New study by Appalachian State University
Banana compounds act as COX-2 inhibitor
Titled “Metabolic recovery from heavy exertion following banana compared to sugar beverage or water only ingestion: A randomized, crossover trial” the study contrasted banana ingestion during exercise to ingestion of water alone or a six percent sugar beverage (similar to a sports drink).
The study showed new metabolic findings that banana metabolites potentially mimic how ibuprofen works to reduce pain and swelling, and how they help the immune system function effectively during a metabolically stressful time such as intense exercise.
“Ibuprofen is the number one drug taken by athletes to combat inflammation,” said study author Dr. David Nieman, director of the Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Laboratory and professor of Health and Exercise Science in the Beaver College of Health Sciences.
According to today.appstate.edu, the study did confirm that carbohydrate ingestion, whether from the bananas or a six percent sugar beverage, supported endurance performance by fuelling athletes effectively while contributing to a faster recovery by reducing markers of post-exercise inflammation.
“Consuming bananas with water during exercise has several advantages for athletes and fitness enthusiasts,” Nieman commented. “Within an exercise context, banana metabolites in the blood following ingestion have a similar effect to aspirin or ibuprofen that inhibits COX-2 activity. This makes bananas close to the perfect athletic food.”
