More importantly, exercise creates free radicals. In fact, the amount of free radicals in the body is measured by the hydrocarbons exhaled. Therefore, it is vitally important that as you increase your activity, you take good amounts of antioxidants. It is important to understand that each of the seven antioxidants work in different parts of the body. Vitamin A and beta-carotene do their best free radical fighting in the mucus membranes of the body.
Vitamin C works best in the water-soluble tissues.
Vitamin E and selenium extinguish free radicals in the fats and oils of the body- including the heart. Cysteine protects the bladder, lungs and eyes. Zinc watches over the prostate and the hormonal system. The most potent and wide ranging antioxidant, according to many sources, is proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid. This substance was isolated from the bark and needles of the Anneda tree, after it was discovered that this tree bark had great healing powers.