Final answer:
Athletes need to consume nutrients with antioxidant capabilities to reduce free radical damage. Antioxidants neutralize reactive molecules, preventing cellular damage and supporting overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce free radical damage to their bodies, athletes need to consume nutrients with antioxidant capabilities. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, along with provitamins such as ß-carotene, act as vital defenders against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules, with unpaired electrons, are formed not only through metabolic processes but also by environmental factors like radiation and pollution.
The role of antioxidants is to be oxidized themselves, which interrupts the destructive chain reactions initiated by free radicals. Certain micronutrients found primarily in fruits and vegetables, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, have demonstrated significant antioxidant properties. They work by directly scavenging free radicals, donating atoms to neutralize them, thereby preventing cellular damage and contributing to overall health.