Green tea extract may reduce oxidative stress caused by resistance training
Added 03.07.2008
A new study from Brazil has yielded positive results regarding green tea extract and its effect on reducing the oxidative damage brought about by resistance exercise.
For a period of seven days, 14 men between the ages of 19 and 30 years drank either water or green tea three times a day. After seven days, the subjects were asked to perform a bench press exercise and blood samples were taken from all individuals. The subjects who drank green tea experienced a 64 percent decrease in the levels of lipid peroxide (an indicator of oxidation) and a 27 percent increase in blood levels of polyphenols both before and after exercise. In addition, glutathione, an antioxidant protein that protects cells from free radical damage, was 37 percent higher in the group that was consuming green tea.
This new, exciting study holds promising results for both amateur and professional athletes. It also indicates that to perform better and prevent sports injuries and chronic disease due to oxidation, you would benefit from adding green tea extract supplements to a healthy diet.
