Have the French Discovered the "Fountain of Youth"?
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ANTIOXIDANTS
Studies from the American Heart Association, National Cancer Institute, National Institute on
Aging, and John Hopkins University have found that natural substances called antioxidants--from
fruits, vegetables, and herbs-- can have a dramatic impact on our health.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, are antioxidants. Some
foods and herbs, such as garlic, have also been shown to have antioxidant activity. Antioxidants
protect our bodies from "free radicals" which can damage and destroy our body's cells and tissues.
FREE RADICALS
A free radical is a reactive molecule, most often an oxygen molecule with a missing electron that
damages other molecules in our bodies by stealing electrons from them. Free radicals are produced
in our bodies as a result of normal metabolism. Increased free radical production can be caused by
such things as air and water pollution, chemicals that have been added to our foods (such as
preservatives), saturated fats, pesticides, chemical cleaners, heavy metals, ultraviolet radiation
(sunlight), electromagnetic radiation (e.g., power lines, computer terminals, and cellular phones),
stress, injuries, and even exercise.
Under normal conditions our bodies neutralize free radicals as fast as they are produced. It seems
today, however--with our fast-paced life-styles and polluted environments--normal conditions
rarely exist. The result can be an accumulation of excess free radicals in the body.
These excess free radicals have been implicated in more than 60 diseases including inflammatory
diseases, circulatory disease, nervous and immune system diseases, and many of the problems
associated with aging. Many physicians are now understanding that most diseases
of modern civilizations are created by unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, drug use, and the
cumulative effects of free radicals that destroy the body's ability to maintain health.
SUPER ANTIOXIDANT DISCOVERED
Proanthocyanidins were discovered by French scientist Jacques Masquelier. They have been
available and widely used in Europe, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand since 1969. They
have now become a popular dietary supplement in the United States. Proanthocyanidins come from
two primary sources--red grapes and pine bark. They have been proven to be completely safe and
their antioxidant activity has been shown to be 20 TIMES MORE POWERFUL THAN
VITAMIN C AND 50 TIMES MORE POWERFUL THAN VITAMIN E!
Proanthocyanidins neutralize free radicals that can cause allergies, hayfever, arthritis, edema, and
heart disease. They improve skin smoothness and protect against sun damage. They strengthen
blood vessels reducing phlebitis and varicose veins. They enhance immune response decreasing the
severity and frequency of colds. They help protect us from damaging sunlight, water and air
pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, and alcohol. And these are just a few of their benefits!
The following potential benefits of proanthocyanidins have been demonstrated by the research of
Dr. R. Passwater, Dr. J. Masquelier, Dr. M. Walker, the Pasteur and Huntington Institutes and by
many other leading universities in the United States and Europe:
| Improves Circulation Reduces Varicose Veins Improves Skin Smoothness Improves Joint Flexibility Fights Inflammation Prevents Ulcer Formation Reduces Stress/Depression Lowers Cholesterol Strengthens Capillaries Repairs Atherosclerosis Resists Mutagen Attacks Resists Oxidized LDL Reduces Capillary Fragility Reduces Muscle Cramps Strengthens Arteries and Veins Repairs Artery Linings Resists Free Radicals Resists Peroxide Build-up Improves Cellular Nutrition Helps with Macular Degeneration Reduces Risk of Vascular Disease Reduces Risk of Parkinson's Reduces Eczema Increases Energy/Less Fatigue Reduces Blood Pressure Reduces Arthritis Pain Enhances Cell Vitality | Helps Asthma/Bronchitis Reduces Risk of Cancer Reduces Risk of Stroke Reduces Risk of Phlebitis Helps Alzheimer's Enhances Immune Resistance Faster Healing Reduces Gout Helps Cataracts/Glaucoma Reduces Infection/Flu/Cold Reduces Skin Problems Cuts Lipid Peroxidation Lowers Histamine Levels Helps MS Inflammation Helps Menopause/PMS/Cramps Reduces Spasms Retards Aging Prevents Cellulitis Improves Cell Collagen Prevents Bruising/Cracking Reduces Risk of Sports Injury Subdues Allergic Reactions Reduces Diabetic Retinopathy Penetrated Blood Brain Barrier Prevents Wrinkling of the Skin Helps Prostate Gland Reduces Headache Pain |
DOSING
According to nutrition expert Dr. G. Douglas Anderson, as a general antioxidant for prophylactic
use, 30-50 mg of proanthocyanidins should be taken daily. Dr. Anderson quickly points out,
however, that therapeutic doses should probably range from 100 to 500 mg a day, depending on
the nature and extent of the problem, the size of the patient7 and the integrity of the gastrointestinal
tract. Others have recommended that therapeutic doses, as a general rule, should consist of one mg
of proanthocyanidins per pound of body weight (or about 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight.)
SAFETY
Proanthocyanidins have been proven to be extremely safe, although loose stools are occasionally
seen with very high dosages. A few individuals have been found to be intolerant to
proanthocyanidins. These individuals should consider supplementing their diets with other sources
of antioxidants; such a coenzyme Q10, melatonin, or vitamin E. Most individuals can take
proanthocyanidins without any negative side-effects whatsoever.