As athletes strive to reach peak performance, they’re always looking for new ways to improve their training and recovery. And according to recent research, microgreens may be a powerful tool in their arsenal. In this post, we’ll explore the link between microgreens and athletic performance, citing recent studies on the topic. We’ll also hear from sports nutrition experts and athletes on their perspectives on the benefits of microgreens for training and recovery.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the research. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that consuming microgreens for two weeks led to significant improvements in running time to exhaustion, as well as reductions in muscle damage and inflammation. Another study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that consuming broccoli microgreens for three weeks led to improvements in endurance exercise performance and reductions in oxidative stress.
But what is it about microgreens that makes them so beneficial for athletes? One reason is that they’re packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health and performance. As sports nutrition expert, Abby Langer, explains, “Microgreens contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, which can help with everything from energy production to muscle function to overall health and recovery.” Additionally, microgreens are a great source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles after exercise.
Athletes themselves have also weighed in on the benefits of microgreens. Olympic gold medalist, Sage Kotsenburg, told Forbes that he incorporates microgreens into his diet for their nutritional benefits, saying, “I like to eat microgreens because they’re good for recovery, they’re good for your immune system, and they taste good.” And ultramarathon runner, Scott Jurek, has spoken about the benefits of microgreens for his endurance training, saying, “I eat a lot of microgreens because they’re packed with nutrients and they’re easy to digest.”
In conclusion, the research and perspectives from experts and athletes suggest that microgreens may be a valuable addition to an athlete’s diet for enhancing training and recovery. With their nutrient density and plant-based protein content, microgreens provide a range of benefits for maintaining optimal health and performance. So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, incorporating microgreens into your diet may be worth considering for reaching your peak performance goals.