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PART 1

When body cells burn oxygen for energy, free radicals are formed. This is a natural process called oxidation.

To better understand the effects of oxidation, imagine what happens to a slice of apple after it is left sitting for a few hours. The brown discoloration on the slice of apple is the sign of oxidation.

Oxidation can also affect human cells, causing free radicals to be released, which damage cells in the body and in the skin. Some of the known factors that contribute to oxidation of the skin cells include smoking, environmental pollution and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Although the human body produces a number of enzymes to defend itself from the damaging affects of oxidation, antioxidant consumption is crucial in enhancing our body's defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage, the common pathway for cancer, aging and a variety of diseases.

What kind of diet will provide the most antioxidants?

The major national health organizations recommend a healthy and well-balanced diet and lifestyle. The current recommendations are consumption of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, Caratenoids, as well as, consumption of minerals such as selenium, magnesium, copper and zinc.

Scientists are also finding that applying antioxidants on the skin have beneficial effects in reversing sun damage, wrinkles and may improve skin texture. There are three antioxidants that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and even prevent further damage. These are selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that helps protect the body from cancers, including skin cancer caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. It also preserves skin's elasticity. Dietary sources of selenium include whole grain cereals, eggs, garlic and seafood.

Vitamin E

Laboratory studies presented at the February 2005 American Academy of Dermatology have shown that applying vitamin E to the skin can reduce damage caused by sun exposure limiting the production of cancer-causing cells. Dietary sources of vitamin E are also recommended. These include whole grains, seeds, nuts, vegetable and fish oils, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and apricots.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant found in the skin. Vitamin C is important in repairing damage caused by free radicals and preventing them from causing cancer or accelerating the aging process. Vitamin C has also been proven to stimulate collagen production when applied to the skin. Dietary sources of vitamin C include, citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.
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