Antioxidants are believed to provide a host of health benefits from boosting immunity to fighting cancer. And now researchers say antioxidants like vitamins C and E may preserve muscle function in older adults.

According to Reuters, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh followed 2,000 men and women in their 70s for two years. Participants were surveyed about their eating habits and had their grip strength tested in the beginning and at the end of the study period.

They found what they call a "significant" link between the intake of vitamins C and E and an increase in muscle strength, regardless of initial strength levels.

Lead researcher Dr Anne Newman told Reuters it’s not clear whether the antioxidant-rich vitamins preserved muscle strength or if they’re just indicative of an overall healthy diet. "Since they’re in the food, they could be directly related, or they could be marking diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium – all of which would have beneficial effects," she said.

Newman and her team previously found that physical activity and protein were important in preserving strength. She said these findings prove that a healthy, balanced diet is imperative for people to avoid becoming frail in old age.

According to WebMD, vitamin C is found in food sources like berries, citrus fruits, red and green peppers and sweet potatoes. Dietary sources that are high in vitamin E include broccoli, carrots, nuts and spinach. Both vitamins are also widely available in nutritional supplement form.