OXIDATION (Definition)

A MOLECULE IS OXIDIZED when it has lost an electron and needs to get one back. "Free-Radicals" are one type of oxidized molecules.

If molecule #1 is oxidized and needs an electron it may take steal it from its neighbor #2. Then #2 may take an electron from #3 and so on down the line until the final molecule is too weak to take an electron from any of its neighbors.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM

If #1 steals an electron from your DNA or the membrane surrounding a nerve, it can cause structural damage that can predispose to cancer or other medical problems. All tissues are susceptible to this type of "oxidative damage."

Our cells use electrons for energy and this leaves behind many molecules that have lost their electrons. True, this is a normal part of cellular metabolism, but it is also causes many problems and is one of the main causes of the aging process.

ANTIOXIDANT (DEFINITION)

An "Antioxidant" is a molecule that can give up an electron. Your DNA can act as an antioxidant, but this causes problems. It is better to have other antioxidant sources available to protect your cells and their contents.

THE SOLUTION

Make sure there are lots of spare electrons around so the free-radicals will not have to rob important cellular structures. Vitamin C, for example, readily donates an electron. Yes, the Vitamin C is then changed but since it is not part of your body this does cause damage.

TYPES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

FAT SOLUBLE: The membranes of our cells are made of essential fatty acids, cholesterol and other fat-like chemicals (lipids). They are called "lipid membranes." A "fat soluble" antioxidant molecule can protect the cell membrane and enter the cell to protect other parts of the cell that are surrounded by lipid membranes. It can not dissolve in the blood so it must be transported attached to another molecule.

WATER SOLUBLE: A water soluble antioxidant works in the blood. It must be specially transported into the cell because it can not dissolve in the lipid membrane. A water soluble antioxidant can protect areas of the inside of the cell that contain water.

COMBINED: Some antioxidants, Alpha Lipoic Acid for example, are both fat and water soluble. These can provide protection almost anywhere in the body.

THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

There are many molecules with Antioxidant abilities. Each one has its own particular action. Some work alone, some in combination with others. Therefore, several different antioxidants are needed to protect different areas of the body.