Behind every great athlete there is targeted nutrition. This is confirmed by the significant story of Marco Maddaloni, judo champion, who after years of break from sports competitions decided to get back into the game, following the advice of doctor Maria Luisa Conza.
In a recent interview the doctor declared who the silent “heroes” are in an athlete’s diet and what helped Maddaloni.
What is his secret weapon?
A super-nutrition based on functional foods, or a strategy that has allowed him to maintain very high performances, demonstrating that, with the right will and the appropriate tools, limits can be overcome. Behind every great athlete there is targeted nutrition and attention is often focused on proteins, but there are silent heroes in an athlete’s diet: micronutrients.
Essential for several bodily functions, these elements play a crucial role in athletic performance. In the world of high performance sports, some unexpected allies are emerging from scientific research: antioxidants and polyphenols.
What role do they play?
These molecules, often overlooked in conventional sports nutrition dialogues, play a crucial role far beyond what the eye sees. In particular I am referring to two elements, such as quercetin and resveratrol, which are more than simple antioxidants, as they act as molecular shields against the wear and tear that extreme sport can inflict on the body. Quercetin, found in foods such as apples and onions, is renowned not only for its ability to fight inflammation, but also for boosting endurance. Scientific studies have shown that this substance can increase exercise capacity and reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to push longer and harder.
Resveratrol, a well-known component of red wine, goes beyond its role as an antioxidant.
So are there also benefits for blood circulation?
Certainly. In fact, this molecule has shown potential to increase cardiovascular resistance, improving blood flow and consequently the supply of oxygen to the muscles. In fact, it’s like giving your muscles extra oxygenation, allowing them to work more effectively during exercise. And again, to be mentioned in the context of sports nutrition, polyphenols, present in abundance in foods such as berries, green tea and dark chocolate, as they have the ability to improve circulation and oxygenation of the muscles.
But is there a natural accelerator of muscle power?
The ideal fuel is creatine, which is not just a supplement, but an energy accelerator at the cellular level. Indeed, in intense sporting challenges, muscles require rapid bursts of energy and here creatine intervenes, providing a rapid and powerful energy reserve for short, but intense physical efforts.
Finally, is there a “protector” against sports fatigue?
Beta-alanine, a sort of shield against lactic acid, the enemy of muscular resistance. During strenuous exercise, the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles can lead to fatigue and soreness. Beta-alanine works by increasing carnosine levels in muscles, delaying the onset of fatigue and allowing athletes to maintain high intensity for longer periods.
What is the future of Sports Nutrition?
The world of sports nutrition is constantly evolving thanks to scientific research which continues to reveal new possibilities and innovative strategies. As scientific director of Antur, a young company focused on achieving the psychophysical well-being of the individual, as a natural person and as a human resource in a corporate context, I suggest for professional athletes the constant intake of two specific products, such as Antur Dren and Antur Fast.
The first is useful for purifying the body, stimulating the metabolism, eliminating water retention and the other very effective for preserving cardiovascular health, controlling body weight and achieving respiratory well-being and emotional balance. Returning to the topic of micronutrients, regarding their impact on athletic performance, ongoing studies are examining how specific combinations of micronutrients can optimize recovery, improve mental and physical endurance and even positively influence the hormonal balance of athletes.
So, in conclusion, what are the objectives that you set yourself?
Certainly to create the perfect mix of micronutrients for every type of athlete. Nutrition is absolutely an essential pillar in building a successful athlete, a sort of “fuel” that allows him to realize his dreams and victories.
2024-01-19 18:53:15
#Health #sport #micronutrients #athletic #resistance
