In sports nutrition, choosing food right after each competition can greatly affect the recovery rate and energy of athletes.
Recently, many professional athletes, including Dinh Bac of U23 Vietnam, tend to choose apples instead of bananas or other refined fruits and snacks after competition.
It is known that apples have about 85% water and about 25g carbohydrates, mainly natural sugar, which helps hydrate quickly and stabilize blood sugar effectively after high-intensity activities.
Thanks to its abundant water content, apples help supplement energy gently without causing digestive shock or feeling heavy on the stomach. The absorption of energy from apples is also more even thanks to a low glycemic index and a reasonable amount of fiber, effectively supporting digestion.
On Nike.com - the sports and nutrition page of the Nike brand, nutritionist Lisa Moskovitz, RD said: "Apples are a good complex carbohydrate source, helping to supplement lost glycogen during exercise and contain antioxidants that can support recovery after exercise.
Conversely, bananas are rich in potassium and fast carbohydrates, which help compensate for electrolytes and support muscle recovery when combined with protein or sports drinks. However, bananas can cause more bloating if eaten immediately after competition, making some athletes feel uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, refined carbohydrates such as soft drinks or energy drinks provide fast energy but easily cause strong blood sugar fluctuations, potentially increasing the risk of inflammation, which is not beneficial for rapid recovery.
Prioritizing natural carbohydrates from fruits such as apples helps the body maintain stable energy, reduce prolonged fatigue and improve digestive function after exercise.
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