Diet plays an important role for sportspersons: Expert

Panaji, Apr 10 (UNI) High carbohydrate diets on days before and after training and on competition days play an important role in a sportsperson's physical fitness, according to Dr Jose Augusto Rodriges, Professor of Sports Nutrition at the Porto Univesity Portugal.

Interacting with reporters at a two-day workshop on 'Eat to Win', organised jointly by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and Goa Football Association here today, Dr Jose said ''Indian Football players lacked in physical fitness and technical skills to compete with high level teams from Argentina and Brazil and it is important to improve their physical training and technical skills.'' Dr Augusto said, ''If the sportspersons' diet is rich in carbohydrates, 70 percent of muscles glycogen could be replaced within 24 hours whereas a diet containing only 40 percent carbohydrates could not totally replenish the muscle glycogen.'' After the match, the muscles are almost devoid of glycogen with the greatest amount of depletion occuring in the first half of the match, for which players are unable to perform well in the second half.

He also focused the need for mental preparation of the players and on the need to select and exercise with great caution.

''Although very rich in carbohydrates, beer is not the adequate drink for fluid replacement or for glycogen stores replenishment'' he added.

Alcoholic beverages are not good for sportsmen, Dr Augusto remarked. The portuguese expert called upon the coaches and players to adopt the right attidude towards nutrition.

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