is a vegan diet good for athletes?

It is no longer a secret that a lot of athletes are now following a strict vegan diet as many of them have admitted to doing so. These athletes do not only claim that they keep a vegan diet routine daily, but they also go as far as saying that their outstanding athletic performances are a direct result of their diet plan.

However, a lot of people are not sure if these claims are true or if they are just another publicity storm and social media trend. Almost everyone knows the importance of vegan diets in either the prevention of several health issues or the management of them; however, the question still remains whether a vegan diet really is good for athletes.

 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VEGETARIAN AND A VEGAN

There is just a thin line differentiating these two and the most significant difference is the number of animal extracts or products they consume. A vegetarian usually prefers feeding on plants but may be open to eating fish, eggs or dairy products etc. depending on their personal stance.

However, a vegan does not eat any form of animal products at any time. Some strict vegans go as far as not wearing any clothing that is manufactured from animal products. They also will not consume any health supplements that are extracted from animals.

Health is the major reason why most people choose to either be a vegan or vegetarian, however, religion and a personal ethical choice may also be some of the reasons why. Click here for products that can help enhance your performance as an athlete.

 

ADVANTAGES OF VEGAN DIETING FOR ATHLETES

The truth is that there is no exceptional nutritional demand for the outstanding performances in athletes. However, the function of the immune system can be suppressed mildly after high-intensity athletic performances or exercises. The reason for this is that high-intensity workouts enhance the function of neutrophil and biological killer cells.

This then increases the chances that the athlete will become susceptible to any infection that is caused by bacteria. As a result of this, athletes will be forced to compromise their training sessions so that they can recover. This, in turn, will affect their overall performances.

This is where the benefit of being a vegan comes in. Studies show that people who stick to vegan diets strictly are less susceptible to bacterial infections and most types of health issues. The reason for this is that most vegan diets help boost the immune system of the body.

Beyond that, a vegan diet also helps in relieving oxidative stress and eliminates unrestricted radical formations; both of which can be caused by high-intensity training. Fruits are known to contain a significant level of antioxidants; therefore, highlighting the role that the vegan diet plays in keeping the athlete healthy. Athletes who are vegans are also more likely to recover faster from stress or any other health issue than athletes that eat more animal foods.

In conclusion, the benefit of a vegan diet is not directly to the performance of the athlete but the recovery and overall health of the athlete. However, when we look at things closely; no illness means more workout sessions which also means better performances.