Remember when the Tin Man in the Wizard of OZ started to rust after being stranded in the rain? When moisture meets iron, it undergoes a chemical process called oxidation, causing the reddish coating that we know as rust. Unlike the Tin Man, we don’t have to worry about rusting in the rain, however this process of oxidation is taking place right now as we breathe and we are producing free radicals.

Oxidation is when something has reacted with oxygen. When oxygen molecules are unstable and lose an electron they damage our bodies. Think of slicing a banana and letting the fruit sit for a couple of minutes-the oxygen exposed fruit turns brown from free radical damage. Right now as you and I breath we have been exposed to free radicals.

We all know that Vitamin A, C, and E are wonderful antioxidants, but the one that might have the greatest potential for protecting our bodies and joints from free radical damage is the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).

SOD is an enzyme that neutralizes the most dangerous free radicals-superoxide radicals. These radicals instigate the breakdown synovial fluid, the lubricant for the body’s joints. So what can you do right now to reduce the rate of cell destruction? Consume plenty of antioxidants in the diet. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons. Maria recommends eating broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, wheatgrass and most green plants. However you might not be a fan of your green veggies and the ones mentioned are typically not consumed on a day to day basis. Don’t sweat it. You can supplement your diet with Cell Guard from Biotec Food Corporation. Keep in mind that SOD supplements in pill form must be enteric coated to pass intact through the stomach acid into the small intestine to be absorbed. Why wait to reverse the signs of joint pain and ageing! Order Cell Guard now from iherb or at Amazon (see above right).

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