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Antioxidants are substances that are extremely important to your health. They counteract the damage done by a normal process of oxidation in animal tissue. Antioxidants mop up free radicals that are molecules produced by the body when it breaks down food are other toxins. Toxins can come from environmental pollution, household cleaners, tobacco smoke, drugs, radiation and a variety of other sources.

Antioxidants are nutritents (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes which are proteins in your body that assist in chemical reactions. They are found in many foods but can also be bought in supplement form. Antioxidant substances include beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, Vitamin A, C and E. Antioxidants play a huge role in fighting diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, cataracts, Alzheimer&undefined;s disease and other diseases. A new study has also found that antioxidants boost exercise endurance. The study was undertaken by the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. They studied 12 college students who were not regular exercisers. They were each given a quercetin supplement for 7 days.  Quercetin is a compound that is considered an antioxidant and is also an anti inflammatory. It is found naturally  in red apples, red onions, berries, cabbage, broccoli, and green and black teas. In the study, the participants were asked to follow their regular routines and diet but were given a placebo twice daily for 7 days. They were then asked to do the same thing for another 7 days but were given the quercetin supplement. At the beginning of the study each participant was tested for how long they could ride a stationary bike and also their oxygen uptake. At the end of each 7 day period their maximum oxygen uptake and exercise endurance was measured again. It was found that when given the quercetin, the participants could ride 13% longer than when they were given the placebo. The conclusions point to the fact that certain antioxidants boost endurance and relieve fatigue.

Antioxidants can be found in a number of foods – mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish, nuts and legumes also contain antioxidants. A daily supplement should also be taken to ensure that your intake is sufficient.