While it is known that significant levels of antioxidants in one's food source decrease occurrences in cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimers, and infections, it is now believed that antioxidants improve the recovery time from not only exhaustive exercise, but injuries as well.  As it is important in all sports for a quick recovery time from a particular injury, boxers are especially subject to a constant onslaught of punishment while in training and contest.  Even if the injury is everyday minor bruising and swelling from being hit in sparring, according to articles in publications such as Mens Health, Alternative Medicine Review, a considerable amount of antioxidants in the diet can reduce the average needed recovery time. 

A reduced recovery time from exhaustive exercise and injury can assist a boxer in more consistent training, especially sparring, while diminishing the overall pressure and anxiety in preparation for a fight.  In addition, the recovery period from the actual fight, will diminish as well.  What does this mean?  For one, it means less pain.  Sometimes the amount of pain is far too grueling for many fighters, resulting in retirement and or indecisiveness in whether one wants to continue being active within the sport.  Second, boxers will be able to spend more time in the gym, with much of this time pain free. 

For many boxers who are in the gym every day, minor injury sometimes prevents the full range of training necessary for the preparation of a particular fight.  With less recovery time and further training at full speed and range, skill level, instinct and boxing abilities will broaden.  Third, the diminished recovery time will allow a fighter to commit to more fights in a shorter period of time.  While there are other risks involved in boxing more frequently, decreased recovery time will allow the boxer to maneuver more effortlessly within the unique politics of the sport.  Sometimes the politics of boxing such as management, promoters and sanctioning bodies can prevent fighters from being able to participate in a sufficient number of fights needed to maintain a competitive level and public image which directly results in ones pay check. 

In other words, if a fighter is subject to these particular issues, this fighter might be able to make up for lost time by committing to more fights within a shorter period when politics allow it.            

The most significant sources of antioxidants are foods and supplements rich with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Beta-carotene.  Artichokes and beans are considered to be the highest source of antioxidants, but many other foods can provide a significant foundation. Cranberries, blueberries, russet potatoes, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, blackberries, apples, plums, pinto beans, kidney beans, red beans, prunes, strawberries,
raspberries, carrots, chili peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, grapes, and Green and Black Teas all contain great sources of antioxidants.  In other words, if a boxer eats more fruits and vegetables, he or she may become an overall healthier and pain free fighter.           

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