Efficiency of polyphenolic diet on health and functional capacity in professional and recreational athletes

Sa？etak Proper nutrition is one of the basic prerequisites for a healthy lifestyle. The need to find compounds with bioactive agents in order to prevent disease, improve health and functional capacities in professional and recreational athletes has resulted in an increase of interest. Polyphenols are one of these compounds. Their wide accessibility and specific physiological effects make them unique nutritional compounds. Current research on the potential positive effects of polyphenols on health shows benefits on cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, regarding their antioxidative, anticancerogenic, hypoalergenic and antiinflammatory activities. Their role as a functional food in athletes can be observed due to unique requirements, with reference to their psycho-physiological demands. The effects of polyphenols are beneficial in cases of various physiological conditions, which occur during or after physical activity. Important roles in the protection and recovery of muscles and bones, prevention of metabolic diseases and maintenance of mental health have been shown in professional and recreational athletes