Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Polyphenol intake (specifically from fruits like bananas) during exercise provides anti-inflammatory and immune-protective benefits via gut-derived metabolites.
Incorporate fruits like bananas, dates, or raisins into your fueling strategy during long workouts. They provide polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation and aid recovery.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
In general, evolving data support the intake of fruits such as dates, raisins, and bananas by athletes during training to provide the sugars and polyphenols that exert anti-inflammatory influences that may enhance metabolic recovery.
Why this rating
Emerging evidence using metabolomics; fewer studies than carbohydrates.
Source
The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system
David C. Nieman et al. · Journal of sport and health science/Journal of Sport and Health Science · 2018
DOI 10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009
narrative_reviewCited 1,299×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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