Antioxidants and Aerobic Exercise

Antioxidants are free radical scavengers, which help in the elimination of free radicals. Increase in free radicals is seen to be associated with stress, smoking, diet and alcohol. Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant vitamin, which provides a good and smooth complexion. Vitamins C and E are the other vitamins with antioxidant functions. Minerals such as zinc and selenium also exhibit antioxidant properties.

Plant foods contain these antioxidants in the form of flavonoids and poly phenols. An antioxidant food inhibits the coagulation of blood. It also increases the clarity of the mind and strengthens the central nervous system. It is cardiac friendly and regulates the blood cholesterol levels. It improves vision, concentration and memory power.
Antioxidant supplements are available in the market, which aid in the prevention of certain degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and so on. The American Heart Association fails to recommend synthetic antioxidant nutrition or supplement. An antioxidant diet comprises of antioxidant foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and so on. Excessive use of antioxidant supplement increases the risk of death of the individual. Orange is an antioxidant fruit, as it is a good source of antioxidants. Cherries, prunes, red grapes, raspberries, strawberries, plums, blue berries, raisins, and blackberries are equally effective antioxidant fruits.

Natural antioxidant fruits, which can be included in the daily diet are pomegranate, plums and peach. They are a storehouse of disease fighting components. Berries contribute to the greatest amount of antioxidants, followed by apple. Melons, peaches and mangoes follow the above said fruits. They enhance the immunity levels of the individual and help in the digestion process. This wards off the bacteria and virus and decreases the risk of diabetes mellitus. About three to five servings of antioxidant fruits prove beneficial.

Aerobic exercise increases the utilisation of oxygen in the exercise state, rather than in the resting state. This in turn increases the production of free radicals, which proves harmful. But, research reveals the positive correlation between exercise and the performance of the antioxidant defence system. Thus, inhibition of free radical damage is seen. These oxidants result in fatigue and tiredness during exercise.

Aerobic exercise benefits the system, in conjunction with a healthy diet. Cardiovascular health is better. Improvement in the oxygen carrying capacity and mobilization is seen. Regular aerobic fitness exercise decreases the risk of various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and so on. Walking is a kind of aerobic exercise that decreases the probability of osteoporosis.

Any other dietary or food supplement, regular exercise acts as an antioxidant and helps the body to rid itself of free radicals. Regular exercise like walking improves oxidative balance and is beneficial to health. Strenuous exercise produces significant oxidative stress and is hazardous to health.

Regular aerobic exercise like walking improves the oxidative balance in many ways. Fit people tend to have good oxidative balance then inactive people. So when you take dietary antioxidant in food or supplement form, continue walking exercise program to obtain additional antioxidant protection against free radicals. The result is you will look younger and live, longer. And without any changes in your diet you will be able to lose weight.

Submitted on January 16, 2014