The best supplements for cyclists
To enjoy the benefits of this sport, it is worth combining a balanced diet with supplements that meet all the nutritional needs of athletes.
Cycling is a sport that requires a lot of strength and endurance. Cycling is one of the most popular options when it comes to burning fat and maintaining optimal health. In this article, we talk about the best supplements for cyclists .
Those who practice this sport undergo a very high protein expenditure, especially at a professional level, but also on a daily basis and at any age. However, the benefits of cycling for the body and mind are far greater.
At a muscular level, cycling greatly promotes the development of the buttocks , thighs and the whole dorsal region. The muscles of the upper body, such as biceps and triceps, are also strengthened, involving all the tissues of the back and abdominal area in the same way. All this by burning calories and strengthening the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Let's find out which are the best supplements for cyclists.
The food needs of the cyclist
Those who travel on two wheels need a good supply of energy. Even those who are passionate about spinning sessions must follow a specific diet based on physical effort.
The menu should be rich in proteins which, once metabolized, the body can extract and assimilate in the form of essential amino acids. Carbohydrates, the main source of fuel for the human body, should also be included in a balanced way.
Essential foods for cyclists
Eggs and yogurt should not be missing for breakfast, as well as a cup of coffee with lactose-free milk. For lunch, athletes should eat meat (chicken is usually the most recommended). The best side dish will be vegetables.
For dinner it is better to eat fish and cook it without adding fat. That is, boiled, steamed, grilled, etc., along with vegetables or rice as a side dish.
Snacks, especially those before and after training and competitions, are very important. A little over an hour before the activity, a good idea is to eat an egg with a slice of wholemeal bread, accompanied by a cup of coffee.
After exercise you need to eat food with a quick energy supply. For example, a can of tuna will help kickstart the recovery process .
The best supplements for cyclists
It is not always easy to meet all the essential nutritional requirements of cyclists. As we've seen, it's all about making it easier for the body to recover and repair muscle tissue.
To facilitate muscle recovery, it is highly recommended to use supplements that go well with the menu. Even this kind of help can make the difference between victory and defeat in the race; that is to reach the finish line or to abandon halfway.
Branched chain amino acids
It is very common to find them on the market with their acronym in English: BCAA ( Branchel Amino Acids ). These supplements provide leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The three active ingredients make up a third of all muscle tissue, hence the importance of keeping them at optimal levels; and even more so when engaging in demanding sports such as cycling.
Amino acids facilitate muscle regeneration. In practice, this means that typical post-session stiffness is reduced in terms of duration and intensity. The benefits will be a stronger muscular system and less likely to suffer from fatigue.
Caffeine
Although a cup of coffee can serve as a source of energy, caffeine's ability to work is maximized by using the concentrates of this product.
Among the positive effects of caffeine are the increase in the absorption capacity of calcium by the tissues, which promotes muscle contraction. Likewise, concentration levels in physical work increase, which in turn ensures greater endurance.
There are many conflicting opinions on caffeine; some people associate its consumption with cramps and muscle dehydration. However, no studies so far have been able to strengthen these theses one hundred percent.
Soy protein isolate
Most of the sources of essential amino acids for the human body are extracted from proteins of animal origin. This represents an important limitation for vegans and vegetarians.
With this sector of the population in mind, products such as soy protein isolate have been developed . These are supplements that contribute to the maintenance and increase of muscle mass, drawing all its nutrients from the plant world.
