Energy represents the capacity to do work, and the human source of energy is FOOD. A calorie is the standard measure of energy. The amount of energy expended depends on the duration and type of activity. Carbohydrates and fats are primary energy nutrients. Protein can become a source of energy but to a limited extent. Protein is however, essential for growth and repair of muscle and body tissues. Fat not only is important in relation to fat-soluble vitamins, but it is also essential as an energy source for low to […]
Avoid GI Distress during training
Applying nutrition and hydration principles is of great benefit to optimize an athlete’s training and performance. The athletes that understand the digestion and absorption of nutrients and fluids are more likely to develop optimal methods of maintaining blood volume (a critical issue for performance), without inducing nausea and vomiting (GI Distress). For any fluid to be of benefit during exercise, it must first empty from the stomach and then be absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines. A number of factors influence the gastric emptying rate, including hydration status, concentration […]
Exercise and Antioxidants
In recent years, antioxidants have received positive attention with regards to anti-aging. Furthermore, there is positive evidence that they provide protection against various disease states such as cataracts, diabetes and many cancers. Due to the possibility of enhancement of performance, recovery and protection against free radicals, antioxidants have received much attention in the sports world. Free radicals are chemical species with one or more unpaired electrons in their outer orbit that makes them highly reactive. Physical activity produces an increase in oxygen consumption reflecting the muscle’s use of oxygen to […]
