Published Friday, July 20, 2012
Wheels and peels
They may not quench your thirst, but bananas are just as effective as the popular sports drink Gatorade at providing support during prolonged, intense exercise -- according to new research reported by http://BeverageDaily.com. In a random, crossover study, trained cyclists were given bananas or a 6-percent carbohydrate drink every 15 minutes during a 75 km cycling trial. Performance and metabolic outcomes were found to be similar, with total plasma antioxidant power higher in the banana group. Study authors concluded that “ingestion of bananas both before and during prolonged and intensive exercise is an effective strategy both in terms of fuel substrate utilization and cost, for supporting performance.”
Keep it natural If you’re a stickler for natural sports nutrition supplements, be sure to check labels for a substance called MCAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine). Often included in pre-workout formulas, MCAA is a stimulant that is marketed as ‘natural’ and said to be derived from geranium plants. Researchers at the University of Texas, however, in a report published on Sciencedaily.com, discovered that the MCAA in most supplements does not originate from natural sources but synthetic compounds. Why does this matter? The safety of MCAA has been a topic of debate for some time now, with the U.S. Army pulling the supplement from its commissary shelves after it was linked to the death of two soldiers. For safe supplementation, always research ingredients and choose well-known brands that offer all-natural products. Drink to this If you're a red wine lover and a health nut, you've probably heard the powerful antioxidant, resveratrol, touted in recent articles. The compound in grapes believed to be responsible for the health benefits of red wine is well known for its potential in supporting cardiovascular health. But new research shows that it could also positively affect exercise training. A study published in the Journal of Physiology showed that physical performance, heart function and muscle strength all improved with high doses of resveratrol in a lab model. While the occasional glass of vino may supply some resveratrol, standardized extracts are the best way to obtain optimal amounts, without the negative side effects of alcohol. Quick health tip: Don’t let summer travel squash your healthy eating efforts. With a little pre-trip planning, you can stick to your diet without stress. Never skip breakfast. Whether you’re distracted by the day’s upcoming events or there’s just nothing “good” available, passing on the number one meal of the day messes with metabolism and causes you to crave high-calorie foods. Even if it’s just a protein bar and a piece of fruit, get something in your stomach every morning. Aim for small, frequent meals. If you’re on a limited budget, it may be tempting to make the most out of one or two big restaurant meals, but you’ll have more energy if you eat smaller meals spaced throughout the day. Pack healthy snacks. Bring along small, prepackaged snacks—nuts, dried fruit, bars—as an alternative to fast food or convenience store options. Don’t forget your supplements. Use a divided-compartment travel case to carry vitamins and supplements with you. If you don’t take them already, consider adding probiotics to your regimen. They help support digestion, which may be thrown off while you’re on the road. Allow the occasional indulgence. Constantly resisting temptation may lead to a splurge you’ll really regret. It is vacation, after all. Originally from: http://ironman.com/training/fast-fuel-bananas-resveratrol-and-summer-health#ixzz21F9qAKUO
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