Many sports nutrition brands promote the presence of antioxidants in their ingredients, or the antioxidant function of some of their products. Let’s take a look at 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 them more during physical activity? What are the benefits of an antioxidant gel for sport?
What are antioxidants used for ?
Antioxidants are found in vitamins C, E, A, omega 3, zinc, potassium, BCAAs and many other lesser-known micronutrients naturally present in our bodies and in the foods we eat. They play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, harmful compounds produced when our muscle cells consume oxygen in the blood.
These radicals attack and destroy our cells, known as “oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress occurs when the body cannot effectively eliminate free radicals. This can lead to damage to the DNA, proteins and lipids in our cells, which in turn can contribute to cramps, fatigue, premature aging and many chronic diseases.
The body then organizes its defense by producing antioxidants. They play a key role in strengthening the immune system, helping to prevent infection and disease.
Where to find antioxidants ?
Antioxidants are generally found in abundance in fruits and vegetables.
That’s why the French National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS) recommends “eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day”.
Here are the main ones:
- ß-carotene (provitamin A) is found mainly in bright orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, red peppers and mangoes.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is found in oranges, blackcurrants and strawberries, and in very large quantities in red peppers.
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) is found in wheat germ, olive oil, sunflower oil, walnuts, almonds, avocado and egg yolk!
- Polyphenols and lycopene include flavonoids (widespread among plants), tannins (in cocoa, coffee, tea and grapes), anthocyanins (particularly in red fruits) and phenolic acids (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 fruit and vegetables.
When it comes to meat, liver is a good example. Beef liver, for example, contains high levels 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 get 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 food ?
A food’s “antioxidant capacity” is its ability to neutralize free radicals. To measure a food’s antioxidant capacity, we use the ORAC Index (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). The higher a food’s ORAC index, the greater its antioxidant capacity. Very useful for prioritizing the richest foods.
Why antioxidants are important for athletes ?
The body is put to a severe test during sustained training or competition: repeated muscular contractions, inflammation of tendons, tissues and joints, production of CO2 and lactic acid… All these stresses create an increased risk of injury, fatigue and poor recovery. Antioxidants are the solution!
The external supply of antioxidants in the form of energy gel, for example, is necessary when the effort is intense, as oxygen consumption increases. The more oxygen the body breathes in, the more free radicals it produces, and the more antioxidants it needs to neutralize them. This is the case for endurance sports in general, and marathon, trail, cycling and triathlon in particular.
Antioxidants protect athletes in the following ways :
- Reduces inflammation of muscle tissue and joints
- Reduces the risk of injury through improved recovery
Reduces acidity in the body (acidic gastric reflux) by bringing the pH back to a normal level, as close as possible to 7.
Focus on Mulebar antioxidant gels
The Mulebar range of energy gels includes 5 flavors, two of which are antioxidant. Their highly fluid texture means they are rapidly assimilated by the body and take effect within 5 to 10 minutes of absorption.
Our Mulebar antioxidant gels have been specially designed to support muscular activity during training and racing. With 114Kcal per 37g tube, they will provide you with all the muscular energy you need for your sporting activities. Made from 100% natural ingredients, they contain no preservatives or colorants. So there’s no risk of gastric problems during exercise.
Their liquid texture makes them easy to absorb, especially during exercise when the mouth is very dry. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consume them in several portions (this is possible with their resealable caps) and to drink water immediately afterwards to remove the sugar from the mouth.
Note that our Mulebar gels are water-soluble at a rate of one tube per 500ml. Much more practical than powder for your energy drink.
These gels are certified vegan and gluten-free (except for the coffee gel).
They should be taken in 2 or 3 doses, every 15 minutes. It’s a good thing the cap on the tube is so easy to reseal – it’s the only one on the market! And once finished, it doesn’t leak.
Mulebar cherry energy gel in tubes and eco-refills
Our 5 eco-refills (one per flavour) allow you to refill the energy gel tubes once they’ve been rinsed out with hot water. A great way to reduce the use of single-use plastic.
We also developped 60ml resealable silicone vials with a non-drip valve, containing the equivalent of 2 x 37g tubes of gel. These vials can be washed and reused hundreds of times. At the request of large-scale consumers, we have developed a 150ml soft flask (equivalent to 5 tubes of gel) to carry more quantities with you without disposable plastic. One eco-refill contains 12 doses of gel or enough to make 6 liters of diluted drink. It costs 33% less than 12 tubes of gels bought individually. Saving money while doing good for 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 required in a gel.
- Agave syrup provides natural fructose with its low glycemic index (15).
- Cherry juice, rich in vitamins and minerals, enhances recovery by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation and lipid peroxidation. This contributes to better muscle recovery following sporting activity.
- Himalayan pink salt is very rich in trace elements, particularly iron, which promotes blood regeneration and improves circulation. It helps maintain healthy lungs and improve respiratory function. It helps restore blood pH (acid-base balance). It acts on gastric reflux problems.
Nutritionnal values :
100g | Gel | |
Energy kJ | 1288 | 477 |
Energy kCal | 308 | 114 |
Fat (g) | 0.6 | 0.2 |
Of which satures (g) | 0 | 0 |
Carbo-hydrates (g) | 74 | 28 |
Of which sugar (g) | 66 | 25 |
Fibre (g) | 1 | 0.4 |
Protein (g) | 1.7 | 0.6 |
Salt (g) | 0.2 | 0.07 |
Mulebar apple energy gel in tubes and eco-refills
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 required 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 fight cardiovascular disease and lower blood cholesterol). It also contains a large number of vitamins: A, B1 and B2, C and PP. These are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, the nervous system and energy production. Potassium contributes to normal nervous system function, normal muscle function and normal blood pressure. Vitamin C contributes to normal immune system function and reduces fatigue. It is also involved in the normal formation of collagen, to ensure the normal function of teeth, bones, cartilage, blood vessels and skin.
- Cinnamon has 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 promotes blood regeneration and improves circulation. It helps maintain healthy lungs and improve respiratory function. It helps restore blood pH (acid-base balance). Acts on gastric reflux problems.
Nutritionnal values :
100g | Gel | |
Energy kJ | 1221 | 452 |
Energy kCal | 292 | 108 |
Fat (g) | 0.1 | 0 |
Of which satures (g) | 0 | 0 |
Carbo-hydrates (g) | 72 | 27 |
Of which sugar (g) | 68 | 25 |
Fibre (g) | 1 | 0.4 |
Protein (g) | 0.3 | 0.1 |
Salt (g) | 0.3 | 0.1 |
In conclusion, a diet rich in antioxidants is essential for maintaining good health and optimizing sports performance. To optimize your antioxidant intake, we recommend that you include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices in your daily diet. Supplementation with antioxidant energy gels is an added bonus for sustained sporting activity.
Information on Mulebar sports nutrition products:
Unit price: €2.6 (incl. VAT) per 37g energy gel and €1.66 (incl. VAT) per portion if purchased in a 444g eco-refill for €20 (incl. VAT).
Gels also available in packs of 5 or boxes of 24 with a 10% discount in cherry, apple, lemon ginger, salted caramel and coffee flavors.
To mix flavors, vary your desires and stock up, we offer a discovery pack of 10 gels (2 of each flavor) and a mixed box of 24 gels.
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3-5 days delivery and free shipping on purchases over €100
No preservatives, no colorants, no palm oil, vegan (except caramel gel)
Our energy gels are not organic. They are gluten-free, except for the coffee gel.
