To win the health battle against free radicals and the oxidation process that impairs our health by bringing on disease and rapid aging, we must have more antioxidants, a lot more. Free radicals are entering our bodies in larger amounts each day, due to our environment, our new technologies, and as we age.

There are four essential antioxidants required to win the health battle with free radicals. Let's explore these and other important antioxidants in more detail. They are:

Glutathione

Glutathione is within every cell and protects fatty tissues from free radicals. It is required for the normal functioning of a healthy immune system. In their normal operation the cells of the immune system produce many oxiradicals (free radicals), resulting in a need for significantly more antioxidants than most cells. Glutathione plays a crucial role in providing the needed antioxidants for improved health.

There is an abundant supply of Glutathione in the liver. Most of the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The blood carries important nutrients to the liver where they are metabolized into substances vital to our health. The blood also carries toxic substances to the liver, such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, medications and other toxins, where they are removed from the blood.

Cysteine

Cysteine is a sulfur containing non-essential amino acid which is critical to the metabolism of the antioxidant glutathione. It is important for body detoxification, and to provide the healthy elasticity and texture for your skin, nails, and hair. General sources are natural meats, vegetables and whole grains.

Polyphenols

The second most abundant class of substances in nature, polyphenols include tannins and flavonoids. Many of these have highly significant antioxidant properties which play a key role in our health by reducing triglycerides and the prevention of cancer in humans. The main source of polyphenol antioxidants is nutritional, and they are found, abundantly, in brightly colored plant foods.

Anthocyanins

These are antioxidant flavonoids, and 4,000 different flavonoids, from plants, have been identified. Of these, anthocyanin flavonoids have the strongest antioxidizing power, making them the most important antioxidant of the plant pigments. They have a stunning array of health benefits. Studies have confirmed that cyanidins, found in most fruit sources of anthocyanins, are four times more powerful an antioxidant than vitamin E. They have the highest antioxidative capacity against the most destructive free radicals, superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. Blackberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of any fruit. Red cabbage anthocyanins protect against oxidative stress from the insecticide toxin paraquat.

Anthocyanin flavonoids also protect large and small blood vessels from oxidative damage stemming from high blood-sugar levels that cause complications in diabetics. They also are a strong deterrent to a major source of oxidants in the body, the dangerous hydroxyl radical-generating system.

Vitamin E

One of the most recognized antioxidants, Vitamin E includes a set of 8 related tocopherols and tocotrienols, that are fat-soluble vitamins providing antioxidant properties. Of these, alpha-tocopherol, has the highest bioavailability, which the body absorbs more easily. It is one of the most important soluble antioxidants, protecting cell membranes from oxidation. It helps prevent oxidation by working together with a group of nutrients which includes vitamin C, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin B3 (niacin). Vitamin E protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV light). Also, vitamin E ointment applied to the skin will prevent UV damage. Raw sunflower seeds, almonds and olives supply large amounts of Vitamin E.

Selenium is a trace mineral that is only needed in small amounts in the body to help develop the antioxidants we need for health. It can help treat or prevent heart disease and arthritis. Niacin assists in removing toxins and harmful chemicals from the body. Also, it is effective in improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbate acid, Vitamin C is a well known antioxidant for our health, and is required for metabolism. It assists in protecting cells from free radical damage, improves the supply of vitamin E, and aids in iron absorption. It is not made internally by our bodies, so it must be acquired by eating natural foods rich in Vitamin C, or through natural supplements. Red bell peppers, broccoli and brussel sprouts supply more vitamin C than oranges.

The supply of antioxidants necessary for health and anti-aging is best acquired from natural foods and natural supplements, both vitamins and minerals.