Do free radical antioxidants hold the key to living longer?

Scientists aren’t sure, but a new study shows a link may exist. The study, published in the May 5th issue of Science Express, found that animals born with the ability to make more of an antioxidant called catalase lived longer – 18.5% longer than others. Diseases of aging such as heart disease were slowed down or lessened in these animals, and antioxidant dietary supplements may prove to do the same.

Antioxidant dietary supplements help control damage from molecules called free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules lacking an electron – they attack healthy cells to steal this electron. The resulting damage which kills cells and harms DNA may be related to aging and diseases, according to some experts. Free radical antioxidants help prevent radical damage.

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In addition to antioxidant dietary supplements, free radical fighting antioxidants are found in many whole foods. Here are a few of the most antioxidant-packed foods:

	Pinto bean
	Blueberry
	Cranberry
	Artichoke
	Blackberry
	Prune

	Raspberry
	Strawberry
	Apple
	Russet potato
	Black bean
	Plum
	Highly Recommended Antioxidant Dietary Supplement

Everything we eat, breathe and touch causes some type of oxidation or free radical damage. Particularly abusive is alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, smoked and barbecued food, harmful chemicals and additives in the foods we eat, sun bathing and pollutants in the air we breath. They assault your cells, large enzyme complexes, and DNA. After age 28, the major source of aging is the production of free radicals. Just the process of aging increases the amount of free radicals we produce. Scientists have determined that very large amounts of free radicals accumulated in your body, may significantly shorten your life span.

"Free radical" is a term used to describe any molecule that differs from conventional molecules such that it possesses a free electron, a property that makes it react with other molecules in highly volatile and destructive ways.

A free radical is an unstable molecule that steals an electron from a stable molecule in order to satisfy its need for repair. When this free radical destabilizes the stable molecule it creates another free radical in a vicious chain reaction of cellular destruction. A single free radical can cause damage to millions of other molecules in you body, preventing your body from functioning properly. This molecular destruction is continually occurring in your body. Free radicals attack us from many different environmental sources every day.

Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.

This type of free-radical damage begins at birth and continues until we die. When you are young the body has extensive repair and replacement mechanisms that function to keep cells and organs in working order so its effects are relatively minor. As you get older however, the accumulated effects of free-radical damage begin to add up. Free-radical disruption of cell metabolism is part of what ages our cells. It may also create mutant cells, leading ultimately to cancer and death.

Free radicals also attack collagen and elastin, the substances that keep our skin moist, smooth, flexible, and elastic. These vital tissues become brittle, fray and break under the assaults of free radicals, a process particularly noticeable by wrinkles in the face. Free radical antioxidants play an important role in protecting your vision. In particular, Vitamins A, E, and C have been shown to combat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) have also been shown to support eye health

Free Radicals cause oxidation in the blood. Once oxidation occurs, disease can result. Antioxidants keep free radicals from causing oxidation in the blood, thus neutralizing disease. Also, stress, chemical pollution, environmental pollution, and the normal aging process increase the demands put upon the immune system.

Studies over the last 20 years have shown that free radical fighters found in a certain group of nutrients, namely antioxidants, can protect against a great many free radical initiated diseases. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent the harmful effects of oxidation. Studies also indicate antioxidants do more than protect against free radicals; they also stimulate the immune system's response to help fight existing diseases.

1. A normal atom - such as this oxygen atom - has a stable number of electrons orbiting its nucleus.

2. Free radicals raid stable atoms of electrons.

3. Antioxidants replace the lost electrons, but unlike other types of atoms, do not become charged when giving up electrons.

Natural antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene (the substance that your body uses to produce vitamin A. Consumption of antioxidants may help support general health and delay the signs of aging. The antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E, are thought to protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. The antioxidant nutrients themselves don’t become free radicals by donating an electron because they are stable in either form. They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease.

Its not too late to start protecting your cells against the aging effects of free radical damage. You can look younger and feel better starting today by trying our #1 Recommended Antioxidant Protection available.