Diet rich in colorful vegetables can improve performance in athletes

A team of scientists from the University of Georgia in the United States states in a study published in the scientific journal Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews that colorful fruits and vegetables play a key role in the nutrition of athletes. The data show that regular intake of these foods can help improve visual range of athletes.

The scientists analyzed data from fruits and vegetables to try to understand how the macular pigments in these foods help improve eye health and optimize visual function. Macular pigments are a collection of plant compounds that accumulate in the retina and can improve eye and brain health, such as lutein and zeaxanthin..

“Most of the research on macular lutein and zeaxanthin has focused on their health benefits, but from a functional perspective, higher concentrations of these plant pigments improve many aspects of visual and cognitive ability. In this paper, we discuss its ability to improve vision and visual distance,” said lead study author Jack Harth. .

One factor that contributes to blurred vision is blue light, and according to Harth, Including foods rich in these compounds can help athletes cope with blue light.. In addition, this is such a recurring problem that in some cases, athletes use black eyeliner or dark glasses to deal with light exposure.

Improved vision and colorful vegetables

Other previous research has found that yellow and orange vegetables offer high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, but the new study details the plant compounds may be even more effective in athletes. Anyway, scientists point out that each person assimilates compounds differently, and even so, they believe it. The findings are sufficient to encourage the adoption of diets rich in colorful vegetables.

“We have shown that increasing amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina and brain reduce glare barrier and discomfort and improve color contrast and visual-motor reaction time, and that supplementation of these compounds facilitates executive functions such as problem solving and memory,” he said. Bill Hammond, one of the authors of the study.

Thanks to the results of the new study, the scientists discovered that the accumulation of these compounds acts as an ocular blue light filter, preventing light from “entering the eyes.” Hammond has also conducted other relevant research on the subject investigating the relationship between the amount of yellow pigment and ocular health.