As athletes, runners have to pay special attention to their diet to keep their body in shape and provide it with sufficient nourishment needed to endure the physical stress it goes through. This means they make sure to consume all essential nutrients and health-boosting compounds, such as antioxidants, to enhance their stamina and physical strength. For this purpose, many runners take supplements to make up for any nutrient deficiencies in their food, one of which is functional mushrooms.
Believed to boost health and reduce the chances of disease, functional mushrooms have become a staple for athletes because of their many health benefits. This is why getting a “fungi fix” by consuming the earthy-colored edibles is now a popular fitness trend within serious athletic circles.
It’s also important to note that there’s a dearth of scientific research to validate all the claims the proponents of medicinal ’shrooms make. So, what are the health benefits of functional mushrooms?
Nutrition
As per a recent study published in the journal Food, Science, and Nutrition, functional mushrooms are rich in vitamins, potassium, zinc and fiber. That means you can include the earthy goodness of medicinal shrooms in your daily diet to increase your nutrient intake. Fiber and potassium are essential for the body as they help with digestion and keep the digestive system healthy.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that benefit the human body in many important ways. From improving gut health to helping muscles heal post-workout, antioxidants significantly benefit one’s body. Moreover, they boost the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infections. All of these benefits are good for everyone, but even more impactful for athletes who need to be super fit in order to train their muscles daily.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vital compound needed to absorb calcium in the body. If someone doesn’t have enough vitamin D in their system, they’re more likely to have weak bones as they won’t have the necessary amount of calcium required for bone formation and overall bone health.
While all athletes need vitamin D, runners especially need it for stronger bones as running exerts an extraordinary amount of pressure on the body’s joints. To reduce the chances of injury while completing laps or training, a runner should include sufficient quantities of vitamin D in their diet. And a good way to achieve that goal is by taking functional mushrooms.
Energy
Functional mushrooms are packed with vitamin B varieties that help break down essential compounds such as fats, carbs and proteins, resulting in the release of energy. Therefore, having medicinal fungi is an easy way to get your daily (and necessary) dose of vitamin D for high energy and stamina.