Plant-based diets help improve athletic performance (Photo: Shutterstock)

More athletes are choosing plant-based diets in order to help improve their athletic performance. Carl Lewis, Venus Williams and Lewis Hamilton are just a few award-winning athletes whose performances improved after going vegan.

What are the benefits of a vegan diet for an athlete?

· Typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol, they improve blood thickness, helping oxygen reach the muscles faster, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and helping keep weight down.

· They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are high in antioxidants, helping increase recovery rate and recue muscle fatigue.

· As they are typically low in fat and high in fibre, they keep body fat down, increasing aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and improving endurance.

· They improve blood flow by increasing the diameter and flexibility of your arteries.

With all the physical benefits, plant-based diets are set to become increasingly popular among athletes and non-athletes alike.

Everyone has an app idea, what’s yours?