Natural Suplements for sportmen

Published: 11/16/2009 - Updated: 08/14/2019

If we internalize in dietary supplements, we find a very wide range of products offered to us as miraculous and magical. If we investigate a little deeper we realize that many of these options end up being harmful to our health in general. That's why today we will talk about natural supplements that will give us extra energy to our sport or our routine to our lives in general. The idea is that if you're an athlete and need a "plus" of energy do not you are motivated to try rare preparations and get to know these options to stay healthy, athletic, with natural energy!

Ginseng

Plant native to China and Korea. It contains other substances such as vitamins B and C and amino acids. Research on ginseng has confirmed its energizing action, to improve the physical and intellectual capabilities both in the young as in older age.

It has also proved that cerebral activity is renewed. Being a natural stimulant that increases the body's nervous potential and physical energy intake must be conducted in a controlled way and under professional criteria.

It may be interesting as an optimal complement to food, to increase physical and mental performance. It is available in ampoules containing the extract.

Brewer’s yeast

It is a microscopic fungus, "Sccharomyces cerevisae", found naturally in the skin of certain fruits and in the base of beer. It is widely used in dietetics for its richness in B vitamins (the largest natural source), minerals (phosphorus, calcium, silicon, zinc, copper, iron) and protein (43%).

We highlight its restorative and purifying effect, to improve the condition of skin, nails and hair, and its ability to fight, in part, the feeling of tiredness. It also contains active antibacterial substances which assist in maintaining the body's defenses. It also helps regulate bowel function, to participate in the renewal of its flora. Generally, we find it in flakes, to be more digestible than fresh yeast, and pose no risk of fermentation. We pour a tablespoon into soups, purees, fresh fruit juices, salads, yogurt, cereal, etc.

Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is the living part of the grain and contains all the necessary constituents for future plant growth. It is a natural source of vitamin E, one of the most potent antioxidants. As such, it protects cells against possible attack from free radicals. It has, moreover, beneficial effects on fertility in men as in women by stimulating the role of sex hormones, among others. It also contains great biological amino acids, essential fatty acids, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, pantothenic acid), Antianaemic substances and trace elements like manganese, cobalt and copper.

While wheat germ is beneficial for anyone, is especially useful in states of deficiency by inadequate diets or diseases that impair normal assimilation of nutrients as well as in situations in which the body requires a higher intake of proteins: pregnancy, lactation, growth, chronic infections, bleeding.

It is commonly found in wheat germ flakes or granules and packed in cans of 250, 400 and 800 grams. It is advisable to take one to two teaspoons a day. The price ranges from 150 to 500 euros, depending on content.

Soybean lecithin

Soy is a plant native to China introduced in Europe in the eighteenth century. Its seeds are rich in proteins and lipids. Of those removed, with pressure, a thick liquid that is subjected to decantation to separate the oil and lecithin.

The latter is a mixture of several components (phospholipids), each of which has different chemical and physical properties. It is grease-like substance (lipid) and combined with phosphorous. The phospholipids of lecithin are combined with choline and inositol, which are considered very important for cholesterol management and to allow the body to burn fat, turning it into energy.

It helps improvement thus contributing intestinal reabsorption in the metabolism of fats. Lecithin is useful in preventing the onset of atherosclerosis. This substance helps to keep in suspension the cholesterol in blood, preventing it from depositing on artery walls and veins. Lecithin is also part of the structure of cell walls and provides two antioxidants, vitamins A and E, plus phosphorus. It is most typically found packed in granulated canisters 300, 500 and 750 grams. You can take two teaspoons before meals, to prepare for digestion, or a tablespoon mixed with salad, juice, milk, soups, creams …, unless otherwise provided professional expertise.

Pollen

The richness of this natural product makes pollen a wonderful food supplement, with great participation in maintaining our health.

Pollen is the plastic food in the hive, central to the development of bee larvae, thanks to its rich in protein (20-30%), including all amino acids, minerals (up to 27 have been detected) and vitamins, and enzymes (they have detected more than 100), growth regulators, fatty acids, organic acids and flavonoids. FAO has considered a substantial source of essential nutrients in dietary intakes.

For us to have a clearer idea of what it means, pollen can have among the vitamins, much or more vitamin B1 (thiamine) and the yeast extract or wheat germ, has more vitamin B2 (riboflavin) that eggs and milk, and some types of pollen have more content than brewer's yeast (rich in vitamin A) or veal; its vitamin C is similar to spinach, tomatoes or bananas, and in some types of vitamin E content (there is more variation in this value) is similar to wheat germ, peanut or olive oil.

We can then state that pollen is a dietary supplement especially useful in times of fatigue and malnutrition, and is also very suitable in vegetarian diets. Moreover, among many other benefits to our body described by the contribution of pollen, we want to highlight its high antioxidant power.

Royal jelly

The product is secreted by bees to feed their future queens. From a nutritional point of view emphasizes the richness in vitamin C, E, A, B vitamins, minerals (phosphorus, iron, calcium, copper and selenium), unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids and hormonal substances. It has a stimulating effect, toning and rebalancing the nervous system, improves cerebral oxygenation and regulates the digestive disorders. It provides the extra energy needed by kids and young schoolchildren, especially during exam time and sports competition. It also has antimicrobial power, by which it can be recommended as a preventive during periods of influenza epidemics. For all these properties, royal jelly is a food supplement in states of weakness or physical or mental exhaustion. It is very hard to keep it in its natural state, so that usually lyophilized or in capsules. We advise a blister intake per day before breakfast, mixed with a little water or fruit juice.

Examples of natural supplements that are in the market:

  • Energizer for Children of Royal Jelly, Propolis and Honey
  • Energizer of Royal Jelly and Ginseng
  • Ginseng, capsules
  • Ginseng with lecithin
  • Royal Jelly for Adults with Vitamins and Minerals
  • Royal Jelly with Lecithin
  • Polen
  • Propolis, Echinacea

About the author
  • Dra. Loredana Lunadei

    Dr. Loredana Lunadei is a specialist in food, dietetics and nutrition. She studied at the University of Milan where she obtained a Master in Food Science and Technology. Subsequently, she continued her studies, completing her PhD also at the University of Milan. Linkedin.

2 Replies to “Natural Suplements for sportmen”
  • Jacob says:

    This is what I was talking about, we need to find these supplements instead of using chemicals that affect our whole body in the long term. These supplements are good, taste good and contain a lot of needed substances, so if you have a lack, do not hesitate to try, for example, pollen or royal jelly which are like the best.

  • Stacy says:

    How interesting!!! When I first read the title of this article, I thought it would be talking about chemical supplements, and I was headed into it with kind of a negative opinion about it. But after reading all the suggestions, they’re all naturally occurring “supplements”!!!! I don’t really call that a supplement, it’s just another part of the diet!