Pravilna prehrana smatra se jednim od bitnih preduvjeta
zdravog života. Prevencija bolesti, poboljšanje zdravlja i
funkcionalnih sposobnosti u sportaša i rekreativaca doveli
su do povećanja interesa za spojevima s bioaktivnim
djelovanjem. Polifenoli su jedni od tih spojeva. Njihova
široka dostupnost i specifični fiziološki učinci prezentiraju
ih kao jedinstvene prehrambene spojeve. U dosadašnjim
istraživanjima povezanosti polifenola i potencijalnog učinka
na zdravlje uočen je pozitivni učinak kod kardiovaskularnih,
metaboličkih i neurodegenerativnih bolesti s obzirom
na njihovu protuoksidacijsku, protukancerogenu,
protualergijsku i protuupalnu aktivnost. Posebno se može
promatrati njihova uloga funkcionalne hrane kod sportaša
i rekreativaca zbog jedinstvenih zahtjeva u psihofizičkom
smislu. Učinci polifenola pomažu u različitim fiziološkim
stanjima koja slijede za vrijeme i nakon tjelesne aktivnosti.
Pokazane su značajne uloge u zaštiti i oporavku mišića
i kostiju, prevenciji metaboličkih bolesti i održavanju
mentalnog zdravlja sportaša i rekreativaca.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
