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Antioxidants have been the subject of much research and writing in resent years. It has long been known that they fight the effects of free radicals and do much to slow down the aging process and prevent various types of disease.

Free radicals are molecules with electrons that are unpaired. This kind of molecule is unstable and reactive. Free radicals steal electrons from other stable molecules in order to become stable themselves. When a stable molecule loses an electron to a free radical, it becomes another free radical, and so chain reaction begins.
It is known that diet, exposure to toxins, radiation and certain medications increase number of free radicals. It has been establish that more than sixty human diseases involve free radical damage, including cancer, heart disease and immune system decline.
The three major antioxidant nutrients are vitamin A as a Beta Carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in two forms in nature. It is found in its true form (also called retinol) in animal foods such as fish oils and liver. The body readily uses this form.
Vitamin A can be found in vegetables in the form of Beta Carotene or provitamin A. This form is found in plants and is the precursor of the actual vitamin. Beta Carotene has to be converted in the body in order to be used by it. Fat and bile are needed for the conversion.
Vitamin A is necessary for proper function of the eyes and for maintenance of the skin. Beta Carotene is one of the most powerful antioxidant nutrients. It can prevent free radical formation and activate existing free radicals. After free radicals have been formed, it traps them and breaks the chain reaction that they cause. Beta Carotene also works to destroy carcinogens (censer-causing substances).
All retinoid forms of vitamin A are used in cosmetic and medical applications applied to the skin.
The liver regulates the blood level of vitamin A. It needs a special protein carrier to be transported throughout the body. An adequate protein and fat intake is required for a good absorption of vitamin A. It won’t be absorbed on a no-fat diet. At list 5 gr. of fat/day are necessary for adequate vitamin A adsorption.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has an important role in various body processes necessary for life. Of key importance is its role in collagen formation. Vitamin C functions as a one of the most powerful free-radicals to prevent damage that contributes to aging and age-related diseases. It works against pollution and toxins that damage cells and cause mutation. Vitamin C is also critical for the immune system, it may increase immunity to infectious diseases, may lower cholesterol, and enhances the effect of vitamin E. It also promotes wound healing, tissue repair and helps in the utilization of iron; reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Vitamin C is water soluble and should be taken with water.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E works to prevent aging by prolonging the useful life of cells in the body. One of vitamin E abilities is that it can stop a wildly proliferating free radicals chain reaction as it is happening. Too many nutrients may cause the cell to grow irregularly and too few nutrients will starve the cell and kill it. By protecting the cell membrane, vitamin E combats disease.
Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble and should be taken with fatty food during the meal.

Natural remedies from Amazon Rainforest

SANGRE DE DRAGOSangre de Drago [“blood of the dragon”] is a tree growing up to 60 feet high. Its red sap promotes a strong and healthy intestinal wall and stomach lining. An alkaloid called taspine in Sangre de Drago shown to have strong cicatrizing properties. In addition, nearly 90% of Sangre de Drago’s dry weight is proanthocyanidins, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Proanthocyanidins (vascular wall strengthening properties) are the most potent known dietary antioxidants. Sangre de Drago, science believes slows aging and cellular degeneration *.

UNA DE GATO- Cat’s Claw Una de Gato from the Peruvian rainforest is a favorite for stimulating the immune system. World wide research done on this powerful herb has led scientists to patent many of the single chemicals found in it for use in healing cancer, arthritis, AIDS and other diseases. However, traditional wisdom shows that using the whole plant can be far more powerful than any one isolated ingredient. Has remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. Because of this ability, Una de Gato can be used for Crohn’s Disease, hemorrhoids, parasites, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, allergic disorders, diverticulitis, stabilizing intestinal flora and other gastro-intestinal issues. Una de Gato is recognized as one of the most important botanicals in the rainforest for its antioxidant properties and for its wide range of health benefits. It is also known to help maintain blood pressure in a healthy range and stimulate the immune system [increase macrophage activity]. Because of its numerous health benefits, Una de Gato is one of the most widely recognized plants of the rainforest.* The name “cat’s claw” comes from the claw-shaped thorn beneath the leaves.Una do Gato is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which makes it very useful for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It also helps to increase lymphocyte and microphage production, toniify the blood, and can be used as a broad spectrum infection fighter. Una de Gato also helps repair the lipid matrix in the cell walls and is particularity good for stopping the expansion of virus laden cells.At the University of Milan, Renato Rizzi led an experiment with Una de Gato as it relates to cancer causing (mutagenic) substances in smokers. It is well known that the urine of smokers contains mutagenic substances. When given Una de Gato for two weeks, the smoker’s urine returned to normal. This is important because it shows Una de Gato can help lessen the risk of developing cancers and other degenerative diseases.

CAMU CAMU Camu Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) is a shrub that was recently found in the Amazon rainforest. It contains 30-60 times more vitamin C than orange; within its vivid ruby red color is nature’s valuable source for beauty.Traditionally, native medicine practitioners and herbalists have recommended Camu Camu for:Strengthening the immune system * Improving symptoms of herpes infections, including mouth blisters, genital blisters, shingles blisters and other viral infections* Promoting energy and vitality of people with chronic immune dysfunction Strengthening the nervous system * Supporting healthy levels of white blood cell formation * Detoxifying the body, especially the liver* Promoting health of upper respiratory organs, including lungs, sinuses, nasal passages *   Promoting a healthy heart and circulatory system*

CACAO The genuine Cacao tree is a small and handsome evergreen tree, growing in South America and the West Indies, from 12 to 25 feet high. Cacao toated seeds the source of chocolate, cocoa and cocoa butter. Cocoa beans contain a type of antioxidant that may have a role in the prevention of certain diseases. Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in the beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful. Its action on muscle, the kidneys and the heart is more pronounced. It is used principally for its diuretic effect due to stimulation of the renal epithelium; it is especially useful when there is an accumulation of fluid in the body resulting from cardiac failure. It is also employed in high blood pressure as it dilates the blood-vessels.Generally, chocolate contains:   Protein – needed for cell maintenance and repair. Fat – varies, but generally about 30 per cent fat, of which about 50 per cent is saturated fat. Vitamin E – a fat-soluble vitamin essential for cell membranes. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium – minerals essential for strong bones and teeth. Iron – needed to form hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in blood. Caffeine and hemoglobin – nervous system stimulants. Copper – assists iron metabolism, formation of melanin (in hair and skin) and functioning of the central nervous system. Sugars – varies, but often about 50 per cent. Antioxidant photochemicals (such as flavonoids) – cocoa beans, a main ingredient of chocolate (more so in dark chocolate), contain more than 600 plant chemicals, including antioxidants, that may protect against heart disease and cancer.

The source: Age-Preversing Free Radical Fighters. Antioxidants by Remi Cooper, wikipedia.org,
The Green Farmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D.

-Irina, NC

Disclaimer: All the information presented on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or any other medical professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.