What is the interest of lipids for the athlete?
An athlete can expend up to three times more energy than a person at rest. His diet is important since it provides him, in particular, with three macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Carbohydrates are the main fuel for muscle, but lipids should not be neglected, especially during intense long-term efforts. With regular training, the place of lipids takes on its full importance because they save glycogen reserves over a longer period of time.
Beyond the energy role, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are among the main constituents of cell membranes.
Finally, various scientific studies have highlighted the involvement of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular balance1.
What are the different types of lipids and which ones should be preferred?
There are two main families of lipids: saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids.
fatty acid
Unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9) are to be preferred because they have important roles in different physiological functions. As an indication, the intakes of essential fatty acids are among the most deficient in the French population, whatever the age groups (even if adolescents remain the most affected): nearly 100% of French people have insufficient intakes of omega 32.
Furthermore, our current consumption habits are characterized by an imbalance between Omega 6 and Omega 3 and 9 intakes. While 60 to 70% of French people do not have adequate Omega 6 intakes, the Omega 6 / omega 3 is inadequate for over 98% of children and 96% of adults. Omega 9 intakes are also insufficient for 95% of children and 90% of adults2.
Be sure to diversify your edible oils to favor those that are richer in Omega 3 and Omega 9 and include certain foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.) in your menus. Wild South Pacific fish oil supplements can also help you meet your daily Omega 3 needs.
