Antioxidants and the Immune System - Rosha's Remedies, Herbal remedies for you and your pet

Antioxidants are known for their role as a preventive aid in controlling excess oxidation caused by free radicals in the body. There is a group of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes called antioxidants that help to protect the body from the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that can cause cell damage, impairing the immune system and leading to infections and various degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They are produced when chemical reactions occur in the body that causes oxidation reactions that get out of control. They are unstable portions of molecules produced from oxygen and fats. The antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that either absorb the extra energy released or break down the free radicals to prevent them from getting out of control.

Free radicals occur with basic body functions and are usually controlled by the body, but some dietary excesses have been linked to free radical damage. Polyunsaturated fats are thought to be easily converted to free radicals. Salad dressing, oils, fried foods and most junk foods contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats that are linked to free radical production and cell damage. The cell membranes involved in the immune system contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are highly susceptible to oxidation and free radical damage. These membranes are essential in the immune system response.

Free radical scavengers occur naturally in the body. These scavengers neutralize the free radicals. There are a number of nutrients that act as antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and sulfur. The hormone melatonin, is a powerful free radical neutralizer. Certain herbs have antioxidant properties as well.

Bilberry is a strong antioxidant that keeps capillary walls strong and flexible. It also helps to maintain the flexibility of the walls of red blood cells and allows them to pass through the capillaries better. This herb also supports and strengthens collagen structures, inhibits the growth of bacteria, acts as an anti-inflammatory and has anti-aging and anticarcinogenic effects.

Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antioxidant herb that is best known for its ability to enhance circulation. It has the ability to squeeze through the narrowest of blood vessels to increase the supply of oxygen to the heart, brain and all other body parts. It also lowers blood pressure, inhibits blood clotting, and has anti-aging properties.

Green Tea contains numerous compounds, including the flavonoid catechin, that have antioxidant and health-enhancing properties. It protects against cancer, lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces the clotting tendency of the blood. It is used also as a weight loss aid that can promote the burning of fat and help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.

Milk Thistle has the ability to protect against free radical damage. It is especially healing on the liver, which is essential to a healthy immune system. It has been used to protect the kidneys, brain and other organs from damage due to toxins, to treat allergic reactions, reduce inflammation, and heal infections.

A diet rich in food sources and supplements of antioxidants can help. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Beta-carotene is a water-soluble form of vitamin A. Good food sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green vegetables, spinach, squash and broccoli. Yellow fruits, apricots, peaches, nectarines and tomatoes are all good sources. Vitamin C sources include oranges, strawberries, melons, green peppers, grapefruit, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Selenium can be found in tuna, ham, poultry, shellfish, and whole grains.

Increasing the amounts of foods rich in antioxidant properties while adding a supplement ( Nature's Antioxidant's) may help the body increase its immune capabilities.

Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only, and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. I am not claming that the product will cure any of these diseases or that I created them to cure these disorders. I am merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions. Always consult with a qualified health practitioner before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for serious or life threatening illnesses.