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There are Essential fats – or Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), which are so called as they cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be consumed within our diets. There are only two - Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Linoleic Acid (LA) and are only found in seed and seed oils such as flax seed, sesame seed and sunflower seed. These are often lacking from our modern diets and it is these oils that ensure that the “machinery” (the cells that make up our body) works efficiently to maximise the body’s performance and so to your sporting performance.
The importance of Essential Fatty Acids on sporting performance
Every cell, tissue, gland and organ is dependant upon EFA’s. They form the main structural component of every cell membrane, are necessary for cell growth and division and regulate cell activity. According to the findings of 2 scientific studies they have significant consequences for everyone from the casual fitness enthusiast through to the Olympic athlete.
The most recent study carried out with 49 strength and endurance athletes found that by including the EFAs in the right quantity and ratio improvements where made in Endurance, strength, recovery, energy and flexibility.
Using the blend of Essential fatty acids found in Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend (Dr Udo Erasmus pioneered the use of Essential Fats for health) the athletes in the study where given 1 tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight daily and measured using 13 markers of athletic performance.
The study found that athletic performance improved in each of the following key areas.
Endurance:
The majority of athletes reported increased muscular endurance during strength training and also increased cardiovascular endurance. Some of them claimed they could run farther, faster and for longer.
Recovery:
During strength training it was found that the athletes reported faster, more complete recovery between training sessions together with less joint pain and tenderness. Some of the athletes experienced reduced inflammation and an accelerated healing of injuries.
Strength & Power:
The results showed increased explosive power, speed and intensity and also led to increased lean body mass and thermogenesis (fat burning). EFA’s have long been known for their fat burning capabilities.
Flexibility:
The study showed that many of the athletes reported improved flexibility with an increased range of motion
Energy:
The study also demonstrated that the athletes experienced improved energy and stamina.
This adds further evidence to an earlier Danish study of 61 sportsmen and women that found that by “Oiling the Machine” the majority (53%) of participants experienced improved energy and stamina over an 8 week period.
Where do we get these Essential Fatty Acids?
Essential fatty acids are found only in seeds and seed oils, particularly flax seed, sunflower seed and sesame seeds.
Getting the right combination of these into the body through our diet is essential to ensure the machinery (ie the cells) is well oiled. Our modern day diet tends not to include much of these so Dr Udo Erasmus, the pioneer of the use of Essential fats for health developed an oil blend that contains all of these and more in the right ratio for optimum health.
For over 10 years Udo’s oil has been used by body builders to help them build lean muscle and train harder due to improved recovery times and more sports are turning to it as they see the benefits experienced by their peers.
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