Free radical damage referred to as Oxidative Stress, especially, when discussing dis-eases in particular cardiovascular disease, has also been strongly associated with virtually every chronic degenerative disease, arthritis (all types), and cancer. Free radicals are highly reactive and cause tissue damage by reacting with polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cellular membrane or nucleotides in DNA.  Free radicals may originate from malnutrition (poor diets), polluted air, solvent-laden water, pesticide-laced food and/or radiation exposure, taking frequent flights, especially, airline pilots; EMF's or better known as electromagnetic fields; microwave ovens, overcooked / blackened barbequed meats (carcinogens) high-electrical wires and cell phones all create Free Radical Damage to the DNA.

Clearly, due to their antioxidant activity, the therapeutic potential of (proanthocyanidins) OPC-165^TM by Life Sources® Inc. is quite broad. In Europe, OPC's are used mainly for the treatment of;

• Vascular disorders such as venous insufficiency (The most common causes of venous insufficiency are previous cases of blood clots and varicose veins. In some cases, weakness of the leg muscles that help squeeze blood forward may also contribute to venous insufficiency).
• varicose veins
• micro-vascular problems including capillary fragility (bruising easily)
• retinopathies

In fact, OPC-165^TM are the active ingredient in a proprietary pharmaceutical product sold in France (Endotelon) used primarily for microcirculatory disorders. The main features of proanthocyanidins that comprise the rationale for use in vascular disorders have been demonstrated experimentally:

• Neutralizing the hydroxyl free radical
• Traps lipid peroxides and free radicals
• Markedly delays the onset of lipid peroxidation
• Chelates to free iron molecules, so as to inhibit iron-induced lipid peroxidation as we can observe the "foam cell" (the beginning of lipid peroxidation leading to arterial wall thinning) utilizing Vital Hematology

OPC-165^TM have garnered recent attention in helping to explain the "French Paradox," the observation in France that high intake of dietary fats does not necessarily lead to high rates of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. When this paradox first came to light, research focused on the consumption of alcohol in the form of red wine as the preventive factor, but these results were equivocal.  Further research revealed that phenolic substances in red wine, including OPC-165's had potent antioxidant properties, reducing the oxidation of human LDL (‘bad cholesterol') in vitro, as well as inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase of platelets and macrophages in vivo, further reducing thrombotic predisposition. In other words, they assist in long-term use in the prevention of blood clotting.

OPC-165^TM should be a part of your daily health regimen

Free radicals play a role in most common illnesses and many degenerative diseases. More and more oxidation mechanisms are being implicated in the disease process. Therefore, the so-called antioxidant revolution is already taking place with antioxidants becoming a more than ever important daily supplement.

When these versatile protectors are depleted, the body's defense is then too weak and as it becomes overwhelmed (see Fig 12) your performance suffers. Life Sources' OPC-165® prevents this from happening as they are 50 times stronger than Vitamin E, 20 times stronger than Vitamin E!

Scientists today believe that all of us on a daily basis are victims of microscopic damage to our cells and even our organs. Random mutations (see Mycoplasmas and Autoimmune Disorders) take place during your normal growth and reproduction. Rebellious cells must be contained and destroyed. Your healthy metabolism produces toxic products that must be neutralized. Your cellular damage from free radicals (see Fig 15), oxidation reactions and ingested or inhaled poisons must all be counteracted regularly. Only a well-functioning immune system can defend your body from all such insults to preserve your health. Otherwise, you are prone to illness and disease. In the real world, depressed immunity is pandemic. The immune system can become harmed in a short period of time, especially if we abuse ourselves. It is genetically designed for your protection; to shelter you from disease. But it will protect you only if you take charge of yourself. And, this relates to all the lifestyle issues. Your habits hold the key to either health or illness.

The information is not presented as medical advice or treatment and is for informational purposes only. Please refer to your physician for any questions regarding advice or treatment.

 Andrea McCreery, CMAT, CNC, Ph.D. is located in Fair Oaks, California
She may be contacted at www.life-sources.com or (916) 536-9930.