Delicious Free-Radical Protection
April 10, 2012 2:56 amAntioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage — the common pathway for cancer, aging, and many diseases. The scientific community has begun to uncover some of the mysteries surrounding this topic, and I thought we’d look into it here to whet your thirst for knowledge. The purpose of this post is to serve as a beginners guide to what antioxidants are and to briefly review their role in exercise and general health. What follows is only the tip of the iceberg in this dynamic and interesting subject.
Radical Radicals
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these guys can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. The main danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular parts such as DNA. Cells may function poorly or die altogether, if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules which safely interact with free radicals and destroy the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. The principle antioxidants are Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C. The issue is that the body cannot manufacture these vitamins so they must be supplied in the diet.
Vitamin E : is a fat soluble vitamin present in nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetable and fish oils, and apricots.
Vitamin C : or Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, and strawberries.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) and is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, tomato, peaches, and grains. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body.
do antioxidants help Prevent Cancer?
Studies have shown a lower cancer rate in people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables. This has lead to the theory that these diets contain antioxidants which protect feee radicals and possibly the development of cancer. There is currently intense scientific investigation into this topic. Antioxidants are also thought to have a role in slowing the aging process and preventing heart disease and strokes, but the data here is still young.
One of my favorite ways to take in antioxidants is African Red Tea. This drink is an outstanding source of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide your body’s largest organ with everything it needs to be healthy. The best place to find a good African Red Tea is your local health food store.
I like to think of African Red Tea as vitamins for your skin! The free-radical preventing properties of African Red Tea are 50X more potent than those of green tea, making it exceptional in its ability to repair the skin with superior anti-aging, firming, and oxygenating benefits. Not to mention, it is rich in iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, and fluoride, which organically contribute to your overall well-being.
To me, the coolest part about this ingredient is that it contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids; these acids act as a gentle way to thoroughly exfoliate the skin and reconnect you with that baby soft skin you’ve been missing.
Now I’ve been asked: “Do you rub it all over your face?” Absolutely not! You drink it! It’s a delicious tea; brew some up, add a smidge of honey if you like, have a cup, and know that in the process you’re repairing and revitalizing your skin in a one easy, tasy step!
Hi Brandon,
I understand that ingesting African Red Tea is great for the skin however I am not clear, are you applying African Red Tea directly onto the skin and if yes how do the alpha-hydroxy acids found in the African Red Tea work on the skin?
Many thanks!