Antioxidants in excess are harmful to health

The amount of information and the number of inquiries on how to eat properly often generates more questions aimed at practical ways to change the habits of everyday life. But increasingly, it is known that the road is the most appropriate balance.

And the recommendation comes even moderately consume all food groups listed as critical to maintaining good health. The study published by the University of Kansas, USA, and published by the Journal of Applied Physiology, says that consumption of foods that contain good amounts of antioxidants can be harmful in the long term.

The group of substances consisting of vitamins, minerals, natural pigments and other plant compounds and enzymes are recognized by scientists to block the harmful effects of free radicals that accelerate the aging process of cells in the body, and help avoid heart disease and cancer.

Suggesting the investigation, made with animals that received different doses of these substances is that high doses cause muscle wasting in older people. That's because the excessive consumption of a substance alters the balance of nutrients in the body. "Many people do not realize that the amount of antioxidants and pro-oxidants is very delicate. And they think they have some kind of positive outcome when they can conquer a more serious problem," said researcher Steven Copp.

The research found that antioxidants consumed in excess decreases the amount of vasodilator substances that help maintain healthy arteries and veins. That causes the muscles do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen, leaving them stiff and sore, especially during exercises.

The study suggests caution in prescribing a diet loaded with antioxidants and remember that many items provide higher amounts of the recommended daily nutrients.

For example, a slice of sweet potato-supplies four times the recommended amount of vitamin A daily. The same goes for broccoli, portion of which offers more than twice the recommended amount of vitamin K daily for adult consumption.