Six Reasons Athletes Are Going For A Plant-Based Diet.
1- Even as athletes, we are at risk of heart disease: in one study, 44% of cyclists and endurance runners had arterial plaques. A plant-based diet keeps athletes' hearts healthy, free of arterial plaque, blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps reduce body fat.
2- Animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products have high cholesterol levels. These food products create inflammatory reactions and a state of body acidosis, leading to decreased performance and recovery in athletes. Studies show that a plant-based diet can have an anti-inflammatory effect, thus positive on performance and recovery.
3- A plant-based diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, helps improve blood viscosity. This optimizes the transport of oxygen and nutrients, and thus improves athletic performance.
4- Plant-based diets improve arterial flexibility and dilation of the arteries, resulting in better blood circulation. One study found that even a single meal containing animal products damaged the arterial system for several hours.
5- Compared to meat eaters, people who consume a plant-based diet get more antioxidants, which helps neutralize free radicals. Free radicals lead to muscle fatigue, decreased athletic performance and difficult recovery. Plant-based foods contain 16 times more nutrients than animal foods such as meat.
6- Plant-based diets, which are lower in fat and high in fiber, can help reduce body fat. A decrease in body fat is associated with an increase in aerobic capacity, or the ability to use oxygen during a physical effect. Studies show that athletes who follow a plant-based diet increase their VO2 max, resulting in improved endurance qualities.
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