The Naturopaths guide to:
VITAMINS AND ANTIOXIDANTS
WHY DOES MY DIET NEED TO BE RICH IN VITAMINS AND ANTIOXIDANTS?
Vitamins
Vitamins are chemically substances (meaning they contain carbon) essential for regulating both the metabolic functions within the cells and the biochemical processes that release energy from food. In addition, evidence shows that certain vitamins also act as antioxidants – substances that protect tissues from cell damage and possibly help prevent a number of degenerative diseases.
Except for Vitamins D and Vitamin K, the human body cannot manufacture vitamins on its own, so they must be ingested in food or nutritional supplements. There are 13 known vitamins that can be categorised as either fat-soluble vitamins ( vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) or water-soluble vitamins ( the eight B group Vitamins and Vitamin C). The distinction is important because the body stores fat soluble vitamins for long periods (months or even years) so toxicity from accumulation is a risk; on the other hand, water soluble vitamins (except for vitamin B12) remain in the body for a short period of time and must be replenished more frequently.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful free radical fighters.
Although oxygen is essential for life, it can also have adverse effects on your body. In the normal process of using oxygen, chemical changers that create reactive unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals occur in the body: these free radicals can damage cells and structures within the cells, including genetic material.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
The best known antioxidants. The mineral selenium is also an antioxidant as are carotenoids such as beta-carotene (carrot), and lycopene (cooked tomatoes).
Enzymes
Other compounds (e.g. glutathione) are manufactured by the cells themselves also act as antioxidants. A number of other substances, including certain herbs may also act as antioxidants ( e.g. green tea, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, cinnamon) are all thought to have antioxidant properties.
Free Radicals
If genetic material is affected, it can be replicated in new cells, contributing to cancer or other health issues.
Free radicals may also weaken artery walls, allowing to fatty deposits that can lead to heart disease.
Cells have special agents for combating free radicals and repairing molecular damage. These are called antioxidants. A lot of research suggests that antioxidants may play important roles in preventing or delaying heart disease, cancer, other ills, and may even slow down the effects of ageing.
Ask us about the latest and most powerful supplement, antioxidants and vitamins that science has to date produced.
To maximise nutrition, benefit will be obtained from a supplement, but only if it reaches cell level.
AND only if the body is undernourished in the nutrition provided.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented on this website should not be considered complete, or taken in the place of a medical consultation for diagnosis and treatment, with a healthcare professional.
