more about antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Antioxidant is a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals as the natural by-product of normal cell processes. Free radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells which make them more chemically reactive than those with complete electron shells. Exposure to various environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, pollution and radiation, can also lead to free radical formation. In humans, the most common form of free radicals is oxygen. When an oxygen molecule (O2) becomes electrically charged it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to the DNA and other molecules. Over time, such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease including cancer. Eye Combo from Nepatica is a excellent source of antioxidants, the ingredients are 400 mg of Bilberry 100 mg Ginkgo Biloba, 100mg Grape Seed Extract, 100 mg Tomato and 5 mg Lutein.

ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most widely studied botanicals in use today. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications and it constantly ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany. Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years lend support to these traditional uses. Ginkgo leaves contains two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can neutralize free radicals and can prevent some of the damage they cause.

The flavonoids found in Ginkgo are useful against some retinal problems (problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal damage has various potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration (often called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that normally affects older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD. The antioxidant in Ginkgo also protects cell membranes and venous integrity, improving their flexibility as well as resistance to free-radical damage. Ginkgo also benefits the eyes by allowing more blood and oxygen to be delivered to the head. Our Eye Combo contains Ginkgo Biloba together with Bilberry, Grape Seed Extract, Tomato and Lutein.

allium sativum

Garlic is a member of the onion family and is nature's most multitalented medicinal plant. Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years for a variety of conditions. Modern scientists in various clinical trials have concluded that Garlic lowers cholesterol (while increasing the level of beneficial HDLs the so-called “good cholesterol”), lowers blood pressure, thins the blood (which reduces the, risk of heart attack and stroke) and fights bacteria like an antibiotic.

Garlic contains the amino acid allicin. This chemical element is the component that gives Garlic its strong odor and is responsible for the strong pharmacological properties of the plant. Garlic contains about 0.5% of a volatile oil that is composed of sulfur-containing compounds. Garlic's sulfur compounds, in addition to Selenium and Vitamins A and C containing compounds, make it a powerful antioxidant, protecting our cells from damage and disease from free radicals. We have used 100 mg of Garlic in our Cholesterol Combo and 100 mg of Garlic in our Blood Pressure Combo.

free radicals

A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contains at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles that usually occur in pairs, forming a chemically stable arrangement. If an electron is unpaired, another atom or molecule can easily bond with it, causing a chemical reaction. Because they join so easily with other compounds, free radicals can effect dramatic changes in the body, and they can cause a lot of oxidative damage. Each free radical may exist for only a tiny proportion of a second, but the damage it leaves behind can be irreversible, mainly damage to heart muscle cells, nerve cells, and certain immune system sensor cells.

We need free radicals to produce energy and different substances that the body requires. If there is excessive free radical formation, however, damage to cells and tissues may occur. Many different factors can lead to an overload of free radicals. Exposure to radiation, from the sun as well as from medical x-rays activates the formation of free radicals. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as tobacco smoke and car pollutants also activates the formation of free radicals. Certain food such as fats cooked in a high temperature is also a risk factor.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons. By destroying free radicals, antioxidants help to detoxify and protect the body. Powerful antioxidants are Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, Grape Seed extract, Tomato and Lutein, these are all included in our Eye Combo.