As the Paris Olympics approach, athletes are wondering how to boost their performance. There is no doubt that at this level, the slightest improvement can make the difference on the podium. And why not with a natural food?
According to a new study published in the journal Physical Activity and Nutritiondaily cranberry supplementation would improve physiological markers of short and long term performance. durationduration in trained runners. Canadian researchers report an improvement in speedspeed (+1.5%) and reoxygenation with fruit extracts, as well as better elimination of lactic acid in the blood (the wastewaste muscle that contributes to fatigue).
Cranberries have the highest total polyphenol content and one of the highest antioxidant capacities among fruits and vegetables. These characteristics help the body protect itself against the harmful effects of moleculesmolecules free radicals produced by an exercise physicalphysical intense.
28 days are enough to improve sports performance
The research included 14 elite runners who complete at least five hours of endurance training per week. For the study, they completed a 1,500 meter race followed by a 400 meter race against the clock three times: the first time without cranberrycranberry, a second time two hours after a single large dose of cranberry extract, then a final time after 28 days of daily consumption of a small dose of cranberry extract. The objective was to test the effects of the fruit on different energy systems (1,500 meters and 400 meters).
The results showed that cranberry supplementation for 28 days mainly improved aerobic performance during the 1,500 meter event, while the one-time dose had no effect.
