Feature: Herbs for sports?
By Jund Rian A. Doringo
An herb is a plant valued for flavor, scent,
medicinal or other qualities other than its food value.
Herbs can be classified according to their use.
A culinary herb can be any other part of the
plant itself like its seeds, berries, barks, roots and fruits, which provide
flavor to food even in very minimal amounts.
A medicinal herb is used to treat or prevent
diseases or disorders and promote good health.
Other uses of herbs are for religious purposes
and pest control.
According to Dr. Gemiliano D. Aligui, a research
epidemiologist, herbs in relation to sports can stimulate peak levels of
physical performance, control pain in injuries, manage weight and rehabilitate
the body from the consequences of injuries.
Aligui cited various examples of helpful herbs
in each categorical purpose in sports.
Ergogenic Aids:
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) and Indian
snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) contain ‘yohimbe’, an alkaloid capable of
stimulating the body and acts as an aphrodisiac.
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) increases free
testosterone levels to improve performance.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a nutritionally dense
herb which contains 60 percent carbohydrates and minerals like selenium,
magnesium and calcium.
Pain Control:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been shown to be a
COX-2 inhibitor, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substance.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) lowers
prostaglandin levels to help ease pain.
Chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) contains
capsaicin which reduces inflammation and pain.
Weight management:
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) contains
corosolic acid which improves glucose utilization and contributes to weight
loss.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps metabolize fat with regular
exercise.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps in fat digestion
and limits fat deposition.
Although these alternatives are surely
beneficial, it is recommended to ask a licensed medical practitioner
knowledgeable in herbal medicine before taking or mixing these herbs with
prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Herbs may have adverse effects when mixed with
other drugs.
The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF)
developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI-DOST are primary recommendations
to achieve good health and proper nutrition of Filipinos.
The tenth guideline, "For a healthy
lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid
drinking alcohol beverages," focuses on behavior modifications for a
healthy lifestyle.
This guideline aims to encourage people to
engage in physical activities either by brisk walking, jogging or playing
sports, and to turn away from unhealthy vices such as smoking and excessive
alcoholic beverage consumption.
In this fast-changing and demanding environment,
people tend to search for choices.
As natural and cost effective as herbs are,
there’s a lot more reason to go out and play!
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director,
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology,
General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T/PIA-Caraga)
