Does Eating Bananas Before Soccer Games Help with Cramping?

We’ve all heard that bananas help with cramping but is it true? If Mom or Dad say it is then it usually is.

From my research, bananas do not help with cramping during soccer games. They are, however, still a healthy snack because of the potassium and other vitamins they contain.

Here are some studies supporting my statement above:

• https://library.ndsu.edu/ir/handle/10365/27535
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499889/#:~:text=Eating%20up%20to%202%20servings,for%20exercise%2Dassociated%20muscle%20cramping.

But, for our sake, let’s understand if bananas are good for athletes, when you should be eating them, and how they compare to other foods.

Banana Benefits for Athletes

Bananas are known to be packed with essential nutrients that can help you perform better and reduce the risk of cramping during soccer games.

Nutritional Value of Bananas

Bananas are a great source of carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy to your body during exercise.

They also contain vitamin C, which is important for maintaining strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Bananas are also rich in potassium, which can help improve muscle function.

When Should I Eat a Banana?

To get the most benefits from bananas, it is recommended that you eat them about 30 minutes before your soccer game.

This will give your body enough time to digest the fruit and absorb the nutrients. You can also eat bananas during halftime to replenish your energy levels.

Fruits like bananas take less time and energy to digest in your body.

The Best Healthy On-the-go Snack

Aside from their nutritional benefits, bananas are also a convenient and affordable snack for athletes.

They come in their own natural packaging, making them easy to take on the go.

Plus, they are relatively inexpensive compared to other sports supplements.

Parents love bananas because of these reasons!

What Are Alternatives to Bananas?

If you are allergic or don’t like the taste of bananas, foods such as avocados, spinach, and sweet potatoes are great alternatives.

Also, making sure you get your electrolytes in through sports drinks can help prevent cramping.

Which Shade Do You Prefer?

For me, I’ll always go with #6. My son prefers #3.

Let me know what you prefer in the comments!

Final Thoughts

While bananas are a good source of potassium, they are not the perfect food that to help prevent cramps.

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods high in electrolytes, staying hydrated, and stretching before exercise are all important factors in preventing cramps.

I wish I could tell you that there is a cure-all for cramping but there isn’t!