The human body is one of the wonderful mechanisms of the nature. The body is built by genes through cell generation, nourished by nature through natural food and air and is finally destroyed by the gradual damage of the cells. The process by which we age and by which most of the diseases happen is through the damage to the cells.
The cell damage is caused by free radicals present in the body. Free radicals are “atoms or groups of atoms with an odd, unpaired number of electrons”. For example, sodium that is present in salt as sodium chloride has the chemical structure, Na. When it loses an electron, it becomes positively charged and is chemically represented as Na +. Similarly, there are negatively charged particles. In nature, everything balances to a state of equilibrium, for instance, water flows from a higher level to lower level. Hence, these charged particles are highly reactive.
Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules in the body. Once formed, they start a chain reaction by reacting with the molecules in the cells and, in the process, damage the cells. To respond to this challenge, the body has a defensive mechanism through an army of molecules called antioxidants. They interact with the free radicals, neutralize them (i.e. make them neutral) and terminate the chain reaction, thereby preventing the damage to the cells.
Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants—along with vitamin C and beta-carotene—available for this task, scavenging in the body for free radicals. Although the term “vitamin E” looks like a single term, it is actually a family of eight molecules called tocopherols and tocotreinols in different structures called alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Vitamin E is soluble in fats and is found mostly in oil (sunflower, soya, palm) and in vegetables such as spinach and fruits such as kiwi. Of the eight forms, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols are predominantly found in the body. Very little is known about the functions of tocotreinols.
It is believed that vitamin E protects against certain diseases like heart disease, cancer and arthritis, but no conclusive clinical results have been established to prove the validity of this hypothesis. Hence, it is recommended that a medical practitioner be consulted before taking vitamin E supplements.
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Benefits Of Vitamin E
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Oxygen is one of the primary components of nature that supports life. The same oxygen, when inside the body, through certain molecules, becomes overly reactive and starts causing damage through the formation of free radicals. This is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant,...
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Vitamin E is part of a family of eight compounds, tocopherols and tocotreinols with their variants, alpha, beta, gamma and delta. These compounds have a basic chromanol ring (chroman ring with an alcoholic hydroxyl group) and a 12-carbon aliphatic side chain containing methyl groups. These...
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Vitamin C prevents many debilitating diseases and increases the body’s immunity. This vitamin can be taken with or without food. In addition to medical supplements, some excellent sources of Vitamin C include parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens,...
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The human body doesn’t synthesize vitamin E. Even though there are enzyme systems, vitamin C and beta-carotene take care of the body defensive mechanism against free radicals. Vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant is needed for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases like heart...
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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; thioctic acid; lipoic acid) is a coenzyme that is a very potent antioxidant. A body exposed to free radicals becomes more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and liver damage. ALA, sometimes called the “universal” antioxidants holds the capacity to neutralize...
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Benefits Of Vitamin C
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Vitamin C prevents many debilitating diseases and increases the body’s immunity. It is more popular as a cell protector, immunity booster and powerful antioxidant. Ligaments, tendons and collagen rely on Vitamin C to stay strong and healthy. It also helps in recycling other antioxidants. As...
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Vitamin E is described as the “lightening rod” of the cell, allowing reactive molecules to strike the cell without damaging it. This is apparent in the case of skin, where vitamin E protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin E-rich foods, when taken, can directly...
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Alpha Lipoic Acid Information
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Alpha lipoic acid is the name given to an antioxidant commonly used as prevention for numerous diseases. It is also widely known by the acronym ALA. Its primary function is it increases the production of a substance called glutathione. Glutathione is responsible for dissolving toxic...