Final cover.cdr - National Institute of Naturopathy Pune

how beneficial
An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the
oxidation of other molecules. In this article, we will
discuss about the nature of oxidation process, the need
to prevent oxidation and how these antioxidants achieve
the goal of preventing oxidation with more relevance
to athletes.
Oxygen provides us with the energy required to
sustain life, including the ability to power movements
and muscular contraction. The ability of the body to
absorb, transport and use oxygen is important to
endurance athletes.
The chemical reactivity of the oxygen molecules can
also create cellular havoc by means of the highly reactive
and potentially extremely destructive molecular species
which are called free radicals. These free radicals are
produced as a consequence of trapping the chemical
energy of oxygen within the body. A free radical is simply
a molecule that contains an unpaired electron which
then runs free in our bodies breaking down good cells.
This free radical damage peaks after exercise which
increases muscle soreness. Such damages are also
thought to be one of the root cause of degenerative
diseases, inflammation and the ageing process in
general.
Dr. T. Arun Kumar
Athletes not only take in a
larger volume of oxygen
but also utilize it at a higher
rate. During training and
performance, the rate of
oxygen processing by the
mitochondria is very high
placing exceptionally high
demands on antioxidant
defence systems.
Athletes not only take in a larger volume of oxygen
but also utilize it at a higher rate. During training and
performance, the rate of oxygen processing by the
mitochondria is very high placing exceptionally high
demands on antioxidant defence systems.
However the human body is equipped with a number
of systems capable of inhibiting the free radicals
produced as a result of aerobic metabolism, and
dissipating their energy harmlessly. These are collectively
known as the antioxidants which are substances or
vitamins that protect the cells in our body from such
molecules like free radicals.
Antioxidant nutrients (consumed in the diet) remove
the unwanted free radical activity and break the chain
of free radical reactions, thereby minimizing damage to
the body. Increased consumption of antioxidant
nutrients automatically leads to reduction of free
radicals by neutralising it. Vitamins E and C as well as
Selenium block the body’s ability to make free radicals
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Nisargopachar Varta : January 2013