Antioxidants !!

The great discovery

Our whole discussion on the concept of ‘Health & Wellness’

revolves around the “great” key terms : F ​ ree radicals ​&
Antioxidants.
The term antioxidant originally was used to refer specifically to
a chemical that prevented the consumption of oxygen. In the late 19th
and early 20th century, extensive study was devoted to the uses of
antioxidants in important industrial processes like prevention of
 
metal corrosion, vulcanization of rubber etc.
Early research on the role of antioxidants in biology focused on
their use in preventing the oxidation of ​unsaturated fats​, which is the
cause of rancidity. However, it was the identification of ​vitamins A​, ​C​,
and ​E as antioxidants that revolutionized the field and led to the
realization of the importance of antioxidants in the biochemistry of
living organisms.
Before discussing their role in maintaining good health, let's
first clarify what these jargons are.
In humans, a small but significant percentage of oxygen
molecules in the body are continuously becoming electrically charged
due to natural cellular activity and/or exposure to environmental
factors such as tobacco smoke, air pollutants, industrial chemicals
and radiation. The oxygen molecule becomes a "​free radical​" as it
undergoes this process of oxidation. Free radicals are highly reactive
as they try to steal electrons from other molecules, including DNA
and cellular membranes. They will continue to react with other
cellular and intracellular molecules in a chain-reaction mechanism.
This chain reaction of free radicals can damage cells, which may play
a role in the development of certain conditions like heart disease and
cancer. Antioxidants, however, stop the chain-reaction by giving up
electrons and neutralizing free radicals so that they cannot induce any
more oxidative damage. "Antioxidant" is the collective name for the
vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols that protect the
body from harmful free radicals.
The human body has several mechanisms to counteract damage
by free radicals and other reactive oxygen species.
 One important line of defense is a system of enzymes,(eg.
glutathione peroxidases, superoxide dismutases). Several essential
minerals including selenium, copper, manganese and zinc are
necessary for the formation or activity of these enzymes. Hence, if the
nutritional supply of these minerals is inadequate, enzymatic
defenses against free radicals may be impaired.
The second line of defense against free radical damage is the
presence of antioxidants. Although about 4000 antioxidants have
been identified, the best knowns are vitamin E, vitamin C and the
carotenoids. Many other non-nutrient food substances, generally
phenolic or polyphenolic compounds, display antioxidant properties
and, thus, may be important for health.
So, efforts should be made to ensure optimum intake of foods
rich in antioxidants. Diets need to be improved and a greater
emphasis placed on the consumption of antioxidant rich vegetables
and fruits.
But, are we sure to get the required daily intake of all the
antioxidants, minerals and vitamins to maintain optimal health, from
today’s available vegetables and fruits? Probably not, due to the
chemical fertilization, untimely harvesting and unscientific storage.
We live in a time when dietary supplements are essential. The
food we eat can contain chemicals such as preservatives, additives,
colorings and pesticide residues. We breathe in car fumes and fumes
from resins, paints, aerosols and indoor chlorinated pools. In the
body they contribute to the free radicals, which cause chronic
degenerative diseases and cancer. Proper antioxidant supply
scavenges free radicals generated by pollution, chemicals, drugs and
excessive eating of processed foods.
However, it is important to emphasize that overall dietary and
lifestyle factors, including consumption of fruits and vegetables, with
proper supplementation, regular exercise, cessation or avoidance of
smoking, and alcohol, are all important factors for optimal health.
Although dietary supplements play a role in optimal health, they are
not a substitute for other healthful habits.
In medical journals (Medscape), it is emphasized that the
greatest benefits of antioxidant nutrients are seen in those in which
antioxidant nutrients are primarily derived from dietary sources,
particularly fruits and vegetables.
And that’s what NUTRILITE is providing us, for the use of today’s
healthy community, as Carl Rehnborg’s philosophy of plants was :
– WHOLE PLANT
– ORGANIC FARMING
– NATURAL GOODNESS
“The basic idea at Nutrilite is that all of the factors required in
nutrition are nearly always found in plant substances.”
Carl Rehnborg, 1955

Dr.Balagopal V
Pediatrician