Research shows that herbal antioxidants, particularly grape seed
extract, can slow the aging process and possibly keep cancer and
other killer diseases at bay.
Now, there's even more good news: A couple of very helpful
herbal antioxidants are as close as your kitchen shelf, and many
more are available at your drugstore or health-food store.
But with all the antioxidant supplements available these days,
why resort to herbs? Good question. Here's my take on the subject:
The antioxidant properties of herbs are just one of their many
health benefits. They contain a number of chemicals that do many
things. The antioxidant ginkgo, for instance, also improves
circulation.
Most single chemical products do only one thing. They also
usually act through a single mechanism, such as exerting a
pronounced action on one particular receptor site in the body. The
end result is a strong action -- along with the strong possibility
of a reaction. The multiple compounds in herbs act weakly on many
different receptor sites. Since no single receptor site is strongly
affected, side effects are minimal.
Let's take a look at some very useful antioxidant herbs whose
actions provide several benefits:
ANTIOXIDANTS IN YOUR SPICE RACK
+ Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Its spiky, evergreenlike leaves contain flavonoids that have
antioxidant properties. This tasty herb's antioxidant power was
used for centuries to preserve food. One flavonoid in rosemary,
diosmin, is reported to help strengthen capillaries, which can ease
problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
In 1995, Japanese researchers found that two compounds in the
herb, carnosol and carnosic acid, may help to protect body tissue
and cells against the oxidative stresses that have been linked to
diabetes, aging and coronary arteriosclerosis.
The German Commission E, the world's leading authority on herbs,
has given the nod to using rosemary for circulation problems, such
as low blood pressure and for painful joints or muscles.
Rosemary is often taken as a tea made from one teaspoon of the
dried leaves per cup of water. To make tea using fresh leaves,
double or triple the amount.
+ Sage (Salvia officinalis)
This herb also acts as an effective antioxidant. Additionally,
Commission E approves its internal use for indigestion and
excessive perspiration. Many traditional herbalists recommend sage
tea as a remedy for menopausal night sweats.
Commission E also approves sage as a gargle for throat
irritations. You can make a tea, using one teaspoon of the dried
leaves per cup of water.
Some people report irritation and dryness of the mouth after
consuming sage tea, so be cautious about using it too frequently.
MORE POPULAR HERBAL ANTIOXIDANTS
Certain adaptogens, or tonics, such as Asian ginseng (Panax
ginseng), cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and schisandra (Schisandra
chinensis) also act as antioxidants. The liver-protective effects
of both schisandra and the well-known milk thistle (Silybum
marianum) are due, at least in part, to such activity.
Herbs in which antioxidant activity contributes to, but is not
necessarily a major component of, their beneficial properties
include ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), which I recommend for cognitive
deficiencies; garlic (Allium sativum) for circulatory benefits; and
turmeric (Curcuma domestica) for its digestive properties.
Because these herbal products exist in so many forms (capsules,
tablets, tinctures, etc.) and concentrations, the only general
advice that I can give regarding amounts to be taken is to follow
the dosage instructions on the label and look for standardized
products.
DELECTABLE FRUITS HAVE MAJOR ANTI-AGING BENEFITS
Fresh sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), which are so hard to find
in markets these days but may grow in your garden, not only make
wonderful pies but are also good for you.
A study has shown that 20 cherries contain as much as 25
milligrams of anthocyanidins -- along with the attendant potent
antioxidative effects. These tasty fruits also have
anti-inflammatory properties, which may account for their folkloric
use as treatments for arthritis and gout.
Fruits that act as antioxidants due to their oligomeric
proanthocyanidin content, or OPC, (as well as, in many cases, high
concentrations of vitamin C) include both the American (Vaccinium
corymbosum) and European (V. myrtillus) blueberry. The European
variety is commonly called a bilberry. Another berry (not often
grown in the United States because it is an alternate host to the
rust fungus that destroys white pine trees) is the American black
currant (Ribes americanum). Flavorful European black currant (Ribes
nigrum) jams made in France and Switzerland are widely available in
the United States
The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is also a rich
source of OPCs. These compounds are not only useful antioxidants
but are also responsible for the fruit's power to prevent recurring
urinary tract infections. The OPCs act as anti-adhesins -- they
prevent the causative bacteria from adhering to the surface cells
that line the urinary tract. Ten ounces of cranberry juice cocktail
(one-third pure juice) daily is effective.
THE MOST DELICIOUS ANTIOXIDANT
I have kept the best for last: chocolate.
This tasty sweet contains the same beneficial antioxidants found
in red wine. Wine and chocolate, both consumed in moderate amounts,
are now deemed to be beneficial to health, all because of OPCs and
their pronounced antioxidative properties.
A new study found that solid dark chocolate contains four times
the amount of catechins, substances with antioxidant properties, as
brewed tea.
