Fight Stress

- Stress as defined by Merriam Webster: "A physical, chemical, or emotional factor that cause's bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation"

In fact it has been established that more that sixty human diseases involve stress and the associated free radical damage that occurs from the various stresses we encounter each day. These diseases include cancer, heart disease and immune system decline. Let's take a look at how these free radicals come to be and how we can best combat them.

The oxygen atom, which in a stable state has four pairs of electrons, becomes unstable when it loses an electron. An oxygen atom with seven electrons is referred to as a free radical. This name aptly describes its action in the body, too. Just as water pools and vacuums are filled quickly in nature, free radicals quickly attach themselves to something - in this case body tissue - in order to stabilize themselves. What happens is the free radical takes an electron from the membrane of a body tissue and by doing so, produces yet another free radical, which then is obliged by its charge to seek out another electron - in your body. What results is a cascade of oxidations - a "rusting" of body tissues.

Cigarette smoke, air pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from televisions, computers, chemicals and a busy life generate free radicals, which cause "oxidative stress". Free radicals attack all your vital cellular structures, such as cell membranes and stimulate processes that have been linked to accelerate cellular aging. An antioxidant's job is to neutralize the free radical cells thus protecting the cells in our body from accelerated aging. By neutralizing the free radicals, these once free radical cells are able to assist with nutritional distribution, proper circulation and overall better health.

It is here that the value of the OPC's found in OPCxtra is unmatched. OPC's or Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin's are highly bioavailable flavonoids. These flavonoids are extracted from standardized grape seed, pine bark, red wine and bilberry extracts. We have also added the extraordinary antioxidant properties EGCG to give you the extra advantage in fighting free radical damage.

Because it is so powerful, OPC's neutralizes free radicals with great rapidity, thus allowing cells to regenerate. The resulting benefits are various. OPC combines with collagen and helps maintain and restore skin elasticity. It protects capillaries and so helps prevent varicose veins and bruising. OPC also functions as natural anti-inflammatory and helps treat joint pain and injuries. Human trials have show that the OPC can prevent the peripheral hemorrhage, swelling of legs due to water retention, diabetic retinopathy, and high blood pressure.