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Journalism of Courage
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri recently discussed his dietary habits and why he gave up meat. According to the 40-year-old, “I am a vegetarian. I don’t consume meat or milk. But I do have ghee. So, I am a vegetarian and not a vegan. I also have green leafy vegetables and fruits.”
He made the change more than 5 years ago because he wanted to better his recovery. “Doctors always share that you should not eat fried or meat when you have an upset stomach and not drink milk when you are not well. They suggest options like khichdi, buttermilk, fruits, and water. This means that the body takes less stress when you have light foods as opposed to eating fried, refined, and sugary foods like gulab jamun. The body needs to put in extra effort to digest these foods. So, when you give (it) lighter foods, it helps enhance recovery,” Chhetri told Lallantop Cinema.
Following Chhetri’s admission, let’s understand why a vegetarian or vegan diet helps speed up recovery, especially for an athlete.
Increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes typically boosts fibre consumption, which can improve digestion, reduce constipation, and promote better gut health, noted Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.
According to Dr Bhavana, it also improves gut microbiota, which helps improve one’s metabolism. “This dietary shift may also lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, contributing to improved heart health due to reduced intake of saturated fats found in meat which can help an athlete recover better,” shared Dr Bhavana.
Dr Bhavana said that protein and iron, often derived from meat, need to be “replaced with plant-based alternatives like beans, lentils, tofu, and dairy products”.
“The body less easily absorbs iron from plant sources, so pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like citrus fruits or tomatoes) can enhance absorption,” elucidated Dr Bhavana.
In the long run, Dr Bhavana said that a balanced vegetarian diet can support weight management, reduce inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that aid recovery. “It’s important to ensure that meals are nutrient-dense to avoid deficiencies, and to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice during this dietary change,” said Dr Bhavana.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
