W4 Discussion Question 1: Oxidation and Antioxidants

Purpose: This assignment will examine how to make sense of antioxidants and supplements particularly in a time and era where this market for this is massive and hugely profitable, and therefore not necessarily reliable.

Post: Assume you are a trainer at a local gym. There is evidence that intense or exhaustive physical exercise can increase the production of free radicals. Antioxidants can be used to combat the damage caused by free radicals. One of your competitive athletes has heard bits and pieces of this information and asks you more about it. How would you counsel him?

Use language that the average person will understand, respond to this athlete and be sure to include the following information as a part of your response:

• What is meant by oxidation and why can it be damaging to cells?
• What are free radicals?
• Why do we produce free radicals if they can damage my body?
• What are antioxidants?
• How does antioxidants combat free radicals?
• What foods are high in antioxidants?
• Should your friend buy an antioxidant supplement?