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For
years, scientists have searched for a way to reduce dehydration during summer
training and competition. Now, scientists at the Veterans
Administration Hospital
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have discovered a safe, natural
chemical they claim can do the job.
Improving hot-weather performance
The
chemical is glycerol, a three-carbon molecule that is found in every molecule
of fat in the human body. When glycerol is ingested with water prior to
exercise, blood volume stays high, heart rates remain low, and hot-weather
performance improves, say the scientists.
In
the research, 11 competitive cyclists took glycerol and water and then tried to
exercise on a bicycle for as long as possible in high temperatures. When
glycerol was taken, the cyclists were able to exercise about 21 per cent
longer, compared to consuming only water. Glycerol was also superior to water
at preserving blood volume and preventing significant rises in body temperature
or heart rate during exercise.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 June 2007 )
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