If you think you can eat what you want as long as you work out enough, think again.
Physical activity causes oxidative stress, which is cell damage from chemical reactions inside the body. It can cause disease, speed up aging, and make you generally less healthy.
A lot of chemical reactions take place during physical activity. Just like a car produces exhaust, muscles produce what are called free radicals – harmful waste that is responsible for the oxidative stress.
Proper nutrition can fight free radicals by providing antioxidants. These are found primarily in fruits and vegetables. The recommended serving size is 7-13 each day.