Oxidation is a normal process that takes place in the body. It causes damage to our cells, and it's believed that this cumulative damage is what causes aging and eventually death. Antioxidants are an agent that prevents or inhibits oxidation. Antioxidants help to protect cells from the damaging effects of what is know as "oxygen free radicals." Free radicals are produced by normal body metabolism and by factors such as exposure to radiation and environmental pollutants.

Our bodies produce antioxidants to counteract the damage of free radicals, but unfortunately you need more than what the body can manufacture in todays toxic world. If the supply is low, cellular damage occurs and illness occurs sooner or later.

Benefits of antioxidants

- The antioxidants actually absorb and attach to the free radicals that are in your body and prevents them from attacking your healthy normal tissues.

- Antioxidants can strengthen connective tissue, muscles and blood vessels which benefits the cardiovascular system.

- They are an antidote to aging and helps prevent cancer.

Symptoms of antioxidant deficiency

- Macular degeneration and cataracts is an indication that your body is deficient in antioxidants. It's been shown that those with age related macular degeneration have low levels of antioxidant enzymes.

- Arterial spiders (fine branching arteries on face, neck, chest)

- Brown skin spots

- Fingers white, numb, stiff, swellings (Raynaud's disease).

- Oversensitivity to sunlight.

Where you can find antioxidants?

The top vitamin Antioxidants

vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
*and the mineral selenium

The top fruit Antioxidants

prunes*
raisins
blueberries
blackberries
strawberries

*Prunes have more then double the antioxidant level of raisins.

The top vegetable Antioxidants

alfalfa
kale
spinach
brussels sprouts
broccoli flowers

Herbs high in antioxidants

Rosemary
Sheperd's purse
Turmeric

Green Tea is one of the most important antioxidants.

Garlic is known as the anti-free radical.