Iron man Iron Man USA August 2017 f | Page 20

E2G

EAT TO GROW

offers more than half of your recommended daily intake in a single serving! Why is that relevant to your gains and performance goals? Vitamin C isn’ t only what keeps you in the gym and free of the flu. Thanks to its free-radical fighting antioxidant count, it can also help keep you clear from pesky joint pain, among other serious health issues it can help with like heart disease.
Pineapple also provides you with manganese, which is a foundational mineral key for good performance from the ground up. You can’ t pack on muscle without a solid frame to start with – it’ s only common sense – which is why you should know( and care) that manganese plays a critical role in the development of healthy bone structure and cartilage formation.
An enzyme called glycosyltransferases is responsible for this process in the body, but manganese is the cofactor needed to set the wheels into motion. In other words, you can thank manganese for quite literally laying the foundation for your physique. Ample manganese in your diet ensures proper development and maintenance of the skeletal system, as it helps with continued growth, along with improved metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Research places pineapple at the top of the list of foods naturally containing this mineral. are commonly used to treat those aches and pains. But did you know that pineapple delivers the exact same benefits, 100 % naturally? How so? Bromelain is derived from pineapple!
The proteolyric enzyme itself aids our digestion and breaks down protein in the body. Since bodybuilders are typically eating protein-heavy diets, they need this boost in digestion more than most, so a diet rich with bromelain is a no brainer.
The vitamin C content in pineapple has also been studied with relation to its decreased muscle soreness after athletic performance and it’ s been shown that the vitamin can have a major impact on reducing the inflammation and resulting soreness you might experience following a heavy weight session. A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that men experienced a significant reduction in muscle soreness in the first 24 hours after exercising when they took a vitamin C supplement before and after working out.
Benefit # 2: You Can’ t Make Gains Without Carbs Beyond its vitamin content, pineapple aids digestion though its ideal makeup of carbs, crude fiber, water and potassium. That makes it a friend in your overall quest for the ideal physique – one that’ s low in body fat and high in muscle mass. After all, pineapples help to regulate and improve digestion and weight maintenance.
Any lifter already knows that it’ s not just carbs, but the type and timing that move the needle when it comes to your muscle growth and maintenance, and pineapple provides an ideal choice across the board. A one-cup serving contains 22 grams of carbs along with some healthy fiber and few calories. Consuming adequate carbs both pre and post workout is key for optimal energy levels and the ability to strengthen, recover and grow. Because pineapple is a relatively high glycemic choice comprised of simple, easy-to-digest sugars, your best bet is to toss some back as a post-workout carb.
Many studies have found that consuming high glycemic carbohydrates after workouts, in conjunction with protein, enhances the formation of muscle. Think outside the box of rice and chicken( or rice cakes and protein shakes), and enjoy a livelier flavor like pineapple while upping your vitamin intake.
Benefit # 3: Delayed Soreness When Training Excessive soreness and a body that doesn’ t snap back as quickly as you’ d like can be more than an annoyance. It can be a major hindrance to your training. Bromelain supplements
18 AUGUST 2017 | ironmanmagazine. com