The sporting world is filled with numerous myths regarding how you can achieve maximum performance from your body. Different sportspersons have different opinions regarding sports nutrition, but the truth is that you can’t incorporate the same in your regime until it has been verified by science. These are the top 10 nutrition myths that sportspersons around the world face:
- Consumption of sugars during exercise is bad: According to the experts, sugar is not only a proficient source of energy, when working out, sugars are easily converted into glucose which actually helps you in exercise.
- The perfect diet: Different sportspersons have different standards for the perfect diet. Some feel it should have 60 % carbs, 20% fats and 20 % protein while some feel it should be 40% carbs, 40% protein and 20% fats. The list is endless, however according to science there is no set standard and your dietary requirements actually depend on the nature of sport you play and the exercising regime you follow.
- Eat carbohydrates before race: Many athletes eat carbohydrates before any race but research has shown that carbs have no effect on races that last less than 90 minutes.
- Drink extra during races: Athletes are taught to drink extra during races. However according to a research drinking extra water can actually turn out to be counter productive and increase chances of heart ailment.
- Consuming more fats increases performance: Some sportsmen believe that consuming extra fats can increase their performance during exercise. However according to a study, consuming more fats has no effect on performance.
- Muscle cramping caused by dehydration: Contrary to what people feel, muscle cramping is not caused by dehydration but because of fatigue and exertion issues. Also drinking extra fluids doesn’t prevent cramps.
- All drinks are same: Not all sports drinks are same as each is developed with different ingredients and formulations. All depends on the mixture of substances used in the drink and also its intended purpose.
- Runners need to eat carefully: Some researchers suggest that runners need to adopt the same cautious approach towards diet like non-runners. But ironically a study has suggested that the metabolism of runners is sufficient enough to cancel most of the negative effects of junk food.
- Supplements are necessary: Many sportsmen feel that supplements are necessary for maximum performance. However no research has backed this myth, although using supplements does improve your endurance levels.
These were the 9 most common nutrition myths that sportsmen face clarified in this article. Just remember no myth is worth following until it has been backed by solid research.