Antioxidants and their importance in sport

Antioxidants such as vitamin C or E in our sports nutrition protect the organism from highly reactive oxygen compounds, the so-called free radicals. These can cause cell damage and thus lead to cell degeneration, which can then lead to cancer. They make an enormously important contribution to our health and also support regeneration and muscle building.

What does this have to do with muscle building or fat burning?

Everyone initially thinks that exercise is healthy. That is right as well! However, studies have shown that if the intensity and the amount of training are very high, there is an increased production of free radicals, which the body has to fight to avoid cell damage. Anyone who pursues ambitious muscle building or a hard diet to burn fat with correspondingly intense cardio units therefore fits into this category and should think about appropriate supplements. Although the organism has its own mechanisms to render these aggressive molecules harmless, it has been proven that balanced sports nutrition with an increased proportion of antioxidants significantly supports this fight.

What else contains Antioxidants?

In addition to the vitamins mentioned in our sports nutrition (C and E), the following phytochemicals have an antioxidant effect: polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins and catechins. You can find these e.g. in goji berries, acai berries, Alma berries, grape seeds and in green tea or in various supplements.

What role do antioxidants play?

For athletes, however, antioxidants are far more important, as they play a crucial role in energy metabolism. Muscle building is supported by high-dose vitamin C counteracting muscle breakdown. Green tea in particular not only inhibits the oxidative processes and thus also the growth of cancer cells, but also promotes fat burning and the metabolic rate. Thus, according to a study, the basal metabolic rate increases by approx. 4%. The fact that antioxidants reduce cell damage caused by free radicals also improves regeneration in the long term and enables faster progress in training. In addition, the study mentioned shows that green tea has an influence on thermogenesis and thus has a beneficial effect on fat burning.

Which supplements are recommended for your sports nutrition?

The Profuel supplements are a clear pioneer here! Profuel attaches great importance to the quality and interaction of the ingredients in their supplements. The pulp C 400, green tea EX 500 and the green stuff provide antioxidants from the best sources of nutrients and on top of that supply the body with important micronutrients. In short, a must for everyone who wants to do something good for their body and support their athletic goals as best as possible!