Today I want to talk about why antioxidants are important. I’m going to use some big words today but try to stay with me! Antioxidants help to protect your cells. They stop cell damage caused by oxidants or free radicals, which attack healthy cells. Free radicals contain an unpaired electron, so they are considered unstable and reach out to capture electrons from other substances in order to neutralize themselves. This initially stabilizes the free radical but generates another in the process, eliciting a terrible chain reaction. Having high oxidation in your body is not a good thing. It is often compared to rust on a car. It must be stopped. Daily exposure to smoke, alcohol, toxins in the air or in food, and radiation from televisions and cell phones subjects you to free radicals.
What can we do about this? Increase our antioxidant intake. Antioxidants are found in foods like tomatoes (due to lycopene), chocolate (due to flavanols), tea, coffee, wine (containing resveratrol), fruits, and veggies. Antioxidants are said to be very antiaging, anti-cancerous, and immune boosting.
We often cannot get therapeutic dosages of antioxidants from our foods. This is where supplementation comes in. We carry two main YLB antioxidant formulations Antioxidant Support and Mitochondrial Complex.
Antioxidant Support
Our Antioxidant Support contains: Pterostilbene, Resveratrol, Broccoli Seed Extract, and Turmeric. The dose here is 2 per day. Let me explain a little bit more about the benefits of these ingredients.
- Pterostilbene
Plants have compounds called phytochemicals that have numerous health benefits. One of these compounds, called stilbenes, is a sub-group called polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. They are produced when the plant is exposed to an environmental threat, such as viral, microbial or ultraviolet exposure, and protect the plants from such threats. Pterostilbene is a specific stilbene found in many plant varieties of berries. Resveratrol is also a stilbene found in many plants and red wines. It is the most well-researched and known stilbene. Studies of resveratrol have found it to enhance the potential of antioxidant and detoxification activity, as well as positively influence healthy inflammation processes and longevity. Other studies have linked resveratrol to enhancing blood sugar balance and for its ability to improve cognitive health.
- Broccoli Seed Extract
Broccoli Seed Extract contains the highest levels of glucoraphanin (a potent Nrf2 stimulator) of any broccoli product available. Nrf2 is a protein that serves as a “master regulator” of the body & #39’s antioxidant response. Some think of it as a “thermostat” within our cells that senses the level of oxidative stress and other stressors and turns on internal protective mechanisms.
Glucoraphanin is a phytochemical compound that is the precursor to sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is the leading compound in broccoli and responsible for many of its positive benefits. These compounds and their mechanisms have been studied extensively and supported by more than 500 scientific publications. Sulforaphane is a potent antioxidant shown to raise glutathione, support detoxification, healthy inflammation balance, and long-term health. Studies show sulforaphane works by improving hormone balance and increasing functional enzymes that support the excretion of toxins from the body.
- Turmeric Root Extract
Turmeric Root Extract is a bright orange-colored spice used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, supports gastrointestinal health, and provide neuroprotective activity.
Curcumin has been shown to play a crucial role in maintaining proper inflammatory balance in a variety of bodily systems due to its ability to modulate Nrf2. Curcumin has also been found to provide antioxidant protection to the cardiovascular system by reducing oxidative stress and supporting a normal immune response.
Mitochondrial Complex
Secondly, we have Mitochondrial Complex. Think of this as being a multivitamin packed with antioxidants including three key players: Acetyl L carnitine, Alpha lipoic acid, and N acetylcysteine. The recommended dosage is 2-4/day. Here is more information about the benefits of these key ingredients:
- Acetyl L
Think of Acetyl L carnitine as doing the job of shoveling coal (short chain fatty acids) into our cells or into the fire in a train to make the train move or provide your body with energy. That task is absolutely essential. However, what is the byproduct of fire? Smoke, right. Unfortunately, in this analogy, smoke from fire= free radicals and thus other antioxidants are needed to help fight those free radicals.
- Alpha-Lipoic acid
NAC scavenges free radicals and is a precursor is a glutathione most potent antioxidant in the body. This and alpha-lipoic acid help to combat these free radicals and recharge antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant. It can help with insulin signaling and promotes the regeneration of glutathione. It has been shown to help with diabetes, diabetic neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, and can even boost glutathione. Severe deficiency can lead to neuropathies. Major food sources include meat, liver, spinach, and broccoli.
Mitochondrial Complex also contains a little bit of green tea extract, broccoli seed extract with sulforaphane, and even resveratrol. This product is even great even for cancer patients, AIDS, patients and for those under oxidative stress.
Research has shown when athletes who take this product and individuals that are under much stress are less likely to get sick as they are giving their body what it needs to conquer those stresses. NAC and vitamins A, E, and C have antioxidant properties. Other well-known antioxidants are CoQ10 and Glutathione. In my next video, I’ll talk more about those two.
Back to the Antioxidant Support and Mitochondrial Complex. These two are particularly useful to be taken in times of STRESS, to help protect our cells from damage.
Always consult with your health care provider and share any supplements you are taking.
Learn more about antioxidants in Chapter 4 of my book Your Longevity Blueprint.
In summary, do you know why antioxidants are important? Watch my video now to learn more!
Wellness is Waiting! ™ Are you ready?
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*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
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