A Plant-Based Diet for Athletes: Are There Real Benefits?

Many athletes are switching to a plant-based diet due to its potential benefits for health. Do you wonder if it is really healthier to be vegan? Check out the blog with complete details along with the scientific data about a vegan diet.

Athletes are a real example of fitness and health.

Well, diet plays an important role in any athlete’s life. Nowadays, most athletes prefer their diet to be plant-based. Surprised!

Yes, it’s true. They are consuming a completely dairy-free and plant-based diet.

They’re Vegans!

Intake of flesh for nutrition is now a matter of the past.

Researchers found that a Vegan Diet for Athletes is more beneficial and helps in keeping them healthy and young.

Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Research has shown that a vegan diet can:

  • Fasten weight loss
  • Lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels
  • Reduce the chances of getting certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer
  • Stabilize diabetes by lowering A1C levels

Let’s find out what a plant-powered athlete said about his experience,

Robert Cheeke, a bodybuilder said,

As a vegan body-builder, I want to show others that it is possible to gain significant muscle and strength on a vegan diet and I want to inspire others to follow this lifestyle. I love being vegan and knowing that I am having a positive impact on our society.

Many more athletes are going vegan. The list goes on and they enjoy their life and have good health.

So,Is a Vegan Diet Good for Athletes? Absolutely.

If you don’t believe us, just believe in the research and studies.

At Yale, Professor Irving Fisher arranged an array of tests to compare the stamina and strength of meat-eaters against that of vegetarians.

He created three groups: meat-eating athletes, vegetarian athletes, and vegetarian sedentary subjects.

Yale Medical Journal printed the result that Professor reported.

Though half of the vegetarians were sedentary people while all of the meat-eaters tested were athletes, the average score of the vegetarians was over double the average score of the meat-eaters.

Tests reveal that vegetarians have twice the stamina of meat-eaters.

Dr. J. Ioteyko of the Académie de Medicine of Paris compared the endurance of vegetarians and meat-eaters from all walks of life in a variety of tests. And guess what? He was also supported going vegan is beneficial.

Researchers in 1986 analyze a group of men on a variety of diets, using a stationary bicycle to measure their strength and performance.

The men ate a mixed diet of meat and vegetables for a while, and then inspected on the bicycle. The average time they could pedal before muscle breakdown was 114 minutes.

After that, they ate a diet high in meat, milk, and eggs for a similar period and then re-tested on the bicycles. It showed their pedaling time before muscle failure dropped to an average of only 57 minutes.

Later, these men were shifted to a diet with grains, vegetables, and fruits, and then tested on the bicycles.

Avoiding animal products improved their performance – they peddled for an average of 167 minutes.

Surprised?

Many more studies and research have been done earlier and found a positive influence on plant-eaters!

The vegan diet is supported by animal rights advocates and is thriving in the sport broadly. So, there are definitely strong correlations between Plant-Based Diet and Athletic Performance.

Eatables for Vegan Athletes

You think of it as boring and tasteless. Think again!

Vegans do not consume meat, eggs, and dairy products, but that doesn’t mean that they are not enjoying their eatables.

Vegans eating only salads and tofu is a myth.

You’ll be surprised after watching the list they munch on:

  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Meat Substitutes (meatless meatballs, fish, turkey slices, and sausages)
  • Tofu, Seitan, and Tempeh
  • Beans and Lentils
  • Grains
  • Cacao (Dairy-free Chocolate)
  • Fresh juice and smoothies

Moreover, sports drinks and supplements are going plant-based.

All the studies and research have shown that the Vegan diet is very popular for several health benefits.

Vegan athletes are happy about being vegan as it gives more health benefits than any other diet.

Many sports personalities are adopting a vegan diet and inspiring many others to do the same.

Hey nature lovers! Join the hands and protect the beautiful creatures by going vegan. And, along the way, improve your health too!