Many sports nutrition brands highlight the presence of antioxidants in their ingredients or the antioxidant function of some of their products. Let’s see what these antioxidants are. How are they produced by the body, and under what circumstances? Which foods are naturally rich in antioxidants? Why do athletes need more of them during physical activity? What are the benefits of an antioxidant gel for sports?
What are antioxidants used for?
Antioxidants are found in vitamins C, E, and A, omega-3s, zinc, potassium, BCAAs, and many other less well-known micronutrients naturally present in our bodies and in the foods we consume. They play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, harmful compounds produced when our muscle cells consume the oxygen present in the blood.
These free radicals attack and destroy our cells; this is known as “oxidative stress.” Oxidative stress occurs when the body cannot effectively eliminate free radicals. This can cause damage to the DNA, proteins, and lipids in our cells, which can in turn contribute to cramps, fatigue, premature aging, and many chronic diseases.
The body then organizes its defenses by producing antioxidants. They play a key role in strengthening the immune system, thereby helping prevent infections and diseases.
Where are antioxidants found?
Antioxidants are generally found in abundance in fruits and vegetables.
That is why the National Nutrition and Health Programme (PNNS) recommends “eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day.” Here are the main ones:
-
Beta-carotene (provitamin A) is found mainly in brightly colored and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and mangoes.
-
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is found in oranges, blackcurrants, strawberries, and also in very high amounts in red peppers.
-
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is found in abundance in wheat germ, olive and sunflower oils, walnuts, almonds, avocado, and egg yolk!
- Polyphenols and lycopene include flavonoids (very widespread among plants), tannins (found in cocoa, coffee, tea, and grapes), anthocyanins (particularly in red fruits), and phenolic acids (found in cereals, fruits, and vegetables).
Our bodies produce α-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, from cysteine, an amino acid found in brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, dairy products, nuts, seeds, seafood, fish, eggs, and meat.
Animal proteins (meat and fish) also contain antioxidants
However, it should be noted that the antioxidant content of these protein sources is considerably lower than that of fruits and vegetables.
As for meat, liver is a good example. Beef liver, for instance, contains large amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as copper. Fatty meats such as beef and lamb are also sources of Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant.
Fish, particularly oily fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, and herring, are also a good source of antioxidants. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The best way to obtain a variety of antioxidants is to eat a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Herbs and spices have the greatest antioxidant properties
Cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cocoa, ginger, curry, black pepper, thyme, and oregano are the most concentrated!
What is the antioxidant power of foods?
An aliment’s “antioxidant power” is its ability to neutralize free radicals. The ORAC index (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is used to measure a food’s antioxidant power. The higher a food’s ORAC index, the stronger its antioxidant capacity. Very useful for prioritizing the foods richest in antioxidants.
Why are antioxidants important for athletes?
The body is put under severe strain during intensive training or competition: repeated muscle contractions, inflammation of the tendons, tissues, and joints, production of CO2 and lactic acid… All this stress increases the risk of injury, fatigue, and poor recovery. Antioxidants are the solution!
Supplementing antioxidants externally, for example in the form of an energy gel, is necessary when exercise is intense because oxygen consumption increases. The more oxygen the body processes, the more free radicals it produces, and the more antioxidants it needs to neutralize them. This applies to endurance sports in general, and to marathon running, trail running, cycling, and triathlon in particular.
Antioxidants protect athletes in the following ways:
- Reduced inflammation of muscle tissues and joints
- Reduced risk of injury through improved recovery
- Reduced acidity in the body (acid reflux) by bringing the pH back to a normal level as close to 7 as possible.
Focus on Mulebar antioxidant gels
The Mulebar energy gel range includes 5 flavors, two of which are antioxidant gels. Their very fluid texture allows the body to absorb them quickly, with an effect within 5 to 10 minutes of consumption.
Our Mulebar antioxidant gels were specially designed to support muscle activity during both training and races. With 114 kcal per 37 g tube, they provide all the muscle energy needed for your sporting activities. Made with 100% natural ingredients, they contain no preservatives or artificial colors. So there is no risk of experiencing digestive problems during exercise.
