Our environment has billions of pathogenic microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites –relentlessly trying to enter our body and infect us. And why wouldn’t they! Our body not only provides a very conducive environment for them to grow and multiply, but where they also release toxins and cause infections ranging from a common cold to measles, dysentery, tuberculosis, chicken pox, malaria and other serious situations. Fortunately, it is not as easy as it sounds, thanks to the defense mechanisms installed by the immune system – the very elaborate and powerful anti-virus software of our body.

Free radicals – nasty toxic molecules that have long been known to damage DNA, proteins, lipids and other essential biological molecules. Their contribution to premature aging and chronic degenerative illness is well-established. But is it the only way to perceive free radicals? As we are about to find out, the fear of free radicals may actually be exaggerated. While free radicals ride on a lot of negative hype, the truth is they are a crucial part of life and play an important role in many biological functions in small amounts.

Inflammation seems to be the buzzword among the health conscious. Everything ailment and every disease is directly or indirectly linked with inflammation. But is it really that bad to have an inflammation? Especially when inflammation is actually an integral part of our body’s natural healing mechanism and no infection or injury can be healed without it. We all are familiar with inflammation in one form or another. Ever cut a finger or had a sore throat? Well, there you are. All the pain, swelling and heat is because you are experiencing inflammation.