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Phytonutrients are a relatively new class of natural compounds showing tremendous value in controlling inflammation and its negative effect on health. Hundreds of plants naturally produce these compounds, known as flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolics and anthocyanins, to protect themselves from oxidative damage. These protective substances are antioxidants that give plants and fruits their color. Citrus fruits, grapes, berries, and green, red and yellow vegetables are all examples of antioxidant-rich foods.
As an antioxidant, phytonutrients have the ability to quench free radicals, which are molecules with an unpaired electron that randomly pull electrons from other molecules. Although the body produces free radicals as part of normal metabolic activity, excessive levels of free radicals create an adverse cycle of cellular events, which may lead to cell damage (aging & disease) or destruction.
Exposure that can contribute to free radical stress can come from the environment, such as air pollution, toxic metals, herbicides and pesticides. The vitamins C, E and Beta Carotene are effective free radical scavengers. The minerals Selenium, Copper, Zinc and Manganese also produce antioxidant enzymes in the body.
Equine diets typically lack these fresh antioxidant compounds. Rarely do most horses have an ample supply of fresh green pastures. Most are fed dried hay and grains. In fact, many horse feeds are highly processed and refined, which further reduces the antioxidants that occur naturally in their native diet.
Supplementing feeds with antioxidant-rich phytonutrients can efficiently protect your horse(s) from the damaging effects of free radicals and inflammatory chronic health problems. Antioxidants such as grape seed extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, turmeric and beta carotene can support the body's immune system, respiratory and cardiovascular health, and may also help horses with seasonal allergies.
Jack Grogan, CN and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition has worked extensively in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, is an expert in tissue mineral balancing, and has experienced notable success in balancing mineral chemistry to strengthen the basic metabolism and improve efficiency in horses.
Uckele Health & Nutrition has built a reputation over 50 years creating a broad spectrum of nutritional supplements from concept to shelf, also providing private labeling and custom manufacturing for reputable companies and organizations worldwide. With decades of nutritional knowledge and experience, Uckele's team of experts develop, formulate and manufacture a vast array of high potency, balanced nutritional supplements to support optimal health and performance at the highest level.
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