Wüst recommends beer for athletes: uproar among nutrition experts!

Wüst recommends beer for athletes: uproar among nutrition experts!

What's new from the world of sports and nutrition? A recent appearance by NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst is causing a stir. At an event in Berlin on June 25th, Wüst recommended drinking beer instead of Cola - a statement that was not without criticism. “Hops and malt are healthier than sugary drinks,” says Wüst. But this assessment is causing quite a stir, because the German Nutrition Society (DGE) vehemently contradicts it and points out that beer is not the better choice for athletes. According to DGE spokeswoman Silke Restemeyer, the health risks of alcohol, such as cancer and liver disease, cannot be ignored.

Although Wüst takes back his faux pas and leaves the impression that Fritz-Cola also goes well with bratwurst, the DGE remains skeptical. Restemeyer recommends that athletes consume more water and highly diluted fruit juice spritzers in order to optimally support their body and mind during sport. These recommendations fit well in the current context, as sport is in the spotlight at the moment - not least because of the upcoming FISU World University Games.

FISU World University Games – A big celebration of sport

The “World University Games”, an international multi-sport event, starts in a few weeks, from July 16th to 27th, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Around 8,500 participants from over 150 countries are expected in several cities in the region. This event, considered one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind, promotes not only sport but also cultural understanding among young people. The FISU Summer World University Games take place every two years and offer a platform for top sporting performance and excellent education.

The competition lasts twelve days and includes 15 compulsory sports. Additionally, organizers can choose up to three optional sports, increasing the variety and fun of watching. A highlight in the history of the FISU Games was the Chengdu Universiade 2023, which took place despite postponements due to the pandemic and attracted more than 6,500 athletes. Many countries are looking forward to showcasing their talents and potentially discovering the sport's next stars.

Nutrition plays a key role

With the Games coming up, it's clear how important proper nutrition is for athletes. A balanced diet tailored to training intensity is crucial for performance. The combination of carbohydrates, fats and proteins ensures that athletes are optimally prepared. The intake of complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain products, is particularly important for endurance. These help replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, which is particularly crucial during longer training sessions.

In sports, according to the recommendations, protein intake should be carefully considered in order to support muscle building and regeneration. While the DGE points out the dangers of being overweight and unhealthy diets, the quality of fats is also highlighted. A healthy mix of different nutritional ingredients not only ensures the performance, but also the health of the athletes who want to cause a sensation in the coming weeks.

Overall, there is a lot to consider: athletes, organizers and nutritionists work hand in hand to create the best conditions for the FISU World University Games. This means that the big festival of international university sports can not only shine from a sporting perspective, but also serve as a role model for a healthy lifestyle.