The antioxidant vitamins perform
many essential tasks within the body. In recent years, a great
deal of research has been done concerning the abilities of the
antioxidant vitamins to prevent certain diseases, ranging from
cancer to heart ailments. Many studies have shown promising results,
and researchers continue their efforts at determining all of the
ways that these powerful antioxidant vitamins protect our health
and well being.
One of the many important tasks that antioxidant vitamins perform
is that of bringing free radicals under control. A free radical
is an unstable molecule, operating within the much larger context
of a cell. What makes it unstable is that it is lacking an electron.
Electrons are a part of the system that enables chemical reactions
within the body. Chemical and electrical actions and reactions
are the base of all operations of the body.
The free radical lacks an electron because
it is the result of the splitting of a structure weakened
by either one of the body’s
natural metabolizing processes or by some external contaminant,
such as pollution or cigarette smoke. The free radical attacks
other molecules, seeking its missing part, which leads to
its molecule victim becoming a free radical as well. When
enough free radicals
accumulate with a cell, the cell can be damaged, or worse.
Antioxidant vitamins have the power to bring
these free radicals under control. They do this by meeting
the free radicals’ most
basic needs, by giving them the electrons they need to be stable.
Thus, the antioxidant vitamins remove the free radicals’ motive
for aggression and crime -- their motive to attack other
molecules to steal their electrons, thereby creating still
more free radicals
-- and bring an end to the free radical crime wave that threatened
the very existence of their world and restore social order
and peace to their world, the cell, and perhaps even to their
universe, the body.
The primary antioxidant vitamins are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and
Vitamin A. They do not become free radical themselves when they
give an electron to the unstable molecule, because they have the
special capacity to remain stable with or without the electron.
It is through this interaction with the free radicals that the
antioxidant vitamins are able to assist in the prevention of damage
to tissues and cells that could lead to disease.
Numerous studies have found that the antioxidant vitamins may
offer protection against a variety of cancers. Other studies have
associated antioxidant vitamins with helping to lower blood pressure.
Controlling free radicals, as the antioxidant vitamins do, is thought
to be an important part of defending the body and the mind against
the effects of aging. In addition to continuous studies concerning
antioxidant vitamins potential in preventing cancers, heart disease,
and diabetes related conditions, researchers are also paying close
attention to the possibilities antioxidant vitamins may hold for
Alzheimer's disease.
Dietary supplements offer a safe and convenient means of meeting
the suggested daily intake requirements of these powerful antioxidant
vitamins, provided that the standard dosage recommendations are
followed. The chemical balance that allows the body to operate
at peak performance can be seriously disrupted by taking too much
of any supplement. A licensed nutritionist or your health care
provider can best advise you on the dosage most suitable to your
individual dietary needs and health goals.
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