Not All Antioxidants Are Vitamins

By Al Sears, MD

In Message #1848, I told you about the "all-star" vitamins - A and E - that double as powerful antioxidants. But some of the most effective antioxidants are not classified as vitamins. Here are two of those powerhouse disease fighters:

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA, discovered in 1951, plays a vital part in the production of cellular energy. It has been dubbed the "Universal Antioxidant" because of its ability to fight free radicals in both the fatty and water areas of cells. It lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, lung disease, and neurological disorders by fighting the specific free radicals that contribute to these afflictions. And it recycles and extends the life of other antioxidants, like vitamins C, E, and CoQ10.

A good source of ALA is red meat. I recommend supplementing with 100 mg of ALA daily.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10, which is produced naturally in the body, is crucial in the creation of the energy that cells require to exist. It has also been found to destroy free radicals in cell membranes, prevent arteriosclerosis by protecting against the accumulation of oxidized fat in blood vessels, and successfully treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

CoQ10 is found in fish, red meat, and organ meats (especially beef liver, kidney, and heart). I recommend supplementing with 30 mg of CoQ10 daily.

__________________________________________________
This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #1850, 10-03-06], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.