The researchers propose to put spinach on the list of banned doping

Popeye sailor is famous for chewing vegetables and dozens of spinach boxes to improve his fitness, and the latest scientific research shows that it is no coincidence that this guy did it.

According to CNN news , a new study published by Freie University in Berlin (Germany) identified ecdysterone , a chemical found in this leafy vegetable, that has the same effect as steroids and should be included in the list. chemicals banned in sports.

Popeye sailors eat spinach to increase their fitness.

The researchers conducted an experiment involving 46 athletes who practiced three times a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Some of these were given ecdysterone, others were given a placebo.

The ecdysterone drinkers quickly noticed that their performance improved 3 times compared to those who did not drink.

" We see a significant increase in performance in weightlifting exercises for ecdysterone athletes, " said co-author Maria Parr, a doping researcher at the University of Freie.

Researchers expect to see some of the effects of this type of chemical on exercise performance, but the results are so high that they are stunned.

This study is partly funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and researchers suggest ecydysterone should be included in the agency's prohibition list.

Parr emphasizes that ecdysterone can now be legally purchased as a supplement.

Spinach contains many ecdysterone substances.

Co-author Francesco Botre, director of the Italian Anti-Doping Agency (FMSI), said the agency is currently working on ecdysterone.

By this time, anti-doping agencies have not yet been allowed to try ecdysterone because it is not on the ban list. It is in addition to the efficiency it brings beyond all predictions has become an extremely deep concern.

" It is very strong because it is invisible " - Botre said - " It is not on the list ".

Any decision on a future ban will have to be given by a special panel of WADA experts.

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