Antioxidants,and,Phytonutrient health Antioxidants and Phytonutrients Medicines

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In defence, body produces substances to prevent damage caused by oxidants or free radicals. These endogenous antioxidants may be inadequate when there is excessive formation of oxidants. This results in disease processes. Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress plays important role in causation of atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, smoking induced lung damage and cataract formation. It is also believed that normal ageing process and even death is hastened by oxidative stress and free radicals induce cell damage. Antioxidants are powerful agent to quench or scavenge free radicals in body. Some nutrients from plant-sources have high antioxidant effects and are called phytonutrients. Role in Disease PreventionWhen body's defenses are weakened and production of antioxidants such as superoxide dismuthate and metal binding proteins are reduced it is helpful to supplement antioxidants in the form of antioxidant -foods and dietary supplements-called Nutraceuticals. Thousands of clinical trials have been done to investigate the effects of such supplementation on the risks of cancer, and heart diseases. A diet, rich in antioxidants, is associated with lower risk of development of common cancers and may prevent cancer recurrence. The risk of heart disease may be reduced by the use of antioxidants. The eye is yet another organ which can benefit from antioxidants. High doses of antioxidants may prove to be useful in prevention of degeneration of the retina (where visual images are formed) and cataract. Thus useful vision can be preserved.Foods High in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower are excellent source of natural antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables which have rich hue of colours are also rich source of antioxidants (phytonutients). Clinical studies show that phytonutrients, present in the skin of these fruits and vegetables, enhance body's defense system (immunity) and can prevent cancer. The thumb rule is the deeper and richer the colour of fruits and vegetables, the more phytonutrients are present. Therefore, next time when you stroll through vegetable market, don't forget to buy red onion instead of white variety, and, crisp and fresh green leafy vegetables. Organically grown plants are richer in polyphenols which are strong antioxidants.Alternatives to Antioxidant Foods: When you don't have regular access to organically grown fruits and vegetables, you may consider addition of food supplements or nutraceuticals and phytonutrient-supplements. These have extra nutrients without excess sugar arid calories. Of course a number of preparations are available as OTC or prescription drugs for the same purpose. It must be remembered that pills containing antioxidants are prescribe and sold in the market a great deal, but these are nowhere as effective as the antioxidants from 'natural foods' which remain the best source. The various antioxidants available contain one or more than one of the following. Natural Carotenoids: There are various carotenoids in plants. Lycopene: It is a carotenoid which gives tomatoes a red colour. It is very effective in attacking oxygen-radicals in body and acts as a cell protector. Lyco-Red is the market preparation which is claimed to be effective in male infertility, pregnancy associated high BP, post menopausal syndrome and pregnancy with a history of bad outcome previously. It prevents premature delivery and foetal growth retardation. B-Carotene: Synthetic B-Carotene is also a quencher of free radicals and prevents peroxidation of fats. Both natural carotenoids and synthetic B-Carotene are present in a number of formulations.Lutein and Zeaxanthin: They are found in corn and green leafy vegetables and prevent cataract formation. Vitamin-E (Tocoferol): It is fat soluble vitamin and it works as a membrane bound antioxidant. It is found to preserve membrane functions and prevents lipid oxidation, Interestingly, it prevents oxidation of vitamin A in the intestines so more vitamin-A is absorbed. Vit E also preserves activity of immune cells. It has been tried in prevention of oxidative injury in diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, cataract and infections. Alpha Lipoic Acid (Ebiza-L): It is a powerful antioxidant which is found to be useful in diabetes, uncontrolled high sugar itself favours formation of injurious oxidants. Alpha lipoic acid increases glucose uptake in cells and quenches free radicals which play a role in causing diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). It is also found to be protective against development of eye and kidney complications in diabetics. In Germany it is licensed for the treatment of diabetic nauropathy for over 20 years and is also available in India.Selenium: It is an antioxidant mineral, needed for making natural anitoxidants in our body. It is given with other antioxidant supplements. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): It is a strong reducing agent. It is given along with vitamin E for its antioxidant effects.Ginseng (REVITAL): It is known to increase body defense mechanism. Asian Ginseng helps to rebuild damage nerve cells and is available in combinations with multivitamin preparations. Flavonoids: Bioflavonoids have antioxidant properties as they quench free radicals.Co-enzyme Q 10 or Ubiquinone (ZYME-Q 10): As an antioxidant it is useful in Parkinson's.Others: Immunocal is a natural protein and raises blood glutathione levels. It has antioxidant properties and detoxifies liver. Immunocal contains albumen, lact-albumen and lactoberrin. ZMC, copper and manganese are also used for their antioxidant properties. Article Tags: Free Radicals, Antioxidant Properties