If you’re an athlete or you play a sport regularly, you know that eating a snack before and after can really help you. Eating fruits before and after is a great idea. It gives you enough energy to power through your game and enough energy for you to recover.
Because of the high nutritive value, these fruits contain, they are called super fruits. So far the emphasis has been on having protein to recover. This is not wrong, but due to this, the true value of fruits has been overlooked.
Fruits are light, easy to carry, require no preparation and taste amazing. It is the most natural and convenient food you can consume before and after your workout.
Here is a list of 5 superfruits you should eat before your game:
1. Bananas:
Bananas are naturally high in potassium which is a boon to athletes. It helps regulate blood pressure at a stable level. A lack of potassium in one’s body can lead to cramping of the muscles.
Get a cramp right before or even after a match can be really painful for an athlete. Postgame bananas are an excellent source of quick energy as it naturally contains sugar. Bananas also contain carbs that are great and acts as the fuel that will keep you going.
2. Oranges:
Oranges, like bananas, contain a good amount of potassium; but more importantly, oranges are packed with Vitamin C. The benefits of vitamin C are plenty. It may help in reducing inflammation of the muscles and tissues of the body.
It aids the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. This is great for athletes who have an iron deficiency. Oranges and juice from an orange also help in keeping an athlete hydrated before and especially after a game.
3. Strawberries:
Like oranges, strawberries are a good source of vitamin C. It helps the body to produce collagen which is good for the muscles and bones, and also aids the body to fight off infections.
As seen earlier vitamin C rich foods help in the absorption of iron. Strawberries provide energy before and after a game and keep you satiated till your next meal. Strawberries are also high in a substance called quercetin which prevents the presence of unwanted and bad cholesterol in the blood.
4. Prunes:
Prunes are one such super fruit that is high in fibre. Fibre is extremely good for digestion and good bowel movement. Prunes are also a good source of iron. To an extent, it can help prevent mild anaemia.
But what’s most special about prunes is that it contains an element called boron. Boron is said to aid in building stronger muscles and bones. This is very important for a physically active person like an athlete.
5.Blackberries:
Blackberries are high in antioxidants. They are known as the small powerhouses of health. These antioxidants they contain can help in preventing heart-related diseases. They even fight free-radical damage in the body.
Blueberries are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. They also are high in vitamin E which is great for the skin and heart. Having a handful of these before and after a match can prove to be useful.
Instead of snacking on ‘protein bars’ and ‘quick sources’ of energy, it is better to consume these kinds of superfoods before and after a game.
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