A free radical is a cellular killer that wreaks havoc by damaging DNA, altering biochemical compounds, corroding cell membranes, and destroying cells outright. Scientists now know that free radicals play a major role in the aging process, as well as the onset of cancer, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and possibly allergies and a host of other ailments.

There are four primary sources of free radicals:

• the environment: air pollution, cigarette smoke, etc.
  
  
• internal production: our bodies are constantly producing free radicals as a byproduct of normal metabolic function.
  
  
• stress factors: aging, trauma, medications, disease, infection, and "stress"
  
  
• chain reactions: In a fraction of a second, a single free radical can unleash a torrential chain reaction that produces a million or more additional killer free radicals.

B. Program for Dealing with the Problem

Antioxidants are compounds that render free radicals harmless and stop the chain reaction formation of new free radicals. Many scientists now believe that free radicals are the major villain in both aging and disease. The use of antioxidant supplements at a maintenance level may provide the ultimate defense against premature aging and a compromised immune system. At therapeutic levels, antioxidants may actually play a significant role in reversing many of the effects of aging and disease.

C. General Recommendations

There is no such thing as the ultimate antioxidant, but look for a formula that pretty much matches the scope of the formula below — and approximates the level of each ingredient:

• Beta carotene: 5,620 IU
• Alpha carotene: 425 IU
• Lutein: 8 mg
• Lycopene: 6 mg
• Zeaxanthin: 300 mcg
• Sodium selenate: 75 mcg
• Sodium citrate: 300 mg
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): 225 mg
• L-Methionine: 225 mg
• Quercetin: 180 mg
• Gingko biloba: 180 mg
• Curcumin: 120 mg
• Green tea extract: 120 mg
• Bilberry: 120 mg
• Alpha lipoic acid: 100 mg
• SOD: 75 mg
• Tocotrienols: 75 mg
• Grape skin extract: 60 mg
• Grape seed extract: 60 mg
• Chaparral extract: 375 mcg
• Catalase: 300 mcg
  

D. Recommended Products

• Ultimate Antioxidant — This broad spectrum antioxidant may provide the ultimate defense against premature aging and a compromised immune system. At therapeutic levels, antioxidants may actually play a significant role in reversing many of the effects of aging and disease.