This statement was made by the teacher of molecular biology and biochemistry, the head of the clinical department of the city hospital of Valencia (east of Spain) Guillermo Saez-Tormo.

This expert participated in seminars held in Valencia organized by the local Foundation for Advanced Studies. According to Saez-Tormo, there are reasons to believe that "high-class athletes have many health problems that lead to a deterioration in physical condition and often to the exclusion of the athlete from participating in competitions". When a person experiences high physical exertion, he is forced to inhale a lot of oxygen. This process of oxidation is essentially an "aging of cells," explained the Spaniard.

A person can not live without oxygen. However, in excessive volumes, it provokes "oxidative stress", causes the appearance of many diseases, including cardiovascular and cancer, Saez-Tormo.

The specialist noted the tendency to frequent use of artificial antioxidants and expressed concern about the use in the sports world of various anabolic and other means of building muscle mass. Unnatural proteins "disrupt the normal functioning of cells" and adversely affect its metabolism, warned the Spaniard. In his opinion, the best way is to eat the dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. They are rich in natural antioxidants, which are found in vegetables and fruits.

sportzal. com.