Aims: Imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system leads to oxidative stress. In addition, plants can reduce stress-induced oxidative damage. In this study we evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise with cinnamon intake on serum oxidative capacity in active women.
Materials & Methods: 28 female students of physical education with age range 30-20 years, and the average BMI 22/71 kg/m² were voluntarily selected and randomly divided to 5 groups: 1) aerobic exercise 2) aerobic exercise combined with cinnamon 3) aerobic exercise with placebo 4 ) cinnamon and 5) control group. Intensity aerobic exercise was performed for 6 weeks within 65-80% of maximum heart rate and formula was 220-age. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study and the significance level was set at (p<0.05).
Findings: TAC ( Total Antioxidant Capacity), uric acid and bilirubin in the aerobic exercise group with cinnamon consumption showed no significant difference (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Probably sports activities with 65-80% of maximal oxygen consumption intensity more than 6 weeks with the consumption of cinnamon can improve the TAC level in active women.