Alpha Lipoic Acid or thioctic acid is a natural anti-oxidant found in every cell of the human body. By converting blood sugar into energy, this nutrient produces the required energy for bodily functions. Since Alpa lipoic acid is an anti oxidant, it helps in neutralizing harmful chemicals known as free radicals to protect brain and nerve tissues. As compared to some of the common antioxidants like vitamin E and C, lipoic acid is fat and water soluble. It not only increases the formation of glutathione but also improves insulin sensitivity, therefore making the body reduce fat and add lean mass. You can either opt for the natural or synthetic lipoic acid supplement. Alpha lipoic acid is available in vegetables like spinach and broccoli and meat products like kidney and liver.

Bioflavonoids once known as vitamin P is referred to as nature’s biological response modifier. They modify the body’s response to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. They are a more powerful antioxidant then vitamin c, vitamin e, selenium and zinc against free radical and oxidative damages. They are used to prevent inflammation, and the microbes in infections. Bioflavonoid helps in the prevention of diabetic cataracts inhibits the manufacture of histamine and it enhances insulin secretion. It is used to lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, stroke, asthma, hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It also improves micro vascular blood flow.

Coenzyme Q10- The vitamin-like Coenzyme Q10 or (CoQ10) is a fat soluble substance, found in all human cells. It acts as an antioxidant thus helping the body to get rid of free radicals and facilitating biochemical reactions that produce energy in the body cells. It is found mainly in the mitochondria where the cells make energy. Since mitochondria are found in abundance in the heart and liver cells, these cells naturally contain CoQ10 too. Needless to say, those who suffer from heart disease are the one who have relatively low CoQ10 too, as the heart cannot function to its full capacity if CoQ10 is not adequately present. CoQ10 deficiency may also give rise to periodontal disease though there isn’t enough evidence to prove so. However, it has been found that those suffering from this disease have relatively less CoQ10.

Hesperidin is found in abundance in citrus fruits and is a flavanoid. It is commonly found in the white parts of the fruit or the pulps of the peel. Hesperidin is not limited to fruits and can be found in many green vegetables as well. According to many studies it acts as an antioxidant for the human blood vessels. Most of the studies are in its preliminary stages, but this has showed significant signs of reducing diseases like blood pressure and cholesterol. The nature of Hesperidin helps release histamine from the mast cells which help reduce the occurrence of hay fever and other allergies.

Rutin is a bioflavonoid that consists of the flavonol quercetin and disaccharide rutinose. It also includes hesperidin, eriodictyl and citron that plays an important role in the absorption of Vitamin C. Rutin may be found in vegetables and fruits such as apple peels, citrus, broccoli and onions. It has anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and Chrohn’s disease. It also strengthens the capillaries that prevent the hardening of arteries, and high blood pressure. Rutin also contains catechins that fight free radicals from damaging the cells and tissues that may cause diseases such as cancer, strokes, senility, premature aging, and arteriosclerosis. Rutin also aid in controlling the blood cholesterol level.

Selenium , an essential mineral that is toxic at high dosages. Selenium plays an important function in the antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against free radicals. Selenium also promotes proper thyroid hormone metabolism.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with known toxicity. Although its toxicity has been exaggerated, it is a factor worth keeping in mind. Carotine is converted in the human body to Vitamin A, it comes from vegetable sources. Vitamin A is necessary for normal growth and for skeletal development.

Vitamin C is well known for its powerful ability to help boost the immune system as well as fight off damage causing free radicals. As an anti-oxidant, vitamin c binds with free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells. This damage can cause early aging and even has been linked to some cancers. By taking vitamin C supplements, you are helping prevent these free-radicals, as well as giving your immune system a boost as well. Vitamin C is integral to cellular metabolism as well and a lack of vitamin C can cause a myriad of issues, including scurvy.

Vitamin E consists of eight related vitamins that are all fat soluble and have antioxidant properties. The alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols with the corresponding tocotrienols all belong to the Vitamin E group, whereby the alpha-tocopherol has been found to be the most bioavailable form. Vitamin E is commonly found in food sources like eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, vegetable oil like olive oil, wholegrain foods, wheat germ, red palm oil, but also in asparagus and avocado fruits. While Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, several other properties have been noted as well, such as prevention of damage to neurons, cholesterol reduction and cancer prevention. Vitamin E has been also identified as a vital signaling molecule, whereby the primary necessity of Vitamin E to human survival is still not clear.