Why should gym-goers eat sweet potatoes?

Starch is an important energy source for gym-goers because it helps maintain exercise performance and replenish depleted glycogen in the muscles. Sweet potatoes are highly valued for providing quality starch along with many other nutrients.

When working out at the gym, the body needs carbohydrates to provide energy for muscle activity. A lack of carbohydrates can lead to fatigue, reduced endurance, or difficulty maintaining workout intensity, according to the UK health website Medical News Today .

For gym-goers, sweet potatoes are suitable for both muscle gain and fat loss phases.

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Here are some reasons why gym-goers should include sweet potatoes in their diet.

Provides a stable energy supply during exercise.

Sweet potatoes contain complex starches, meaning they are digested more slowly than refined starches like those found in baked goods. 100 grams of cooked sweet potatoes contain approximately 20 grams of complex starch along with a significant amount of fiber. This is why many people choose to eat sweet potatoes before or after workouts to replenish energy and restore glycogen stores in their muscles.

Additionally, consuming enough carbohydrates helps the body limit the use of protein in the muscles for energy. This is a condition that can lead to muscle shrinkage.

Potassium-rich foods are beneficial for muscle function.

Potassium is an important mineral for muscle and nerve function. During high-intensity exercise or heavy sweating, the body loses some electrolytes, including potassium.

Sweet potatoes are a pretty good source of potassium. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a medium-sized sweet potato, about 110-130 grams, can contain over 500 mg of potassium.

Adequate potassium intake helps maintain muscle function and electrolyte balance in the body. This can help reduce the risk of cramps and fatigue after prolonged exercise, says nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick at Cleveland Clinic (USA).

Suitable for both muscle gain and fat loss.

Sweet potatoes are a versatile food in the diet of gym-goers. For those looking to build muscle, sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for training and help replenish glycogen in the muscles.

Meanwhile, for those trying to lose fat, the fiber content and satiety-inducing properties of sweet potatoes can be an advantage in controlling calorie intake.

The important thing is the overall diet, not just sweet potatoes. If you want to build muscle, you still need to get enough protein from foods like eggs, meat, fish, dairy, or legumes. If you want to lose fat, you need to control your total calorie intake and maintain regular exercise, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-nguoi-tap-gym-nen-an-khoai-lang-185260530141455413.htm