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Antioxidants For Muscle RecoveryWe've all heard of the many benefits antioxidants provide, one of which is helping the body fight free radicals. Just as a quick refresher...free radicals are harmful to us and weaken our immune system and other bodily functions important to our well being. So how are these supplements important to the bodybuilder or to some one simply trying to add additional pounds of muscle while shedding fat. Well, to begin with bodybuilders today use these supplements as a way to recover quicker after hard training. This has been proven to work time and time again. So how does it work in the recovery of your muscle fibers? Well, the compounds found in the antioxidant work to counteract free radicals, which are byproducts of aerobic energy metabolism. These free radicals are formed when elements such as oxygen and nitrogen interact with other molecules and try to bind to constituents located in the membrane cells, thus damaging the membrane. Research and practice have proven that they can reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and can enhance recovery between workouts. Most muscle growth occurs during the critical recovery stage after muscle fiber damaged is caused due to an intense workout. This is why it is important to focus on supplementation, such as an antioxidant, for accelerated and complete muscle recovery. You want to make sure you get the full benefit of your efforts in the gym, and maximize your results. So exactly how does this recovery take place? First, they bind with and deactivate free radicals produced during exercise before they can cause damage to muscle cells. Second, they strengthen and protect the muscle cell membranes against free-radical damage. Last but not least, they repair disruptions in muscle cell membranes caused by free radicals. A supplement may not be necessary if you're getting atleast five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. In todays fast paced society we're currently living in, I have a hard time getting the recommended servings in my daily diet, and I would assume many others struggle as well. So a supplement would be recommended if you can't get the recommended serving sizes into your daily diet. Also, for the extremely active bodybuilder or athlete, the five servings of fruits and vegetables will simply not be enough, and a supplement is recommended. Some of the most well known supplements are beta carotene (related to Vitamin A), Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Minerals include copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc. If you certainly can't include all of these into your diet at the recommended dosages, at most include a Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplement. Return From Antioxidants to Bodybuilding Supplements Page.
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