Dr. Bruce Ames of the University of California at Berkeley estimates that the DNA of every one of our cells is attacked by free radicals over 10,000 times a day. This sounds like a lot, and it is. This means that our cells are expending a huge amount of energy defending themselves against free radicals - energy that would normally be available in our lives. Don't you think your cells, and you, have better things to do with your time$%:
But first, let's look at how you are exposed to free radicals. You might be surprised to note that free radicals are a natural by-product of metabolism, and of exercise. So your cells have always been exposed to free radical attack - just never in the huge quantities that they are exposed to today. Your body is equipped to fight free radicals - but again, it's never had to deal with the tsunami of free radicals that is around today.
So how are things different to the past$%: We now have many new sources of free radicals, and unfortunately many of these are what we consider the benefits of economic growth (our technological advancements). These include such things as mobile phones and cigarettes, chemicals and pollution, herbicides, pesticides and fried foods, microwave ovens, planes and other radiation. Even if you were to avoid many of these items for yourself, the likelihood is that you will be exposed to it in your environment through other people's use (eg. of mobile phones being used around you).
So why take antioxidants$%: The simple answer is because antioxidants neutralise free radicals, thus assisting your cells in their defence against the free radical tsunami. This assistance frees your cells up so that they have more energy to devote elsewhere. Therefore it comes as no surprise that many people who take good natural antioxidants claim that they have more energy.
Let's look at the mechanism by which antioxidants neutralise free radicals. A free radical is unstable because it's missing one or more electrons, and sets about pinching electrons from other atoms (causing them in turn to become free radicals). An antioxidant is unique in its ability to donate electrons to free radicals without becoming unstable itself.
There is a new lab test developed by Tufts University, which is considered one of the best tests for overall antioxidant capacity. This test is called ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. Of the various foods tested using the ORAC score, Pomegranates have one of the highest antioxidant ratings (13,000 :%$micro;TE/100g). But there is one food which rated far higher than pomegranates, and that's the Ningxia Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum v. ningxia), which rated an amazing 31,000 :%$micro;TE/100g.
The Ningxia wolfberry is the king of all wolfberries. In ancient China, there were 3 healing treasures - Ginseng, ling tzi and the Wolfberry (commonly called the Goji Berry). The Ningxia Province in China contains a variety of wolfberry (the Ningxia Wolfberry) which is prized throughout China as being the best of the wolfberries. There is even a national festival held in Ningxia each year to celebrate their wolfberry. The Ningxia Wolfberry is a mineral rich super-food, higher in immune stimulating polysaccharides than any other wolfberry.
Research into the Ningxia wolfberry, and its effects on macular degeneration, heart disease, glycemic index and free radicals, is thoroughly documented in the book by Gary Young, N.D., Dr. Ronald Lawrence, M.D., PhD, and Marc Schreuder.
But how does the average person, living outside of China, include the Ningxia Wolfberry as part of their daily food intake$%: Fortunately, the answer is easy. There are a number of good sources for Ningxia Wolfberry, but it's been shown that the easiest and most effective method of intake is through drinking "Goji Juice". Because the juice of the Ningxia Wolfberry is a little bitter, the various goji juices on the market will include other juices as part of their formula.
Ideally, look for a that contains the whole, pureed Ningxia Wolfberry, rather than just reconstituted Goji Juice. If it contains the whole Ningxia Wolfberry, it will have the added benefits of the skin and seeds of the goji berry, where many of its nutrients lie. Also look for a Goji Juice formula that uses natural low glycemic index sweeteners and other high antioxidant fruits, rather than fillers like pear or apple juice. And most importantly, drink Goji Juice every day. Your cells are not just under attack by free radicals between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday! Free radicals work around the clock, and so do your antioxidants. Consume high antioxidant foods or Goji Juice every day, and enjoy the benefits of increased energy and vitality.
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