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Can Microgreens Improve Sports Performance?

Microgreens benefits to an athlete’s diet

In recent years, microgreens have gained great popularity among athletes and nutritionists. Their appeal in this field lies in their remarkable nutrient density, often higher than that of the mature plant. But what real benefits can they offer for health and athletic performance? Let’s take a look!

Energy supply and healthy metabolism

Microgreens such as broccoli, radish, pea, or sunflower are rich in B vitamins, iron, and chlorophyll, essential nutrients for energy metabolism. This is relevant for both endurance and strength athletes.

Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress

Intense exercise produces free radicals and small muscle inflammations. Microgreens, especially those from the cruciferous family, contain sulforaphane, flavonoids, and other antioxidants that help reduce this stress.

More efficient muscle recovery

Magnesium, potassium, and calcium found in many varieties support neuromuscular function, muscle contraction, and cramp prevention. They also help replenish electrolytes after intense training sessions.

Strengthening the immune system

Frequent training can temporarily weaken immunity. Microgreens provide vitamin C, zinc, polyphenols, and compounds that promote gut health, key to a strong immune response.

Allies of athlete focused diets

According to various sources, microgreens are a useful tool in plant based diets, which are common among both professional and amateur athletes. Their nutritional content helps compensate for possible deficiencies in vegan or vegetarian eating patterns, improving:

  • iron absorption
  • plant protein intake
  • mineral balance
  • vitamin supply critical for performance

In addition to their nutritional value, they are easy to consume: they can be added to smoothies, salads, bowls, or recovery drinks.

Various studies suggest that microgreens still have underestimated potential in areas such as preventing oxidative stress in athletes, reducing cellular damage after high-intensity exercise, improving athletes’ gut microbiota, or biofortification to increase iron or specific vitamins.

And what do you think? Do you believe that in the coming years they could become a key food in sports nutrition?

Thanks, and see you next time!

Carlota 

Sources

Balik, S., Elgudayem, F., Yildiz Dasgan, H., Kafkas, N. E., & Gruda, N. S. (2025). Nutritional quality profiles of six microgreens. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 6213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39979322/

Mountain, S. Microgreens health & wellness: Targeted benefits for lifestyle. Skye Mountain. URL: https://www.skyemountain.co.uk/microgreens-health-wellness-targeted-benefits-lifestyle/

Singh, U., Lall, D., & Sagar, A. (2025). A comprehensive review on microgreens: Nutritional value, cultivation, health benefits, and future perspectives. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 9(5), 976–980. https://www.biochemjournal.com/archives/2025/vol9issue5/PartL/9-5-133-114.pdf

Neves, A. (2023, June 23). Microgreens for athletic performance. Microgreens World. URL: https://microgreensworld.com/microgreens-for-athletic-performance

Scott, T. (2023, Jul 18). Microgreens: The nutritional powerhouse for sports performance. Enriched Being. URL: https://www.enrichedbeing.com/post/microgreens-the-nutritional-powerhouse-for-sports-performance

Links of interest:

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