Did You Know That ‘Plant-based Diet Increases Athletes’ Performance’: In a recent study it was revealed that plant-based diets benefit athletes’ heart health, performance, and recovery.
The research has been published in the journal Nutrients.
Co-author of Barnard Medical Center, Dr.James Loomis said that “It’s no wonder that more and more athletes are racing to a vegan diet.”
Dr. Loomis further added, “Whether you’re training for a couch-to-5K or an Ironman Triathlon, a plant-based diet is a powerful tool for improving athletic performance and recovery,”
Plant-based diet plays an important role in cardiovascular health, which is vital for endurance athletes. But the review has found that well-trained athletes are at risk for heart disease.
44 percent of middle-aged and older endurance cyclists or runners had coronary plaques as found in 2017 study. A vegetarian and a low-fat diet is the most effective dietary chart clinically shown to reverse plaque.
A plant-based diet also has other key factors contributing to atherosclerosis, including dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, elevated body weight, and diabetes.
The reason is a plant-based diet is typically high in carbohydrates, it may also support performance advantages. Carbohydrates are the major source during aerobic exercise, and endurance is boosted by a high-carbohydrate intake.
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Also, in 2016 the study of Ironman triathletes found that fewer than half reported meeting the suggested carbohydrate intake for athletes training 1-3 hours per day.
As per the research, a plant-based diet boosts athletic performance and recovery by speeding up blood flow and tissue oxygenation and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
A diverse diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, along with a vitamin B12 supplement, provides all of the important nutrients a strong athlete needs, including protein, calcium, and iron.
Review co-author Susan Levin said, “Like any endurance athlete, plant-based athletes just need more calories than less active people.”
“And if they are eating a wide variety of nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, they will easily meet all of their nutritional needs.”