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Below we have added some information regarding antioxidants and free radicals and the way that they can impact on our health as well as the aging process when antioxidants are in short supply. Some antioxidants are also discussed - like Vitamins C, E, A, Selenium, Co-enzyme Q10, Grape seed... |
Below we have added some information regarding antioxidants and free radicals and the way that they can impact on our health as well as the aging process when antioxidants are in short supply. Some antioxidants are also discussed - like Vitamins C, E, A, Selenium, Co-enzyme Q10, Grape seed extract and Green tea. We acknowledge the vitamin manufacturer - Zest for Life, for the information supplied and for further reading please visit www.anyvitamins.com
Information found on this page:
When we talk about antioxidants we are really referring to a class of vitamin and nutritional ingredients that help fight and rid the body of free radicals - the gremlins that can cause untold damage to your body.
The importance of antioxidants is nowadays accepted by even the most conservative medical fields, and people find great benefit from these nutritional ingredients in achieving optimum health.
Antioxidants are required for
When the cells and body carry on their daily functions, oxygen is used in the process and oxidation takes place - and although these are normal functions, they do cause free radicals and the waste material of these processes can have an influence on the forming of cancer, arterial damage, inflammation, and accelerated aging through oxidative damage.
They are also caused by a diet high in fried and barbequed foods, pollution, radiation, etc. For more on free radicals please click here.
The main sources of antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, plus its precursor beta carotene as well as Bioflavonoids (vitamin P) and other powerful antioxidant sources such as Selenium, Co-enzyme Q10, Grape seed extract and Green tea. To read more on these ingredients, please click here to go to the bottom of the page where they are discussed in more detail.
Deficiency of antioxidants
It is thought that a shortage of antioxidants could cause, or assist in causing, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, macular degeneration (eye lens degeneration), measles, mental illness, periodontal disease, respiratory tract infection as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
By adding enough antioxidants to the diet, there is less oxidation stress, and aging is also slowed down.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Toxicity may occur if high amounts of the fat soluble vitamins, like vitamin A and E are taken. Please see the bottom of the page for more information regarding this.
When more may be required
Should you continually be prone to infections, easy bruising, slow wound healing, excessive wrinkling of the skin you might be in need of extra antioxidants.
Enemy of antioxidants
Fried and barbequed food, pollution, radiation.
Food sources of antioxidants
Berries, grapes, tomatoes, broccoli, red/orange/yellow vegetable and fruits, nuts, peas, broad beans, carrots, watermelon, etc.
Free radicals are formed during the process of the oxidation in the body. To understand this better think of untreated iron and air - when the iron is left exposed to the elements rust will form - oxidation will occur.
In our bodies oxygen is transported through the bloodstream to where it is required for normal cell function. One problem however exists with the oxygen where it could be lacking in the number of electrons it holds. In order to keep the electron states stable the molecules then obtain electrons from other molecules, which sets off a chain reaction.
The problem with the oxygen could be with the quality of oxygen as such, including pollution, cigarette smoke, as well as other environmental factors outside the body and certain problems within the body as well.
Other factors can lead to the production of free radicals as well, such as the exposure to radiation from the sun or from medical X-rays as well as environmental pollution and the diet we all ingest. When the body oxidizes the food to obtain the nutrients and energy, oxygen is used and unpaired electrons are released.
Free radicals are these altered, unpaired oxygen molecules which can cause a great deal of trouble in the body. They are a great contributing factor to the clogging of arteries.
Not all free radicals produced by the body are harmful and indeed, free radicals produced by the immune system help to destroy viruses and bacteria. Others are involved in producing vital hormones and activating enzymes that are needed for life itself.
The problem arises where there are excessive free radicals in the body which damage the cells and tissues, and the over-abundance of the free radicals create even more free radicals in the body.
In very high volumes free radicals can alter the genetic code material of cells themselves. Mutations that are formed by free radicals can lead to leukemia and other types of cancer as well as a host of other diseases.
Not only can free radicals cause disease but can also damage the protective cell membrane, this leads to retention of fluids in the cells, which is involved in the aging process.
To fight these free radicals, antioxidants can be taken into the diet, which neutralize and destroy the free radicals, helping to detoxify and protect the body.
Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Bioflavonoids, Green tea, Selenium, Co-enzyme Q 10 and Grape seed extract are all considered effective antioxidants, and it might be advisable to add an antioxidant to your daily supplement intake.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, the antiscorbutic vitamin, L-xyloascorbic acid and L-threo-hex-2-uronic acidy-lactone, is a much talked about vitamin, with people claiming it as a cure-all for may diseases and problems - from cancer to the common cold.
