Ok, we are not actually rusting but our cells are oxidizing, the same action as rust, which slowly breaks down our bodies. This is caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals that wreak havoc on the integrity and performance of our cells.

Free radicals are oxygen molecules that have either one too many or too few electrons, making them unstable. These molecules take electrons from other stable molecules, making them unstable and causing damage to cells. This causes a chain reaction as one cell borrows an electron from another cell, which borrows an electron from another and so on and so on. They can alter the function of cells, such as turning off a cell’s reproduction control, causing a cancerous condition.

Although free radicals are a result of breathing, we also get them from being exposed to chemicals and pesticides, air pollution, cigarette smoke, food additives, dietary lipids, strenuous exercise, chronic disease and UV Light. Free radicals have been linked to dozens of health issues including cancer, arteriosclerosis, arthritis and premature aging.

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies, also known as free radical scavengers. Antioxidants have extra electrons they can share without becoming unstable. When an unstable molecule encounters an antioxidant it takes an extra electron to regain stability. This may help repair and prevent the damage caused by the oxidation process. Many people feel this may be the key to counteracting the aging process.

There are many substances that are considered antioxidants, including certain vitamins, minerals, foods and herbs. No one is immune to free radicals and we are being exposed every day to oxidizing effects from our environment, foods, and lifestyle. Even though we obtain antioxidants from some of the foods we eat, a little extra free radical scavenging from herbal supplements can help us to stay healthy.

Sources of Antioxidants

Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant that has become popular for its positive effects on the eyes. This relative of blueberries contains high amounts of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins and anthocyanin, powerful antioxidants that maintain strength and flexibility in capillary walls thus allowing efficient flow through the capillaries. This increased efficiency in microcirculation is very helpful for the eyes. Bilberry also aids in the regeneration of retinal purple, which is important for night vision. British pilots in World War II found their vision at night improved after eating bilberry preserves. Bilberry has also been used for eyestrain and eye fatigue.

The antioxidant found in bilberry supports and strengthens collagen structures and has possible anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic effects. This versatile herb also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. Bilberry’s anthocyanin may also offer benefits to circulation by lowering blood pressure, reducing clotting and improving blood supply to the nervous system.

Olive leaf has gained popularity due to its versatility, especially as an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-microbial herb. Hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, vanillic acid and verbascoside are four important antioxidants found in olive leaf. Olive leaf has been shown to deter oxidation of so-called "bad cholesterol" or low-density lipoprotein (LDL.) which may aid in cholesterol levels. Other possible benefits include lowering blood pressure, dilating coronary arteries and reducing arterial fibrillation.

Olive Leaf’s antioxidant properties have great potential to prevent free radical generation and stop damage to healthy cells of people involved in vigorous exercise programs, which produces oxidation in the body. Olives, olive oil and olive leaves have been important parts of the Mediterranean culture as food and medicine for thousands of years. This may be an important feature of the Mediterranean diet which boasts minimal heart disease and general good health.

Grape seed contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, or OPC's, (also known as Procyanidolic Oligomers or PCO) which are bioflavonoids and very powerful antioxidants. OPC's are many times more potent than vitamin C and vitamin E. Grape seed’s antioxidant activity also donates electrons to vitamin C & E so they regenerate and have more longevity as antioxidants. All these antioxidants can work together to contribute to over-all health in many ways.

Like olive leaf, grape seed’s antioxidant action inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which may help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The antioxidants found in grape seed have been the explanation for the French paradox (a population that loves cheese, butter, rich sauces, fatty foods and cigarettes has a low rate of heart disease). Could it be the red wine? (see Bottom Line: The French Paradox)

Grape seed OPC’s anti-histamine action works by suppressing the enzymes responsible for the production of histamine and the enzymes that assist the release of histamines into the tissues of the body. OPC's also prevent overreaction and hypersensitivity to pollens and food allergens by strengthening cell membranes of cells that contain the allergens. The anti-histamine action also works on inflammation by inhibiting the release of compounds that promote inflammation, such as histamine.

