Nutrition is an essential component in optimal performance and the enjoyment of sports and exercise. After genetic factors and training, nutrition is the next biggest factor in determining optimal performance for football players. Red meat is a very valuable component to the athlete’s diet for a number of reasons.
PROTEIN
Lean red meat (such as beef, lamb and pork) is an excellent source of protein which is an essential ingredient for building muscle and strenght. Protein also has an important role to play in recovery after a sporting event. Post training snacks rich in carbohydrate and protein can help to enhance the recovery of energy reserves and should be planned after all training sessions.
IRON
The mineral iron is involved in the transport of oxygen around the body. An adequate iron intake is essential for athletes, as intense training can lead to increased iron losses. Females, vegetarians and people on weight reducing diets are especially vulnerable to iron deficiency. Signs of iron deficiency anaemia can be fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. Red meat is an exellent source of iron and in addition, the actual meat protein helps to improve the absorption of iron from cereals and vegetables eaten at the same time as meat. Therefore to boost your iron intake, try to include lean red meat in your diet at least 3 or 4 times per week.
OTHER BENEFITS OF MEAT
Lean red meat is also low in fat but a great source of many vitamins and minerals which are essential in maintaining a healthy active body. These include: selenium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A as well as the B group vitamins B1,B2,niacin, B6 AND B12. It also contains several other less well known substances that have an essential role to play in the body’s day to day function. In conclusion, lean red meat has an important role to play in a healthy diet. It provides a wide range of nutrients and because of leaness, does so without contributing excess fat to the diet. For further information on sports diet go to www.indi.ie