Yet, this miracle vitamin cannot be manufactured by the body, and needs to be ingested.
Vitamin C is required for
Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants.
Because vitamin C is a biological reducing agent, it is also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening of the walls of the capillaries.
Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, to help protect against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections, and is thought to enhance the immune system and help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis.
Deficiency of Vitamin C
When there is a shortage of vitamin C, various problems can arise, although scurvy is the only disease clinically treated with vitamin C. However, a shortage of vitamin C may result in "pinpoint" hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily, poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums and loose teeth.
Edema (water retention) also happens with a shortage of vitamin C, and weakness, a lack of energy, poor digestion, painful joints and bronchial infections and colds are also indicative of an under-supply.
Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
The RDA is 60 mg, per day - yet this amount will only prevent you from picking up scurvy and more recent studies suggest that an intake between 200 - 1,000 mg per day may be the most beneficial for healthy people.
The recommend dosage for pregnant or lactating women is 75-95 mg per day.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Since ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, toxic levels are not built-up or stored in the body, and any excess is lost mostly through urine.
If extremely large amounts are taken gastrointestinal problems may appear, but will normalize when the intake is cut or reduced. To determine a level where a person might experience discomfort is difficult, since some people can easily stomach up to 25,000 mg per day, while others start having a problem at 600 or 1,000 mg.
Some people using mega-dose therapy of vitamin C may have side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints including diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps. These side effects normally stop as soon as high potency intake is reduced or stopped. Best used with bioflavonoids.
Vitamin C will be more effective if taken with bioflavonoids, calcium and magnesium. To enhance the antioxidant properties, it would be best to take it with the other antioxidants, as there is strong evidence of synergy between all of them.
When more Vitamin C may be required
Mega doses of vitamin C should be avoided in individuals with a history of renal stones due to oxalate formation or hemochromatosis or other diseases related to excessive iron accumulation.
Extremely high doses of vitamin C may predispose premature infants to hemolytic anemia due to the fragility of their red blood cells.
The need for vitamin C will dramatically increase at times when the body is subjected to trauma, infections, and strenuous exercise, elevated environmental temperatures or if the person is a smoker. Smokers should supplement with another 100 mg per day.
Be careful of taking aspirin and vitamin C together - it may cause stomach irritation.
Enemy of Vitamin C
Antagonists that destroy this vitamin are air, heat, water as well as prolonged storage, overcooking and processing.
Antacids, alcohol, antidepressants, birth control pills and steroids will also deplete this vitamin.
Ongoing research is looking at the clinical use of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
Food sources of Vitamin C
Good sources of vitamin C are green leafy vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, guavas, tomatoes, melons, papayas etc.
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, has earned itself a reputation - from spicing up your sex life to banning wrinkles and old age. One of the most important functions of this vitamin is its antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that includes eight naturally occurring compounds in two classes designated as tocopherols and tocotrienols. Vitamin E is an effective chain-breaking, lipid-soluble antioxidant in biological membranes, and aids in membrane stability.
Vitamin E is required for
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, protects your cells from oxidation, and neutralizes unstable free radicals, which can cause damage. This is done by the vitamin E giving up one of its electrons to the electron deficient free radical, making it more stable. While vitamin E performs its antioxidant functions, it also protects the other antioxidants from being oxidized.
This antioxidant capability is then also great in helping to prevent degenerative diseases - including heart disease, strokes, arthritis, senility, diabetes and cancer. It also assists in fighting heart disease and cancers and is essential for red blood cells, helps with cellular respiration and protects the body from pollution - especially the lungs.
Vitamin E is also useful in preventing blood clots from forming and promotes fertility, reduces and/or prevents hot flushes in menopause. An increase in stamina and endurance is also attributed to vitamin E.
Vitamin E is also used topically to great effect for skin treatments - in helping the skin look younger, promoting healing and cutting down the risk of scar tissue forming. Used on the skin it is also reported to help with eczema, skin ulcers, cold sores and shingles.
Deficiency of Vitamin E
Deficiency of vitamin E is not common, and the symptoms not very clear cut, but may include fatigue, inflamed varicose veins, slow wounds healing, premature aging and sub-fertility. When vitamin E is in short supply symptoms may include acne, anemia, muscle disease, dementia, cancers, gallstones, shortened red blood cell life-span, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and uterine degeneration.
Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
Males 300 iu (10 mg) per day and females 8 mg per day
Toxicity and symptoms of high Vitamin E intake
Toxicity is not easily reached. High intakes may induce diarrhea, nausea or abdominal wind. People on anticoagulant medication should not take more than 1,200 iu per day.
Best used with
Take vitamin E with a range of antioxidants - those being vitamin C, beta-carotene and selenium. Vitamin B group vitamins as well as inositol and manganese is also indicated.
When more Vitamin E may be required
When your diet is high in refined carbohydrates, fried foods and fat, or if you are taking a birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy, then a supplement of vitamin E might be called for. People suffering from pre-menstrual cramps, menopausal hot flushes, after a stroke or suffering from a heart disease might benefit from vitamin E. It might also be beneficial to relieve painful or swollen joints, if you are exposed to pollution (that is about all of us), suffer from poor circulation or from Dupuytren's disease, which is a thickening of the ligaments in the hands.
Enemy of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is lost in food processing which includes milling, cooking, freezing, long storage periods and when exposed to air. Vitamin E should not be taken together with inorganic iron supplements as it may destroy the vitamin, while organic iron, such as ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate does not affect the vitamin.
Other interesting points
When buying a supplement you often see "d-alpha-tocopherol" on the list of ingredients - that means that the vitamin E is from natural sources, whereas "dl-alpha-tocopherol" will indicate that it is from synthetic origin. As such the origin of the vitamin does not influence the efficiency thereof.
Food sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in nuts, oils, vegetables, sunflower seeds, whole grains, spinach, seeds, wheat oils, asparagus, avocado, beef, seafood, apples, carrots, celery etc.
Vitamin A, also referred to as retinol and beta-carotene, and carotene can be obtained from either animal or vegetable sources. The animal form is divided between retinol and dehydroretinol whereas the vegetable carotene can be split into four very potent groups - alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene and crypto-carotene. With enough beta-carotene available in the body, the body can manufacture its own vitamin A.
Vitamin A is required for
Vitamin A is required for night vision, and for a healthy skin. It assists the immune system, and because of its antioxidant properties is great to protect against pollution and cancer formation and other diseases. It also assists your sense of taste as well as helping the digestive and urinary tracts and many believe that it helps slow aging.
It is required for development and maintenance of the epithelial cells in the mucus membranes, and your skin, and is important in the formation of bone and teeth, storage of fat and the synthesis of protein and glycogen.
Deficiency of Vitamin A
A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to eye problems with dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, dry skin and hair, night blindness as well as poor growth. Dry itchy eyes that tire easily are normally a warning of too little vitamin A. If the deficiency becomes severe, the cornea can ulcerate and permanent blindness can follow.
Abscesses forming in the ear, sinusitis, frequent colds and respiratory infections, as well as skin disorders, such as acne, boils and a bumpy skin, as well as weight loss might be indicative of the vitamin being in short supply. Insomnia, fatigue and reproductive difficulties may also be indicative of the vitamin in short supply.
Your hair and scalp can also become dry with a deficiency, especially if protein is also lacking.
Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
Male 5,000 IU per day (1,000 µg equivalent), female 4,000 IU per day (800 µg retinol equivalent), although 10,000 IU per day is normally used in supplementation.
Toxicity and symptoms of high Vitamin A intake
Dosages exceeding 15,000 IU per day must be taken under medical supervision. Toxicity can appear in some individuals at relatively low dosages and the symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, menstrual problems, skin changes and dryness, itchiness, irritability, vomiting and long term use can cause hair loss, bone and muscle pain, headache, liver damage, and an increase in blood lipid concentrations.
Pregnant women must be careful as a high intake of this vitamin can cause birth defects. Pro-vitamin A - beta-carotene does not cause toxicity. Be careful if you in the unlikely event run across polar bear on a menu - 500 gram (about ½ a pound) of polar bear liver will deliver about 9,000,000 IU to your diet - a very lethal dose. Headaches, blurred vision, loss of hair, drowsiness and diarrhea, enlargement of the spleen and liver can all be indications when your intake is too high.
Best used with
Take vitamin A with B group vitamins, vitamins C, D and E, choline, essential fatty acids together with calcium, phosphorus and zinc for the best results.
When more Vitamin A may be required
More of this vitamin is required when you consume alcohol, are on a low-fat diet, or a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, if you smoke or live in a polluted area. It may also be indicated if you suffer from diabetes or have an under-active thyroid gland. Be careful of vitamin A in pregnancy.
Enemy of Vitamin A
Retinol is destroyed by light, high temperatures as well as when using copper or iron cooking utensils. Beta-carotene rich vegetables and fruit must not be soaked in water for long periods, since the nutrients can be lost.
