eating preserved ones.  However, for those who would rather not deal with garlic’s odor, I highly recommend the garlic supplement  Kyolic from Wakunaga, which I take on a daily basis.

6. Terrific Turmeric

   Turmeric is a bright yellow spice widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  As a powerful antioxidant, it has helped arthritis sufferers mainly because free radicals have been tagged as the being responsible for the painful joint and the resulting joint damage usually associated with arthritis.  Turmeric has also been seen to exert antioxidative effects to the cells of the colon, protecting it from damage brought about by free radicals.

   Aside from it antioxidant properties, turmeric has other significant health benefits as it also exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antifungal characteristics.

7. See Vitamin C

   Several in vitro experiments could attest to the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C.  Some studies have revealed that the antioxidants in vitamin C can help slow down atherosclerosis progression and helps protect a person’s eyes from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).  It is said to help protect the arteries against damage – which is in part caused by circulating free radicals inside the body.  Vitamin C is also known to boost the immune system, lower the risk for hypertension, prevent osteoarthritis and reduce cancer rates.

   Excellent dietary sources of vitamin C are cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupe, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, tomatoes, mangoes, kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, green peppers and oranges.

8. Great Glutathione

   Glutathione is the body’s very own antioxidant, produced abundantly in normal health conditions.  However, as one starts to age (specifically as one reaches 40), and due to the toxins present in our food, water and air, our glutathione levels go down.  Without sufficient glutathione levels, one would experience premature aging, lesser energy levels, and would get sick often.  This is due to the fact that glutathione functions by boosting the immune system, providing energy to the cells, detoxifying the body from toxins and exerts its anti-aging effects on the cells.

   Here’s one more reason for you to take glutathione:  it is known to be the Master Antioxidant.  Why?  Because it helps “recharge” and “recycle” other antioxidants, assisting them to perform their function efficiently – which is to get rid and neutralize disease-causing free radicals.

9. Fabulous Flavonoids

   Flavonoids have aroused the curiosity of so many people because of its wide array of health benefits.  It is said to possess antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, anti-allergic and antiviral properties.  An important aspect in flavonoids is its role in preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).  Once LDL is oxidized, it may lead to the formation of plaques in the walls of the arteries which may cause atherosclerosis as reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. It has also been associated with the reduction of ovarian cancer risk according to a study conducted by researchers coming from the Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

   My recommended sources of flavonoids include peppers, black currants, horsetails, elderberries, hawthorn berry, rose hips, chervil, apricots, prunes, blackberries, grapes, cherries, oranges, lemons and grapefruit.

10. Special Selenium

    Selenium has been regarded as being essential for the promotion of good health because of its antioxidant properties.  Free radicals have been touted as the cause of conditions such as cancer, heart diseases and arthritis.  Observational studies revealed that cancer-related deaths are lower in people who exhibit high selenium blood levels.  Examples of cancer include colorectal, bladder, prostate and lung cancers. This is because selenium as an antioxidant aids in protecting the body from free radical damage.  Surveys have also indicated that in people diagnosed with heart disease and arthritis, their blood selenium levels were significantly lower.

    Rich dietary sources for selenium are:  whole grain wheat flour, Brazil nuts, Tuna, Chicken, Pork, Beef and Crustaceans.

11. Get Ginkgo

    Ginkgo, or Gingko Biloba, has been used for over a thousand years in the treatment and management of several health conditions.  The Chinese have utilized this herb as a form of ancient medicine.

    Several studies have reported the antioxidant properties of ginkgo.  It is said to improve the functions of the nerve cells and the platelet, and helps enhance nervous system blood flow (especially to the brain which is good for people with migraine). It helps reduce the viscosity of the blood, which in turn helps reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attack.  It also aids in the prevention of macular degeneration.

12. Magnificent  Melatonin

    Unlike other forms of antioxidants, melatonin is neither an herb nor a vitamin.  It is actually a neurohormone that is produced by the pineal gland found in the brain. Melatonin is gaining popularity because of its ability to potentially enhance the function of the immune system, to prevent inflammation and to kill cancer cells. It has also been known to induce restful sleep. 5-10 mg of the supplement melatonin, taken before bedtime, can help increase a brain tumor patient’s survival rate.

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