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Athletes are genetic specimens. Be it any sport across the world, they are the envy of us all.
Amazing motor skills aside, athletes stick to regimented diets that are central to their success. What usually goes unnoticed though is their disciplined consumption of food and fluids, comprising of very specific items geared to boost athletic performance.

These foods contain the necessary nutrients and anti-inflammatory agents to improve athletic performance, enhance recovery, minimize muscle damage, improve strength, decrease body fat, build lean muscle, and most importantly, improve overall health.

Here are five foods that are usually found in diets for athletes:

1) Oatmeal
Athletes require an energy source, more so than anyone else out there. And oatmeal serves precisely that role! Packed full of carbohydrates, oatmeal is a slow-digestive energy source and helps provide energy over an extended period of time by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

2) Cruciferous Vegetables
Veggies like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Studies have shown that these veggies possess inflammatory properties to minimize muscle soreness, muscle damage, and chronic pain. So the next time you come across an opportunity to load up on these veggies, stack up!

3) Olive Oil
Salad dressings. Pasta. You name it. Olive Oil works with anything.
Take into consideration that its monosaturated fats provide anti-inflammatory benefits to an athlete, and you have a win-win.

4) Bananas
Bananas are convenient primarily because of their portability. They are a rich source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain low blood pressure. They serve as good sources for carbohydrates as well and are malleable with different items like chocolate milk and peanut butter; both good sports foods themselves.

5) Milk
With a perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein, milk is yet another staple component of an athlete’s diet. It also consists of both casein and whey protein; this combination being particularly helpful for athletes. Research shows that while whey protein is absorbed quickly helping speedy recovery immediately after an event, casein is digested more slowly helping to ensure long-term recovery of muscles after exhaustion. The calcium content in milk is also an added advantage!

Eating to fuel an athletic lifestyle is not as complicated as you might think. With the right balance of nutrients, you can use the foods you consume to not only supplement your body but also boost performance!

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Nutrisattva is a protein innovation company focused on developing natural protein nutrition for individuals across age groups, nutritional needs, and lifestyles. Founded on the belief that the strains of urban living requires a natural, informed and convenience-based approach to good health, Nutrisattva develops products built on the knowledge of nutrition science, fitness and Ayurveda.