FoodNutrition
Antioxidant vitamins C, E and a family of plant chemicals knownas carotenes (beta carotene is one of more than 600 carotenes foundin foods) may protect your muscles from damage caused by free radicals.Free radicals are metabolic byproducts of vigorous exercise whichcan damage body tissues. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, renderingthem harmless.
Where to get antioxidants? Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoesand peppers are all brimming with vitamin C. Vitamin E is found in wholegrain breads and cereals, nuts, wheat germ and vegetable oils.Beta carotene, and its other carotene cousins, hide out in dark greenand orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, cantaloupeand broccoli. The darker the color, the more carotenes.
One word of caution however. In the amounts contained in food, these substancesact as antioxidants. In massive doses, they may be pro-oxidants (harmfulto tissues). Some research studies have actually discontinued the use ofhigh dose beta carotene supplements because of their potentially harmfuleffects on body tissues. In summary, the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementsis uncertain, but the evidence of anti-oxidants fighting free radicals isyet another reason for consumption of the aforementioned wonderful foods.
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