Antioxidants are active molecules that prevent cell degradation. They are essential for exercising in good conditions, as they help the body remain in good shape despite the difficulties that may be associated with physical exertion.
Find out in this article why antioxidants are important for athletes and how to get a sufficient intake, knowing that nutrition and health are closely linked.
The importance of antioxidants for athletes
Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals
Antioxidants act by combating oxidative stress. This is a phenomenon characterized by the production of free radicals when the body is exposed to stress. There are many stress factors, including smoking, sunlight, pollution and excessive exercise. The latter, when practiced intensively, represents a form of aggression and causes the release of the famous free radicals, molecules that in turn attack cells.
Free radicals are necessary for our good health, but when they are produced excessively, they can disrupt the proper functioning of our bodies and, more specifically, their physiological functions. In fact, free radicals degrade our proteins, fatty acids, DNA and various molecules essential to cellular life.
When significant, this mechanism acts as an assault and can weaken athletes’ bodies in various ways. This can manifest itself as recurring injuries, muscle weakness, digestive disorders, etc.
The Role of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are true shields against free radicals. They form a natural defense system by neutralizing them before they can reach their targets, thereby stopping their harmful effects.
It is important to give the body a boost when free radical production is repeated or intensifies.
For example, antioxidants help reduce inflammation in muscle tissue and joints, limit the risk of injury, and prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, among others…
Optimizing Your Antioxidant Intake
Natural Solutions
To get a sufficient intake of antioxidants when exercising regularly, several natural solutions are available:
In addition to the natural antioxidants produced by the human body, known as lipoate and glutathione.
Other antioxidants are available in significant quantities in many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Fruits with a high antioxidant content include blueberries and pomegranates, but especially açaí, which is precisely what justifies its designation as a “superfood.”
Açaí Berry, an Antioxidant-Rich Ally
Açaí berries have an exceptional antioxidant content: 3.29 g/100 g of polyphenols! More specifically, these are anthocyanins, which belong to the flavonoid family and are responsible for their beautiful dark purple color. The antioxidants found in food act like rustproofing for our cells, helping combat tissue oxidation, hence their name. Açaí berries have very high antioxidant potential, with an ORAC value of 11000 umol TE/100g, 10 times higher than cranberries.
ORAC, or “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity,” is an index that measures the antioxidant content of a food and its ability to combat free radicals. The higher it is, the more protective the food is!
Antioxidants, which are essential for athletes, can be found in foods such as açaí. By incorporating these superfoods, athletes can optimize their health and performance.
You know what you need to do if you are a serious athlete and want to stay healthy!