Other interesting points
There seems to be no toxicity when ingesting large amounts of beta-carotene - you might however have a slightly orange colored skin, as the carotene gets stored in the skin.
Food sources of Vitamin A
Liver, milk, egg-yolk, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables and yellow fruits are high in vitamin A or beta-carotene.
Bioflavonoids also called vitamin P are not strictly speaking a vitamin, but for easy classification, we are listing it as a vitamin. The term bioflavonoids refers to many different ingredients and includes hesperin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, quercertrin, rutin etc. This nutrient cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet.
Vitamin P is required for
Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C and for this reason should be taken together. Bioflavonoids are effectively used in the treatment of sport injuries as they are pain relieving. They may also be used in relieving pain in the legs, across the back and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes.
Bioflavonoids may also be active in preserving the structures of capillaries, have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation. They may be indicated in the production of bile, lowering blood cholesterol levels and in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Bioflavonoids are thought to enhance the absorption of vitamin C, and possibly to prolong the effectiveness of it.
These are super active substances, and can add a great deal to your nutritional needs in health and disease.
This nutrient acts together with vitamin C to help maintain the thin walls of the capillaries, therefore preventing bleeding or bruising. Bioflavonoids have been linked to having an antibacterial effect, stimulating bile production, promoting circulation and even assisting with fighting allergies, asthma etc.
Deficiency of Vitamin P
If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since they help with the absorption of iron.
Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient.
In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Very high dosages of bioflavonoids may cause diarrhea.
Best used with
Bioflavonoids should be taken with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.
Other interesting points
Absorption of the bioflavonoids can be a bit slow, but small amounts can be stored in the body.
If you are suffering from cold sores, consider taking a supplement of 1,000-mg vitamin C and 1,000 mg bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day.
A daily intake of vitamin C and bioflavonoids may make you less susceptible to cold sores.
Food sources of Bioflavonoids - Vitamin P
Bioflavonoids are found in the white material just beneath citrus peel, as well as in peppers, grapes, pine bark, onions, garlic, blue and red berries, green tea as well as buckwheat.
A couple of years ago, selenium used to be treated as a very toxic substance, but modern science now regards it as essential - but in small quantities. An overdose or deficiency of selenium is equally bad, and good steady amounts should be available - but in small quantities.
Selenium is required for
One of the main activities of this mineral is its anti-aging properties and its ability to help rid the body of free radicals, as well as toxic minerals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. It is helpful in fighting infections since it stimulates increased antibody response to infections, promotes more energy in the body, and while it helps with alleviating menopausal symptoms in women, it assists the male in producing healthy sperm.
In certain cases selenium has also proven effective in helping to fight cold sores and shingles, which are both caused by the herpes virus. Some researchers have shown that in selenium-deficient animals a harmless virus can mutate into a virulent form capable of causing damage and death - this has also been followed up with other studies, which seem to indicate that selenium helps to keep the spread and multiplying of viruses in check.
Selenium is also used against arthritis and multiple sclerosis and if provided in adequate amounts it is thought to help prevent cancer as well. Tissue elasticity and pancreatic function is also dependant on this mineral.
In a study it was shown that selenium could be useful in treating certain cancers, and is also helpful in making the blood less "sticky", which is helpful in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Dosage
The dosage is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and 70 micrograms per day is taken as the required dosage.
Toxicity and symptoms of high Selenium intake
As mentioned earlier - selenium is toxic and too large quantities may result in hair loss, tooth decay, brittle nails, white spots, poor appetite, sour taste in the mouth, loss of feeling in the hands and feet, change in skin pigmentation and the breath may have a garlic smell.
Best used with
Selenium should always be taken with vitamins E, A and beta-carotene, and it is preferable when taking a supplement to take selenium in the form of selenocysteine or selenomethionine, which are both organic.
People with yeast intolerance should check the source of the selenium used in the supplement, as certain manufacturers obtain selenium from yeast.
When more Selenium may be required
Men need more selenium than women as it is lost in the seminal fluid, and people staying in areas where the soil is poor in selenium, should also pay attention to their selenium intake.
Food sources of Selenium
Brazil nuts are excellent sources of selenium, but are also found in whole grains and shellfish.
This powerful and naturally occurring compound - co-enzyme Q10 promotes chemical reactions, protecting the body from free radicals, and is also called ubiquinone. Some disagreement exists regarding its classification, where some are of the opinion that it is in reality a vitamin or vitamin-like substance.
