Antioxidant Supplements

One of the most destructive molecules in the human body is the free radical. This is an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron, and is a necessary by-product of the process of metabolism. However, this oxygen wants to replace its lost electron, and has a strong enough charge to take this electron from just about anywhere it wants.

This process of oxidation, when the free radical steals another molecule's electron, is essentially what causes aging. When the radical takes the electron from another biological compound, this compound can no longer perform its function. Thanks to this, your body deliberately uses free radicals to fight infections. However, radicals are unpredictable, and do damage to the body when left unguarded, causing both visible and internal aging of the body.

Fighting Free Radicals

Thankfully, there are a number of biological compounds that can spare an electron to the free radical and still function. These are collectively referred to as antioxidants, although they rarely have anything in common beside the ability to neutralize a radical. Some of the most common are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium.

In addition, coenzyme Q-10 is a very powerful antioxidant. Some antioxidants, like selenium, are toxic in high doses, and should only be ingested through foods. Others, like vitamins A, C and E, are used widely throughout the body and can be taken frequently in supplements. Coenzyme Q-10 is not water soluble, but can still be taken in supplement form with care. Q-10 also reduces fatigue and weakness, and is a popular dietary supplement among serious athletes.