Antioxidant Complex: Help to cancel out cell damaging effects of free radicals • Increases protection from pollution • Helps reduce signs of ageing • May support healthy immune function • Promotes over all health and well being What are Antioxidants? Antioxidants protect your body from damage caused by free radicals that come from environmental factors like pollution, sunlight, smoking and stress. Antioxidants work by deactivating free radicals; supplying the extra electron they need to become stable molecules. Our antioxidants may reduce the number of free radicals in the body, protect the immune system and promote overall health. Antioxidant provides protection for many of the body's important systems by combating free radicals and oxidant molecules which damage cells, DNA, and good fats and cholesterol. Why Take Antioxidant Complex? People who eat fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of antioxidants, as well as people who take supplements, have a lower risk of heart disease and some neurological diseases. There is some evidence that antioxidants might help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration, suppressed immunity due to poor nutrition, and neurodegeneration. Some levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in the diet are required for good health. Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): An important antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body. Beta-carotene belongs to a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. These are the pigments that provide the yellow, orange, and red colouration in fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is the most abundant carotenoid in human foods and is thought to be the most important carotenoid for humans. Enzymes in the intestines convert beta-carotene to vitamin A whenever it is needed. Carotenoids including beta-carotene have received a tremendous amount of attention as potential anti-ageing compounds. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also one of the carotenoids believed to enhance the function of the immune system. Vitamin C: Perhaps one of Vitamin C's best attributes is its amazing anti-oxidant ability. It protects the fluids of the body such as blood from damage by free radicals. By strengthening arterial walls, it also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure, as well as reducing tissue damage. Vitamin E: Vitamin E scavenges the body for harmful free radicals and annihilates them. By destroying cellular membranes, free radicals are responsible for a variety of health problems including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin E defends all cell membranes in the body from oxidative stress, promoting better health and immunity from illness, while increasing virility. Selenium: Selenium is an important part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It helps protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes and intracellular structural membranes from lipid peroxidation. Grape Skin: Grape skin is a naturally occurring antioxidant. A number of beneficial health effects, such as antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and life-prolonging effects have been reported. Green Tea: Green tea is well-established as a potent source of healing antioxidants-the same beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables, and even in red wine. The leaf also boasts the presence of a superstar antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) as well as other notable healing substances, including fluoride, catechins, and tannins. Are there any side effects or warnings? • Smokers should not take Beta-Carotene supplements without first consulting a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner prior to using Beta carotene if you have hypothyroidism, kidney, liver or eating disorders. Occasional side effects reported with large doses of Beta Carotene include a harmless orange colouring of the skin called carotenosis, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you experience this. • Persons with kidney stones, kidney disease or hemochromatosis should not exceed 500mg per day and should consult a health care practitioner prior to using Vitamin C containing products. • If you have an overactive thyroid, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, are taking prescription blood thinners, aspirin or are pregnant or lactating consult a healthcare practitioner before taking Vitamin E. • In long term clinical studies performed by Clark et al. for 16 years, no adverse effects were reported at use levels of 200 mcg/day, in the form of a selenium supplement. • Calcium may interfere with absorption of some medications such as the tetracycline antibiotics, consult a health care practitioner prior to using Calcium if you are taking these. Persons with kidney or thyroid disease should consult their health care practitioner before taking calcium.