As an athlete, you always search for the best benefits and ways to improve your performance naturally. Inositol is a substance with numerous health benefits pertaining to physical and mental health- essential to maximize your athletic potential.

What is Inositol

Inositol is a sugar substance, not a vitamin. It is commonly found in bread, whole wheat, vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. And your body can make inositol from carbohydrates that are present in your body. And because of this, you typically don’t need to worry about getting too much of it.

However, sometimes people need to take extra inositol in the form of supplements because of poor nutrition or from not eating carbs.

Inositol Benefits

Blood Flow

Inositol is a part of making a protein called kinin. Kinins affect blood pressure and increase blood flow. Improving blood flow is perfect and just what you need to boost your performance on the field and in the gym. Inositol makes blood travel easily around the body.

Nerve and Cell Function

Inositol is essential for proper cell growth and function. In addition, it is necessary for proper nerve function. Your body trains and plays hard, so cells and nerves need proper nourishment too. It has been shown that high doses of inositol may help regenerate peripheral nerves, which may benefit people suffering from neuropathy.

Regulate Blood Sugar

Inositol helps regulate blood sugar by reducing insulin sensitivity. Also, it can break down glucose. This can be beneficial for those with diabetes and hyperglycemia, as it can reduce insulin and spikes in blood sugar.

Heart Health

Inositol has also been able to help treat high cholesterol. Studies have found that it can help reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Lowering LDL and raising HDL leads to a lower risk of cardiac issues, such as heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, and atherosclerosis.

Reduce Anxiety

Inositol has the potential to treat a wide range of stressful conditions. For example, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Inositol treats these conditions by increasing serotonin and neurotransmitter levels, improving mood, and reducing stress. Studies have even suggested that inositol can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional antidepressants.

Furthermore, inositol helps to improve sleep by promoting relaxation and calmness to reduce stress. In addition, inositol enhances focus and concentration.

Helps Breakdown Fats

Inositol is not a weight-loss supplement. It is not for that. Its purpose is to regulate the process of breaking down fats for energy naturally. So, you cannot use it for weight loss.

It Helps Reduce Hair Loss

Finally, inositol may also provide potential benefits in preventing hair loss. Some evidence suggests that it can help produce healthy hair follicles and thus help avoid premature hair loss.

Side Effects

There are minimal side effects when you take inositol as a supplement. However, some discomfort was recorded when taken at higher doses of 12 grams. Primary symptoms were stomach pains, upset stomach, and gas. However, by reducing the amount of inositol, symptoms disappeared.

No regulated amount is prescribed as a recommended daily allowance (RDA). However, you can take up to 12 grams per day. But best to use between 2-4 grams per day to start.

You must have the best energy and nutrition to perform and recover appropriately as an athlete. Inositol is a crucial cell nutrient that plays a role in many aspects of your training and health to function. Therefore, supplementing with inositol may provide numerous health benefits.

It is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits when taking inositol supplements and always consult with a healthcare provider first.