Whatever physical activity you love sweating out to, a balanced diet is essential and will play a significant role in improving your recovery, physical performance, and your overall wellbeing. We have frequently seen people who exercise daily at places like Fitness Evolution – Bellingham EVO and full-time athletes add supplements while on a keto diet to improve their physical performance, endurance, and peak recovery. However, some of the commercial after-workout recovery supplements have long-term negative side effects that can disrupt the natural hormonal balance of your body.
This is the reason why athletes are on the lookout for something that is natural and can prove to be a holistic substitute for commercial sports supplements.
If you are wondering what to eat after а workout, here are the best five herbs that can be beneficial for your recovery and physical performance.
Ginseng
Ginseng is one of those herbs that have been studied a lot in the field of physical performance. Additionally, in Asia, the herb has also been used as medicine for ages because of its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant effects.
While there are benefits of the best keto protein powder after a workout and Ginseng herb is the best alternative since it contains a lot of beneficial compounds like saponins, ginsenosides, proteins, fiber, minerals (like phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium), and vitamins (like A, B, C, and D).
These compounds are highly efficient in inhibiting oxidation, boosting anaerobic performance, stabilizing blood pressure, boosting alertness, enhancing cognitive performance, and reducing mental stress.
All these qualities will help you with easier recoveries as well as longer work out, you will remain alerted and focused. However, the herb also has some negative side effects like blood pressure fluctuation, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, headaches, digestive disorders like diarrhea, etc. It can also interfere with some types of medications, like insulin. Hence, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before consumption.
CBD
CBD oil, derived from hemp, is increasing in popularity due to several benefits it has. Hemp and cannabis are not the same; while both might come from the same plant family, they have different properties. After you finish a hard workout, your top priority should be to take this oil.
Hemp contains small amounts of THC, which is the same psychoactive compound that is normally found in cannabis and gives the feeling of getting ‘high.’ But the amount of the compound is so low in hemp products that it will not come upon drug tests, and you will not feel any psychoactive effects. Don’t buy just any poor-quality products in local shops or online, know what you are getting by doing your research on brands and companies.
Additionally, hemp grows outdoors in moderate climates, does not require a lot of care, and is more resilient than cannabis. You can take care of the plant easily, and it is better for the environment as well. Once it is processed, the fibers can be used to produce a wide range of products like shoes, clothes, ropes, etc.
CBD contains several health-related benefits as well. It reduces anxiety and stress and improves your overall sleep quality. It also reduces inflammation and pain. It serves as an alternative to opioid medication and NSAIDs and stimulates gut health. The extract also helps in muscle recovery after a workout. You can learn more about the different variants of CBD including Delta 8 at Area 52.
Kratom
Kratom is a herb from Southeast Asia that is becoming increasingly popular in the US in recent years. Kratom is a tropical tree and belongs to the coffee family. While there are some of its qualities that resemble those of coffee, kratom has a lot more to offer.
Kratom contains 25% alkaloids that offer at least 40 different known benefits for the body. The two main types of alkaloids found here are 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine.
The herb is available in three different vein colors, as well as strains. Each color represents different alkaloid levels and effects. However, some common effects seen in kratom include increased energy levels, better mood and sleep, improved productivity and focus, and relief from different kinds of pain. It also serves as an alternative to prescription medications and opioids.
Depending on what effect you are seeking, you need to look for the correct veins and strains. For people who exercise, the best white strains and green vein kratom will be useful. The herb will help them maintain their calm and composure as well as boost their physical performance and help them recover faster after a workout.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a South American herb; locals often make tea out of its crushed leaves and twigs to boost energy. According to traditions, a carved gourd is used to drink this tea through a special straw with a filter at the bottom. While the herb can offer effects similar to tea or coffee, it contains a lot less amount of caffeine.
The herb is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that have a lot of health-promoting properties like anti-inflammatory effects, etc. In fact, the anti-oxidant properties are much stronger than those of green tea. Yerba mate contains seven out of the nine essential amino acids needed by the body, apart from other minerals and vitamins.
Yerba mate can help you by improving the performance of your immune system and protecting it against infection. It will also boost your metabolism and help your body burn through more fat rather than protein or carbs after a workout during high-intensity activities. The herb improves muscle contractions and enhances mental focus as well.
Maca Root
Yet another plant from South America, the powder made from maca root is often referred to as a type of superfood. It contains 18 out of the 20 essential amino acids and several other healthy compounds that improve sports performance and your overall health.
Maca root reduces blood pressure and enhances your mood. It also eliminates excess estrogen in men and boosts testosterone levels, thereby aiding in the growth and development of muscle power. Maca root also regulates the hormones after a workout.
You can easily add maca root to your diet by mixing it into baked goods, energy bars, oatmeal, shakes, and smoothies. Alternatively, the maca root is also available in pill form.
After Workout Supplements: Conclusion
The above-mentioned herbal products offer a wide range of beneficial properties that can improve your mental and physical health. With these foods for muscle recovery after a workout, your physical performance will improve in a wide range of ways. All you need to do is ensure that you choose the one that fits your individual needs. Or, you can experiment with a few to check out which one works best for you. With these herbal products, your muscles will recover a lot faster than before. What are your thoughts on after-workout herbs? Let us know in the comments!
Author’s bio: Adam Reeve was born in Texas and went to college in California to study kinesiology. He’s now living in Chicago and works as a fitness instructor, and also part-time for a football team. Recently, Adam started writing about the keto diet for his own blog. He also loves running.
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Whatever the beneficial properties these herbs have to offer, I am in! Thanks for sharing!
I had no idea of such amazing herbs doing great things to the body. Will try Maca Root as it’s very good and other herbs are good too.
Good to know of these natural helpers
Thanks for this post.