Like all free radical scavengers, this strong antioxidant can protect oxidation of cellular DNA and cell mutations, which can lead to cancer. OPC's found in grape seed may also be useful for allergies, ulcers, teeth and gums, eyes, skin care, lungs and the nervous system.

Ginkgo biloba has been used for thousands of years in Asia to promote longevity. The ginkgo tree is very hardy and can survive in adverse environments, such as heavily traveled roadsides and can live a very long time (a reflection of its health properties). Like most herbs, ginkgo has many helpful properties, yet its antioxidant effects on circulation and brain function have given this herb its highest praise. Ginkgo’s ability to improve circulation through small blood vessels and capillaries, helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the brain, heart and all parts of the body. Research has shown favorable effects on Alzheimer’s disease and other memory challenging health issues.

Ginkgo also has shown benefits for dizziness, hearing loss or ringing in the ears due to poor blood flow to the head, macular degeneration and glaucoma, head injuries and postoperative swelling, allergies, asthma and bronchitis, PMS bloating, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis and ulcers, neuropathy and nerve injuries, the circulatory complications of diabetes, impotence from poor blood flow, cancer, as an immune system modulator and to protect against nerve problems caused by cancer chemotherapy drugs.

Rosemary is a very versatile herb rich in antioxidants. Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant found in rosemary along with about a dozen other free radical scavenging compounds. Rosemary has been used traditionally to enhance and improve memory capabilities, a very good brain tonic when used often, and is valuable when tending to tension headaches. Carnosol and ursolic acid, two chemicals found in rosemary are particularly rich in anti-tumor activities. One study found that rosemary may help impede carcinogens from binding to breast tissues.

Rosemary has a long list of uses and properties such as antibacterial, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, diaphoretic, nervine, stimulant and tonic. The tea has been used for headaches, depression, nervous diseases, colds and colic. It has also been used for asthma and other lung and throat conditions.

Heart Care Blend Combination

Heart Care Blend is a combination of herbs from Kroeger Herb Products that includes antioxidant rich herbs such as hawthorn berries, chickweed, and capsicum along with heart friendly motherwort and cramp bark.

The abundant bioflavonoids found in hawthorn are powerful antioxidants that relax and dilate the arteries thus increasing oxygen and blood flow to the heart. This action reduces the work needed for the heart to pump nutrient rich blood while reducing blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. Hawthorne’s bioflavonoids also fortify blood vessel walls and aid in blood flow throughout the body, strengthening the heart muscle and reducing abnormal heart rhythms.

Capsicum or cayenne is another significant antioxidant that is beneficial for the heart and circulation. Cayenne reduces blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels and platelet aggregation, which lowers the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Cultures that include cayenne pepper in their diets have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Chickweed helps dissolve and eliminate plaque build up in the blood vessels. It is a natural blood cleanser that carries away toxins and fatty deposits. Chickweed is a source of minerals; it is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which is an antioxidant.

Motherwort is a valuable cardiotonic, it supports the heart and circulation and has been used traditionally for racing heartbeat and heart palpitations. Cramp bark is another supportive herb for the heart, relaxing spasms in arteries and helping to control poor circulation.

It seems that every day we hear about another antioxidant “discovery”. There are many sources of antioxidants that we may already be benefiting from. This is very good news, since getting antioxidants from different sources throughout the day can maintain consistent protection from the abundance of free radicals we encounter. In other cultures, antioxidants are consumed consistently over many years. For instance drinking green tea and ginkgo tea every day in Asia, a glass of wine with dinner in France or olives and olive oil in the Mediterranean. These cultural observations have led many researchers to find out what factors in these lifestyles add to the quality of health, pointing toward the importance of antioxidants.

As we stray from the purity of our foods and environments we have become more exposed to oxidizing influences on our bodies. This may be one of the reasons for increases in cancer and heart disease over the last fifty years. By supplementing with antioxidant rich herbs and foods we can possibly prevent more serious health issues from arising.