Up the ante to foil free radicals
Boosting your antioxidant intake may minimise the risk of health problems, including obesity and the ageing process
Free radicals are believed to play a role in 60 different health conditions, including cancer and hardening of the arteries; reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing intake of antioxidant nutrients may reduce the risk of free radical-related health problems.
Free radicals are highly reactive compounds created in the body during normal metabolic functions as well as from pollutants in the atmosphere; simply put, antioxidants help reduce the energy in free radicals, interrupt their oxidising chain reaction and perhaps prevent them forming within the body in the first place.
Environmental sources of free radicals include industry emissions, x-rays, automobile exhaust, heavy metals, cigarette smoke, household chemicals and even sun exposure. In today’s world it’s almost impossible to avoid them!
However, it is possible to target antioxidants to combat the problem, starting with improving daily nutrition and supplementing with the ‘building blocks’ the body needs to produce enzymes – like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GP) – that neutralise many free radicals. (Manganese, zinc and copper are the nutrients for SOD, selenium for GP.) In addition to enzymes, many vitamins, minerals and amino acids act as antioxidants: vitamins C and E, lutein (from greens like spinach), lycopene (from cooked tomato products) and cysteine (an amino acid in most high protein foods). Add in natural herbal products like bilberry, grape seed extract, aloe vera and you have the full complement.
Not everyone has the time or opportunity to take in every nutrient in its natural form, ideal though that would be. One might also tire of a diet of spinach and kale doused in tomato sauce and served with raw egg yolks on a daily basis! So a supplement may be the answer.
Personally, I recommend Antoxida, labelled as ‘the ultimate antioxidant functional food supplement with grapeseed extract and aloe vera.’ I have yet to find a formula at the price that’s this exceptional, as it also contains vitamins A, C and E, zinc, selenium and L-Cysteine. Aloe vera, of course, is also recommended for people with arthritis and IBS, so Antoxida – with its 200:1 aloe concentrate – is a great all-rounder for mature people. Manufactured exclusively for Turbeck UK (00 44 800 174545), it’s available mail-order in bulk. I would add, though, as with every supplement, not everyone finds it works for them. I’ve known people for whom the formula is too strong, who exhibit some bowel discomfort. So testing it first is a benefit. My year’s supply has just arrived, so just e-mail me or call 99 170406 if you want a sample pot.
Taking individual antioxidant factors is also simple. Yasoo makes a range of natural vitamin E supplements, available in local pharmacies, containing the full E complex and essential toconutrienols. Aqua-E is particularly recommended for people with ulcerative colitis and bowel lining problems. Nature’s Aid Lutein and Bilberry complex is specially formulated as an antioxidant for people with eye problems, particularly macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy; find it on-line at www.nutriglowexclusive.com.
In my last column I wrote about the superb attributes of resveratrol, which naturally supports heart, venous and arterial function; it’s also being researched in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Resvital is available mail order from Tigon UK: 00 44 116 235 5020 or visit www.oliveleaf.co.uk for more information. Tigon also stocks my last recommendation for those who hate pills – Berries Flush! This is a superior liquid source of antioxidant flavonoids and carotenes from natural blueberries, cranberries and wild cherries, especially useful in removing waste and toxins from tissues, especially kidneys, blood and intestines.
Go on – up the ante!
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Where can I get good, wheat-free bread?
I have a severe intolerance to wheat. I’ve found wheat-free products in supermarkets, but occasionally crave bread: where can I find a good, fresh, wheat-free loaf?
Mrs AB, Konia
Crave no more! In this instance, you are lucky to live near Paphos, for there’s a new bakery 200 metres or so from Debenhams going towards Yeroskipou. Charis Savva has just opened The Exclusive Bakery (26 213067) and his wheat-free loaf is packed with taste, texture, nutty bits and with a perfect crust. He will also make items to order so do go introduce yourself! I’m hoping Charis will be persuaded to supply stores in Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia: I’d love to see Akis Express scurrying island-wide with the aroma of fresh bread coming from their vans!
Wheat intolerance is fairly common in people coming from the UK, where wheat is treated with all manner of chemicals in the growing process and a myriad more in the milling. If you get bloating or feel fatigued after any wheat meal, it’s worth giving a wheat-free eating plan a chance. Email me if you need some guidance: [email protected]
Also newly arrived in Paphos is the Natural Health Store, run by Joanne and James in Nikou Georgiou Street, near the Makarios monument. They are importing direct from The Health Store – one of Britain’s best wholesalers, with a huge range of own-brand products at reasonable prices. They are building the business up slowly and will welcome any special requests; organic products will be a speciality, I understand, and they deliver to Pissouri (Tel: 26 930247/Mob 99 149872).
Nikki’s column appears every four weeks. Please address your questions to [email protected] PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Tel: 22818585