Their liquid texture allows for easy absorption, especially during exercise when your mouth is very dry. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consume them in several servings (this is possible with their resealable caps) and drink water immediately afterward to clear the sugar from your mouth.
Please note that our Mulebar gels dissolve in water at a ratio of one tube per 500 ml. This is much more convenient than using powder to make your energy drink.
These gels are certified vegan (except the salted caramel flavor) and contain no gluten (except the coffee gel).
It is recommended to consume them in 2 or 3 servings, taking one serving every 15 minutes. Luckily, the tube cap is really easy to reseal—it’s the only one on the market! And once it’s empty, it doesn’t leak.
Mulebar cherry energy gel in a tube and eco-refill
Our 5 eco-refills (one per flavor) allow you to refill the energy gel tubes once they have been rinsed with hot water. A great way to reduce the use of single-use plastic. We also offer silicone flasks that can be resealed with an anti-drip valve.
- A 60 ml flask containing the equivalent of 2 37 g gel tubes.
- At the request of heavy users, we developed a 150 ml soft flask (equivalent to 6 gel tubes) so you can carry larger quantities without disposable plastic.
These flasks are washable and reusable hundreds of times. An eco refill contains 12 servings of gel or enough to make 6 liters of diluted drink. It costs 36% less than 12 gel tubes purchased individually. Saving money while helping the planet is pretty rare, isn’t it?
Ingredients:
Brown rice syrup, agave syrup, cherry juice concentrate, Himalayan pink salt crystals.
- Brown rice syrup, with its high glycemic index, provides the immediate energy sought in a gel.
- Agave syrup provides natural fructose with its low glycemic index (15)
- Cherry juice, rich in vitamins and minerals, improves recovery by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation and lipid peroxidation. This contributes to better muscle recovery following physical activity.
-
Himalayan pink salt is very rich in trace elements, particularly iron, which supports healthy blood regeneration and improves circulation. It helps maintain healthy lungs and improve respiratory function. It helps restore blood pH (the acid-base balance). It helps with gastric reflux problems.
Nutritional information:
Mulebar apple energy gel in a tube and eco refill
Ingredients:
Brown rice syrup, agave syrup, apple juice concentrate, cinnamon, Himalayan pink salt crystals.
- Brown rice syrup, with its high glycemic index, provides the immediate energy sought in a gel.
- Agave syrup provides natural fructose with its low glycemic index (15)
- Apple juice is rich in antioxidants (mainly quercetin and polyphenols, which help combat cardiovascular disease and reduce blood cholesterol levels). It also contains many vitamins: A, B1 and B2, C, and PP. These vitamins play a role in carbohydrate metabolism, the nervous system, and energy production. Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function, and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and helps reduce fatigue. It also contributes to the normal formation of collagen, supporting the normal function of the teeth, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and skin.
- Cinnamon has primarily antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is mainly used to stimulate the immune system, relieve digestive problems, and naturally treat type 2 diabetes.
-
Himalayan pink salt is very rich in trace elements, particularly iron, which supports healthy blood regeneration and improves circulation. It helps maintain healthy lungs and improve respiratory function. It helps restore blood pH (the acid-base balance). It helps with gastric reflux problems.
Nutritional information:
In conclusion, a diet rich in antioxidants is essential for maintaining good health and optimizing athletic performance. To optimize your antioxidant intake, it is recommended that you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices as part of your everyday diet. Supplementing with antioxidant energy gels is beneficial during sustained physical activity.
Information about Mulebar sports nutrition products:
Unit price: €2.60 including tax per 37 g energy gel, and €1.66 including tax per serving when purchased as a 444 g refill pack priced at €20 including tax
Gels are also available in packs of 5 or boxes of 24, with a 10% discount on cherry, apple, lemon-ginger, salted caramel, and coffee flavors.
To mix flavors, vary your choices, and stock up, we offer a 10-gel discovery pack (2 of each flavor) and a mixed box of 24 gels.
Sign up for the Mulebar newsletter to receive a promo code
Delivery within 48 hours, with free shipping on orders over €70 in mainland France.
Preservative-free, colorant-free, palm-oil-free, vegan (except the caramel gel). Our energy gels are not organic. They do not contain gluten, except for the coffee gel.
