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#FITNESS: Nutrient-dense potatoes improve performance

NUMEROUS studies conducted over the past 40-50 years suggest that carbohydrates are a primary macronutrient for sustaining and improving athletic performance.

According to Nutrition Today, a US journal, a balanced diet high in natural, quality carbohydrate rich foods like nutrient-dense potatoes may be optimal to improving physical performance among elite endurance athletes.

A medium-sized (148g) potato, with the skin-on, provides more potassium than a banana, no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. Potatoes are also perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events.

Potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system and aids in collagen production, a major muscle tissue component.

Easily digestible and more energy dense than any other popular vegetable, potatoes are a good choice to fuel the demands of racing a marathon.

With this in mind, Potatoes USA recently sponsored the Malaysian leg of the PowerMan World Series in Putrajaya.

Potatoes USA enlisted two sports women/influencers, Ann Pow and Yen Chia for the event. Both are popular in the running and cycling arena of competitive sports.

The women incorporated U.S. potatoes into their meals to aid their carbo loading for their participation in the PowerMan Classic category comprising a 10km run- 60km cycling-10km race.

Pow clinched the second position in the PowerMan Classic category. Pow was a participant at the 31st SEA Games held in Hanoi in May this year, and also the champion of the recent Garmin Malaysia Marathon 2022.

Chia, 32, finished fourth in the PowerMan Classic category.

"U.S. potatoes are cost-effective and rich in nutrients needed for highly competitive races.They are also gluten-free and a source of carbohydrates to help me stay fueled and reduce hunger pangs during long or intense races," says Chia.

Purchase confectioneries at affordable prices using Lazada Promo Code.

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