Playing sports is one of the habits that health specialists recommend for many reasons: burning calories, activating the body and strengthening muscles and bones, but physical activity also causes fatigue and the body needs some food to recover.
Experts point out that carrots are rich in antioxidants that help the body to prevent diseases and strengthen defenses and the immune system.
antioxidants They also help fight free radicals, which are what cause aging.
The carrot and its antioxidants are recommended by specialists for their ability to protect the body from heart disease such as arrhythmias or heart attacks.
The carrot is a healthy food and recommended for all people, but, for those who do sports regularly, it is ideal for its properties, both before and after exercising.
This food is rich in potassium, “so it contributes to the athlete’s recovery after exercising. Taking carrot in the following hours causes recovery to be faster and fatigue to disappear, “they explain on the portal. Better with health.
In the portal Runnea They also highlight that the carrot is a food that “improves visuomotor capacity (and, therefore, coordination)”, it is also an antioxidant and helps strengthen the immune system, a factor that serves to avoid the risk of suffering from infections.
The carrot contains a mineral such as phosphorus to a lesser extent, but this is no less important, as it is essential to put an end to mental fatigue. This vegetable is also ideal for athletes due to its fiber content. This nutrient improves the digestive process and contributes to the purification of toxins.
Preparations to take advantage of the benefits of carrots
Carrot sticks with chickpea hummus. This is a snack healthy and rich in protein that can be consumed at any time of the day.
One of the easiest ways to eat carrots is by grating a little of it on the salad, which can be tomato, lettuce, spinach.
Carrot smoothie which is perfect to drink between meals and to refresh during hot days. In addition, this drink can be combined with fruits such as orange.
With the help of a mandolin, cut the carrot into slices and put them in the oven for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. It’s that easy to have a side dish for any meat or fish dish or a snack to consume between meals.
Other recommended foods for athletes
Broccoli contains 30 calories per 100 grams and provides vitamins, minerals and fiber, provides 3 grams of protein and only 0.4 fat, with 6 carbohydrates. “It is perfect for the muscles because it contains sulforaphane, a compound that reduces myostatin, the hormone that limits muscle gains”, stand out in the portal Menshealth.
Spinach is a powerful natural source of vitamins and minerals, this food provides 2.6 grams of protein per 100 and about 31 calories. Food experts recommend spinach in diets that aim to lose weight, thanks to its rich water content and its very few carbohydrates.
Lettuce is an ideal food for athletes because it is satiating, it also helps control cholesterol and is rich in vitamins A, E, C and B. Like broccoli, lettuce serves to regulate blood sugar.
according to the website Aarp, after exercise it is important to include proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables in the diet. Experts point out that at least 15 grams, a 4-6 ounce chicken breast, is good food for muscles and helps with recovery after physical activity.