Antioxidants are not a separate item unto themselves, rather they are a collection of Amino Acids, Enzymes, Essential Fatty Acids, Minerals and Vitamins which perform the following function.
During normal metabolism our body produces waste products with active atoms attached called ‘free radicals’. Unchecked, they can cause havoc and produce degenerative changes (aging). Antioxidants are “anti-aging” and reduce cell mutations, artery damage, skin wrinkles, and other effects of free radicals.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a photoreceptor. It is found in the chloroplasts of green plants and is what makes green plants green. Many important natural substances are chelates. In chelates a central metal iron is bound to a large organic molecule, a molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and other elements such as oxygen and nitrogen. One such chelate is chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants. Chlorophyll is one of the most important chelates in nature. It is capable of channeling the energy of sun light into chemical energy through a process of photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, the energy absorbed by chlorophyll transforms carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen.
Other molecules with structures similar to that of chlorophyll play important roles in other biochemical transfer reactions. Heme consists of a porphyrin similar to that in chlorophyll and an iron in the centre or the porphyrin. Heme is bright red. In the red blood cells of vertebrates, heme is bound to proteins forming hemoglobin. Hemoglobin combines with oxygen in the lungs, gills or other respiratory surfaces and releases it in the tissues. In muscles cells, myoglobin the name given to hemoglobin in muscles, stores oxygen as an electron source for energy- releasing oxidation- reduction reactions.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are a group of naturally occurring plant compounds, they act as antioxidants. Bioflavanoids work together with other antioxidants to offer a system of protection to the body. Numerous scientific studies have shown their unique role in protecting Vitamin C in the body.
Linoleic Acid
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is polyunsaturated Fatty Acid similar in structure to Linolenic Acid.
Lysine lys k H2N- (CH2)2-CH(NH2)-C00H
Lysine is a basic genetically coded amino acid. It is essential for human nutrition. Needed for growth to help maintain nitrogen balance in the body, important anti–aging properties.
P4D1
P4D1 was found to do two things in the human body. It is the first known substance to actually stimulate repair of DNA. It is possible that diseased cells could be repaired with P4D1 so that when they reproduce they produce good cells.
Peroxidase
A detoxifying enzyme that eliminates hydrogen peroxide and is one of the body’s natural anti-oxidant enzymes. Protects the aqueous membrane of cells.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body. This nutrient is an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protects cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
A high potency antioxidant enzyme, which detoxifies the superoxide anion and is, thought to present the first line of defence against free radical damage in red blood cells.
Vitamin A Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene, which is found in plants, is a processor of vitamin A. The body converts Beta-Carotene to vitamin A which is an antioxidant compound that can prevent damage to DNA. Plants can contain darkly colored pigments called pro-vitamin A which are carotenoids that can be converted to Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a pro-vitamin A carotenoid that is more efficiently converted to retinal than other carotenoids. Vitamin A plays a key role in reproduction, bone growth, vision, cell division and cell differentiation, which is the development of the cell into its final function. It helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes and respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts.
Vitamin B1 Thiamine
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine, as it is more commonly referred to now, is one of the most important members of the B group of Vitamins. Thiamine B1 promotes growth, protects the heart muscle B1 facilitates the body’s ability to convert carbohydrate into glucose [sugar], which provides energy, stimulates brain action. It plays an important role in the normal functioning of the entire nervous system. It aids digestion, especially of carbohydrates. It mild diuretic effect: that is it increases urine formation. It improves peristalsis and helps prevent constipation. It also helps to maintain normal red blood cell count, improves circulation and promotes healthy skin. It protects against the damaging effect of lead poisoning, and prevents edema or fluid retention in connection with heart ailments. It also reduces fatigue, increases stamina and prevents premature aging and senility by increasing mental alertness. Like other vitamins of the B complex group it is more potent when combined with other B vitamins rather than used separately.
Vitamin C
Antioxidant helps with wound healing and strengthens resistance to infection.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alphatocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by- products of the body’s metabolism. Vitamin E also protects Vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body’s cells and prevents the breakdown of body tissues.