Medical research studies have demonstrated that free radical damage is not only linked to many deadly diseases but is also a major factor in aging.
As the cells in our body metabolize oxygen, they create free radicals. This is a normal body process. Once created however, the free radicals travel throughout our bodies and regularly attack various tissues and organs.
When we are young, our bodies are able to fight back and maintain our cells in good working condition. However, aging weakens our cells and free radicals begin to triumph. Free radicals are particularly threatening to our brain cells and the muscles and cells in the lens of the eye.
Free radicals are also responsible for wrinkles and sagging skin. Our skin contains collagen. This is what keeps our skin moist, supple and smooth. Free radicals attack the collagen and cause the skin tissues to break down. This results in wrinkles.
There have been a plethora of studies conducted on the actions of free radicals. One after another has shown that free radical attacks are also responsible for cancer, cataracts, cardiovascular diseases and breakdown of the immune system. Free radicals do this because they are short of electrons so they try to create an electrical equilibrium by taking electrons from healthy cells.
Antioxidants, however, prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells. They do this by donating an electron to the free radical, which then neutralizes their effects.
One very powerful antioxidant is Pycnogenol.
Pycnogenol is neither a vitamin nor an herb. It is made from a number of flavonoids which are extracted from the bark of French pine trees.
Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, soybeans, cocoa, tea and wine. Once used in the body, they are called bioflavonoids. In the body, they protect us against various health invaders such as viruses, infections, cancer, heart disease and toxic substances.
Pycnogenol is a very powerful antioxidant and it is also water soluble. It has been found to protect the body against free radicals in many different ways. Pycnogenol increases the effectives of the immune system which in turn keeps our bodies in working order.
Pycnogenol protects the heart in several ways. It decreases the formation of blood clots that cause heart attacks. It can also decrease blood pressure. It prevents blood platelets from becoming sticky and clotting as the pass through the arteries.
Pycnogenol also improves arthritis. And if the dosage is fairly high, relief can be expected in two to three days.
A typical dose is 1.5 mg per pound of body weight to be taken daily for one to three months. Then cut this dose in half after one to three months. Pycnogenol can be purchased at health food stores and has been shown to be perfectly safe for humans. In fact, in one research study, daily doses up to 35,000 mg were administered withy no side affects.
In spite of the lack of side effects, you should still inform your doctor if you are thinking of using Pycnogenol as it is always wise for your doctor to know all the vitamins and supplements you take in the event of reactions between different ones or between supplements and prescription medications. However, there haven’t been any known drug interactions with Pycnogenol. It is considered to be a perfectly safe nutrient.
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