Co-enzyme Q10 is required for
Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally present in foods, and can be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tyrosine during a multistage (17 stages) process requiring eight vitamins and several trace elements.
One of the best-known effects of this compound is its antioxidant qualities as well as the control it exercises on the flow of oxygen within cells, assistance with cardiovascular functioning, the production of energy, its assistance with absorption of other nutrients as well as its immune boosting properties.
Studies on mice showed an increase of 50% extension of life span.
It is the co-enzyme Q10 that is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes as well as other enzymes in the cell. The mitochondrial enzymes are essential for the production of high-energy adenosine phosphates (ATP).
It has been found to be effective with a variety of health problems, and great promise has been shown in assisting with cancer treatment, protecting patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Studies showed that patients taking 90 mg of this compound experienced less pain and increase in appetite and decreased metastases.
Studies using 300 -900 mg, reported partial or total remission. People who stay thin and slim, yet eat a lot have much higher levels of this compound in their blood, and it also assists with fuel efficiency within the cells, which also assists weight loss.
People suffering from periodontal disease may also be deficient in this compound, as it has a protective and strengthening action in all tissues. (This is why it is also beneficial to the heart muscle.)
Deficiency of Co-enzyme Q10
When we are deficient of this compound in our system, our general health will start deteriorating and should levels drop 25% below the optimum levels, many diseases may start progressing, diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and weight gain.
People suffering from congestive heart failure and taking co-enzyme Q10 should NOT stop taking it suddenly since sudden withdrawal may intensify the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Dosage
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
No recommendation has been set.
Toxicity and symptoms of high Co-enzyme Q10 intake
Toxicity and side effects are not known, but pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should not take it in supplement form.
In extreme dosages, such as 600 - 1200 mg per day, headaches, heartburn, fatigue, diarrhea and skin reactions have been reported.
Best used with
Since the compounds are fat soluble, it is best to take it with dietary fat present.
When more may be required
Should the liver perform under par, it cannot manufacture Q10 from the other Q coenzymes, and this production also diminishes with age.
People suffering from angina, HIV, male infertility, diabetes, periodontal disease, high blood pressure, cancer and receiving chemotherapy could benefit from an increase in CoQ10.
Food sources of Co-enzyme Q10
Good sources are found in beef, soy, mackerel, sardines, spinach, peanuts, soybeans and vegetable oil.
This natural compound, extracted from the seeds of grapes helps to protect cells from the damage caused by oxidation and free radicals and also promotes healthy circulation.
Procyanidolic oligomer - grapeseed extract - is beneficial in treating degenerative and deteriorating diseases because of the potent antioxidant qualities it has.
Some expensive supplements, derived from pine bark, contain 85% proanthocyanidin while grapeseed extract contains 95% proanthocyanidin.
It helps increase the effectiveness of vitamin C by acting as a carrier and as a restorer of oxidized vitamin C by working with glutathione.
These nutrients belong to the flavonoid family. The action of this nutrient is to act as an antioxidant and stabilize collagen and elastin - both important proteins in connective tissues, as well as blood vessels and muscles.
Although they are not essential nutrients to the body they do have a part to play in achieving optimum health.
These nutrients are water-soluble and free of side effects since excess is simply excreted in the urine. Another positive effect of these flavonoids in the body is the sparing of consumption of vitamin C.
PCOs help with increasing intra cellular vitamin C levels, decreasing capillary permeability and fragility, scavenges oxidants and free radicals and uniquely binds to collagen in order to protect it from destruction.
The wise Chinese have used green tea for centuries and for good reason, these humble leaves have become the darling of Western nutritionally aware people, since they have great antioxidant properties, combat mental fatigue and are also used with great effect by people who suffer from various forms of cancer.
Green tea is required for
Green tea is used for its antioxidant properties, to help fight mental and physical fatigue, its general health enhancing properties, in the fight against cancer, helps to prevent blood clotting tendencies, lowers blood cholesterol levels and the regulation of blood sugar levels. It is also used in weight loss programs, since it is helpful to those individuals busy with weight loss.
It contains various compounds such as catechin, epigaltocatechin, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, fluoride, gallic acid, polyphenols, tannin, theophylline, vitamin C as well as a small amount of caffeine.
Deficiency of green tea
No specific deficiencies will result from not ingesting green tea, since it is not an essential nutritional ingredient.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
People suffering from anxiety disorder, irregular heartbeat, or when pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to limit their intake of green tea.
When more green tea may be required
When tired or generally fatigued, green tea could help you regain your zest for life again.
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