Potatoes can replace sports nutrition
In recent months, two studies have been conducted that have shown the potency of potato as a sports supplement. The first is owned by specialists from the University of Illinois.
Kinesiologists have invited 12 cycling enthusiasts to take part in a 2-hour endurance race. Previously they were divided into three groups. During the race, participants were the first to use the usual sports nutrition - carbohydrate gels. Another part of the athletes is mashed potatoes. The rest drank ordinary water.
The tests carried out afterwards demonstrated that both gels and mashed potatoes equally well replenish lost energy, unlike water. Also, potatoes do not affect the level of glucose in the blood. However, there were drawbacks. Participants who used mashed potatoes felt bloating and even pain in it. They did not have serious stomach problems, but there was discomfort.
And scientists from the University of Montana conducted a similar experiment with 16 volunteers. At first, they rode a bicycle for 1.5 hours. Then, during the rest, they ate a portion of the usual sports food or potato-based mixture. And drove another 20 km at a time.
Subsequent muscle biopsy and a blood test led to the conclusion that the starch product also helps the body replenish glycogen reserves, as well as professional mixtures. So - it helps to restore muscle.
Experts summarize: the role of sports nutrition is to replenish the reserves of energy and necessary substances spent in training. They do this due to the saturated composition, which includes proteins, vitamins, amino acids and so on. But the main source of these components is still food. And in many familiar foods you can find enough of the same carbohydrates as in potatoes.
Therefore, natural products can become a more affordable alternative to sports nutrition. At the same time, nutritional mixtures are usually more convenient - the composition is as balanced as possible, and preparing them is easier and faster. Therefore, everyone chooses what suits him best.
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