So you’ve probably heard of antioxidants and all the health benefits attached to them, but do you know what they are and how they really work?
Ok, let’s first understand what an antioxidant is. An antioxidant is dietary substance that prevents and/or repairs the damage that has been done by oxygen. They protect the key cell components from the effects of “Free Radicals”.
Free radicals are the natural byproducts of cell metabolism. They travel through our cells and disrupt the structure of our molecules which causes cellular damage. And this cell damage is believed to cause health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
You see every day your body is really, for a lack of a better word, “rusting” on the inside and that is due to oxidation.
An antioxidant is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in our tissues and may also improve our immune function and possibly lower our risk for infection and cancer.
To put this in a simpler way. You know when an apple is cut and it’s exposed to the air and it slowly turns brown? That’s oxidation.
But now if you dip the cut apple in orange juice or cover it with lemon juice (both having vitamin C), it stays white. That’s antioxidants at work, preventing oxidation. Some examples of active antioxidants in our bodies are vitamins A, C, B and glutathione.
Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant and detoxifier. It’s a small protein produced naturally in our cells when certain required elements are present. It functions both as an antioxidant and an antitoxin and is a major defense system against illness and aging.
Our glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and can predict longevity. Although there are more than 60,000 published papers on the beneficial effects of glutathione replacement, it is still largely ignored by mainstream medicine.
In the near future the importance of glutathione will be widely recognized because it has the ability to boost the immune system and fight off the damage of free radicals on the cells.
Modern research has shown that individuals who have low levels of glutathione are susceptible to chronic illness. Decreased levels of glutathione can be brought about by continual stress upon the immune system.
As we now know, a lowered immune system can bring about illness and disease. This is a ferocious cycle. While you need glutathione for a productive immune system, a weakened immune system hampers the production of glutathione.
Glutathione has been shown to slow down the aging process, detoxify and improve liver function, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Glutathione also works to help improve mental functions, increase energy, improve concentration, permit increased exercise, and improve heart and lung function - just to name a few. Consuming foods rich in sulphur-containing amino acids can help boost glutathione levels.
Live To The Max
Mike April
Copyright: Copyright © 2008 Mike April
About the Author:Mike April has been guiding and helping people live their lives to the MAX for several years. His no nonsense approach to helping people live their lives to the fullest and healthiest is very sought after. If you would like to learn how you can live your life to the MAX you can visit Mike at his website http://www.Live-To-The-Max.com
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