HPC-UK Bitesize (Health): Weight Training Decreases Blood Cell Oxidative Stress

  

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that in excess are linked to DNA damage, depressed immunity, muscle damage and fatigue.

Antioxidants assist in neutralising the destructive fallout from these chemicals.* Research out of Iran found that an 8 week weight training program increased antioxidant enzymes in red blood cells (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidise).

Summary- Weight training can help to protect against free radical damage and improve metabolic health.

Reference

International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 23: 230-236, 2013

* Find out more about oxidation here (‘Breath of Fire’) http://wel-ness.blogspot.co.uk/