The main antioxidant nutrients are vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, and the minerals selenium, zinc, copper and manganese. A lesser-known but extremely powerful antioxidant is the proanthocyanidin complex found in pine bark and grape seed extract.

Extensive research* has shown that proanthocyanidins are not only of the most powerful antioxidants available today, but can play a significant role in preventing diseases. This complex is so powerful because it’s a mixture of several types of antioxidants that function effectively in different regions of the body.

It also has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to directly protect brain cells against free radicals. Few dietary antioxidants have this capability.

Other benefits of proanthocyanidins are:

• They help to strengthen the immune system and stimulate the formation of T-cells.
• They can help to prevent coronary heart diseases as they help to strengthen the artery walls, preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of artery walls).
• They have anti-inflammatory properties and can bring relief from pain caused by arthritis.
• They may benefit diabetics since they help to improve blood circulation (also to the capillaries) protecting the eyes from deterioration.
• They can help stabilise blood sugar levels.

The fact that the proanthocyanidin complex is so powerful and versatile does not mean that it is the only supplement you should take. Antioxidant nutrients work together as a team and for adequate protection we need a variety of vitamins and minerals in our diet to keep us healthy.

* Proanthocyanidins are well documented in the research of Dr Richard Passwater, Dr Jacques Masquelier, Dr Morton Walker, the Pasteur and Huntington institutes and several leading universities, and were found to be helpful in alleviating many conditions.