Fruit for sport. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naderi, Alireza; Rezaei, Sajjad; Moussa, Adel; Levers, Kyle; Earnest, Conrad P.
• Is Part Of: Trends in food science & technology. Volume 74(2018)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Fruit -- Fruit extracts -- Anti-oxidant -- Exercise -- Sport -- Performance; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.02.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-2244

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Nutritional strategies targeting improved exercise performance and training adaptations are considered to be ergogenic. Currently, the majority of attention is given to the macronutrients carbohydrate and protein, while micronutrients are considered on a lesser scale. Though literature exists, little attention is given to fruit and respective fruit extracts. Scope and approach: Whole fruits naturally contain macro- and micronutrients, fiber, minerals, vitamins, a number of bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and ellagitannins and intuitively should be considered a regular part of an athletes diet. The primary aim of this review is to review the extant literature and provide a narrative overview of studies involving fruit, respective fruit extracts, and their effects on exercise performance and recovery. Included in this review are blackcurrant, grapes, pomegranate, cherry, banana, watermelon and blueberry. Key findings and conclusions: There appears to be a consistent pattern in the literature for fruit extracts to improve antioxidant capacity. Data supporting performance improvements are less compelling. While the health affects of whole fruits is intuitive, there remains a paucity of research examining the role of whole fruits as part of an athletes diet. Highlights: A consistent pattern in the literature exists for fruits extracts to improve antioxidant capacity. Data supporting performance improvements is less consistent. A limitation to the literature is data attesting to the purity/consistency of the extracts used. Despite its intuitive nature, few studies have examined the role of whole fruit on athletic performance and health.