What role do antioxidants play in athlete recovery?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in athlete recovery primarily by helping to reduce oxidative stress, which is a common consequence of intense physical activity. During exercise, especially at high intensities, the body generates free radicals as a natural byproduct of metabolism. These free radicals can lead to cellular damage and inflammation, which may hinder recovery and performance.

By incorporating antioxidants, athletes can mitigate the effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and prevent cellular damage, thus promoting a quicker recovery process. This can lead to reduced muscle soreness, less fatigue, and improved overall recovery, allowing athletes to train more effectively and return to peak performance levels faster.

The other options suggest varying scenarios regarding antioxidants that do not align with the established positive effects they have reported in scientific literature.