4 benefits of a vegetarian diet
While we may be inclined to believe that a diet based on plants can be harmful for athletes and cause deficiencies, it is rather the opposite. In fact, a vegetarian or vegan diet has many benefits, provided it is well balanced of course. And, what are those benefits, let’s discover here.
1. Carbs at will!
A diet based on plant products provides a higher amount of carbohydrates than a traditional diet. Indeed, fruits and vegetables, grain products and legumes are all high in carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and muscles. It is well demonstrated that a diet rich in carbohydrates promotes performance in endurance sports, but also in other types of sports by optimizing the energy level.
2. Reduction of inflammation and acceleration of recovery
A vegetarian or vegan diet is rich in antioxidants, which helps in reducing inflammation in the body and promote faster recovery after long and intense training. This allows athletes to train harder and more often, which contributes to improving performance. It also promotes prevention and healing of injuries.
3. Optimization of digestion
A diet rich in foods from plant sources is rich in dietary fiber, which can optimize digestion. Indeed, the fibers facilitate the intestinal transit, that is to say, the course of stool from one end to the other of the intestine. They increase the volume and weight of stools by gorging themselves with water. They help normalize transit time and stool consistency to reduce constipation and diarrhea.
A vegetarian or vegan diet can easily meet the need for fiber, which is 21 to 38 g per day depending on age, gender and special conditions (pregnancy, lactation). Also, such a diet is rich in prebiotics, which can optimize the intestinal flora. These are ingredients that are not digestible by the human digestive tract. They promote the growth and activity of good bacteria in the colon by serving them food. The main sources of prebiotics are inulin, legumes and some fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
4. Vegetarian Health benefits
A plant-based diet, with its high content of soluble fiber and low in saturated fat, helps prevent cardiovascular disease by helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. Such a diet is also beneficial for preventing and treating diabetes among other things, by improving insulin resistance and promoting a healthy weight as well as a high intake of fiber and phytonutrients.
In a recent study, a vegan diet was accompanied by better control of blood glucose and a greater decrease in glycated hemoglobin compared to a conventional diet. Finally, such a diet also promotes healthy weight management since it is high in fiber, and generally less caloric and less rich in fat. The fibers require longer chewing and digestion and increase satiety, hence their effect on weight control.
In conclusion, even if you do not want to become vegetarian or vegan, it is beneficial to include a large amount of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes every day.
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