E-Coach Training Tips
This week’s tip will be first of 2 parts dealing with Antioxidants as part of a good nutrition program (not just for endurance athletes too!!!). So here we go with Antioxidants Part I;
Antioxidants are present in vegetables, fruits, and some grains; most often identified by a distinct color. Plants create phytochemicals to protect themselves from damage caused by photosynthesis within their cells, attacks from pesticides and insects, as well UV radiation damage from the sun. These phytochemicals in plants or antioxidants help us prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants help prevent damage to cells in our body caused by stabilizing Free Radicals. So what are free radicals, a quick biochemistry description? This is a molecule with one electron missing that are unstable and are caused by atoms with weak bonds. These unstable free-radicals attack stable molecules and cause a chain reaction damaging more healthy molecules and creating more free radicals.
So what produces free radicals?
Since these nutrients help against oxidative damage in our body, you can see why it can be of great importance to endurance athletes. We have to process a lot of oxygen in training and racing to fuel our bodies. It is important to consume foods high in antioxidants to prevent many health related issues too.
Next week we will review how antioxidants can help prevent damage in our bodies and other health benefits, as well as ideas on how to incorporate them into your daily nutritional plans.