Beneficial effect of aerobic exercise and green tea on serum antioxidants

Abstract

Introduction. Production of free radicals is a natural process during various metabolic events. The process may be altered due to various internal and external factors. Increased antioxidant capacity is one of the responses of human body against attack of free radicals. Many factors may affect the antioxidant capacity with various potential values in health and disease. The aim of this study was assessment of antioxidant potential in plasma after aerobic exercise, consumption of green tea and combination of both. Material and Method. Three groups of 35 healthy women (mean age 30.1±1.5 years) entered the study. The first group was composed of those attending an aerobic training course, the second group agreed to drink 3 mugs of green tea a day and the last group agreed to do both tests. Their blood samples were collected three times during the study, i.e. beginning, after two weeks and at the end.
Results. A significant increase in catalase activity and uric acid concentration together with decreased concentration of malondialdehyde was observed.
Conclusions. Enhanced activity of antioxidants in plasma is the beneficial effect of aerobic exercise, green tea and, most interesting, synergism of both. Since production of malondialdehyde is marker of cell damage, its reduced concentration after the period of treatment is indicative of increased natural resistance of the body to free radical attack.

Key words:

serum antioxidants, malondialdehyde, aerobic exercise, green tea, health