Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) can stop free radical damage in its tracks

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by: vitanet1
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Word Count: 535
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 Time: 4:32 AM
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Superoxide dismutase is often referred to and known as SOD. SOD is an enzyme that has a great deal of value as an antioxidant because of its ability to help protect against cell destruction. This nutrient has the specific ability to neutralize superoxide, which is one of the most damaging free-radical substances in nature. Like a large number of other protective compounds that can be found occurring naturally in the body, SOD decreases with age and makes the cells much more vulnerable to the oxidants that are responsible for causing aging and disease. SOD is able to help slow the cellular damage that is caused by aging. This antioxidant is also able to offer some protection against cancer.

Antioxidants are responsible for protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that contain an unshared electron. Free radicals damage cells and may even contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Electrons that are unshared are highly energetic, reacting rapidly with oxygen in order to form reactive oxygen species. The body forms these reactive oxygen species when converting food to energy (a natural process). Antioxidants may be able to protect cells from the damaging effects of these reactive oxygen species. The body is also exposed to free radicals from environmental exposures like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Research has determined that SOD acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory inside the body. It neutralizes the free radicals that often lead to wrinkles and precancerous cell changes. Scientists are currently studying the abilities SOD may have as an anti-aging treatment, as it is now know that SOD levels drop with age while free radical levels increase. In short, SOD has been used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of these include arthritis, prostate problems, corneal ulcers, burn injuries, inflammatory disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and long-term damage from exposure to smoke and radiation. This antioxidant also helps to prevent side effects from cancer drugs.

SOD occurs naturally in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, wheatgrass, and also in the majority of green plants. SOD helps the body use zinc, copper, and manganese. There are two types of SOD available. These include copper/zinc SOD and manganese SOD. Both of these varieties work in different ways to provide two types of cellular protection. Copper/zinc SOD protects the cell's cytoplasm, while manganese SOD has the ability to protect the cell's mitochondria from the damage that is caused by free radicals.

SOD is sold in pill form, but should be enterically coated. This ensures that the pill does not digest in the stomach, but rather in the intestines, which provides better absorption. In its topical form, SOD may help to reduce facial wrinkles, scar tissue, heal wounds and burns, lighten dark or hyper-pigmentation, and protect against harmful UV rays. In order to obtain the best results when using this, or any supplement, it is important to consult your health care provider before beginning any regimen. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by SOD, please feel free to consult a representative from your local health food store with questions.

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Get your bottle of SOD at a online vitamin store and stop aging in its tracks. http://vitanetonline.com/