The supplements Selenum and Vitamin E complete Dr. Weils suggested antioxidant formula (along with the previous weeks supplement suggestions). We hear so much about antioxidants, but I didn’t really know what that meant, so I went to my favorite research place, the Wikipedia and found this about antioxidants (if you know all about them, just skip this):

An antioxidant is a chemical that prevents the oxidation of other chemicals. In biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation (plus a minor contribution from ionizing radiation) produce highly reactive free radicals. These can readily react with and damage other molecules: in some cases the body uses this to fight infection. In other cases, the damage may be to the body’s own cells. The presence of extremely easily oxidisable compounds in the system can “mop up” free radicals before they damage other essential molecules.

Food produces free radicals (oxidants) when metabolized, and virtually all studies of mammals have concluded that a restricted calorie diet extends the lifespan of mammals by as much as 100%. This remarkable finding suggests that food is actually more damaging than smoking which takes on average 25% of a person’s lifespan. Antioxidant-rich diets are thought to stave off the effects of aging significantly better than calorie rich, vitamin poor diets.

The following vitamins have shown positive antioxidant effects:

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