Plant powered excellence
Plant foods are the fuel of the future for athletes and mere mortals alike
Acknowledging the many health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets, a study was conducted to determine whether athletes can thrive on plants alone and if a general move towards plant protein is to be recommended for everyone. The results showed that a vegan diet can not only sustain athletes and provide sufficient nutrition but that it also offers additional heart health benefits. The researchers concluded that plant-based diets are perfectly adequate for athletes and may offer advantages in recovery due to higher antioxidant levels.
Lynch H, Johnston C and Wharton C, 2018. Plant-Based Diets: Considerations for Environmental Impact, Protein Quality, and Exercise Performance. Nutrients. 10(12). pii: E1841.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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