Heavy exercise elevates body temperature, which can lead to the suppression of antioxidants, growth of free radical damage, and crucial cell destruction. However, Taiwanese researchers believe an extract from propolis, the waxy resin collected from honeybees may reduce the heat stress.

Researchers from the Graduate Institute of Sport Coaching Science at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei monitored the 30 competitive cyclists for the study.

Their findings, published in the "Journal of Food Science," suggest pre-exercise intake of propolis resulted in less depletion of the antioxidant glutathione and fewer signs of free-radical damage, which generally occurs from exercising in hot conditions.

These results may lead to more research about other potential benefits of the honey extract. For athletes, stress caused by heat often hampers endurance. Any natural ways to prevent those effects could gain wide adoption by athletes looking for an advantage.

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