Arsenal star Hector Bellerin's poor fitness due to veganism? British nutritionists answer

Injuries have taken a toll on Arsenal this season and thing has hurt m more than Hector Bellerin's continued absence from football pitch. Spanish right-back has been limited to just eight Premier League appearances this season as his mounting injury problems are a cause of pain for Arsenal and player himself equally. Hector Bellerin has publicly adopted veganism since 2016 and one could wonder wher a change in his diet has lead to continued injuries and lack of form. 

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Hector Bellerin diet: Arsenal star adopts veganism, says '' to animal products

According to Athletic, Arsenal's Hector Bellerin has adopted a vegan diet since 2016. While right-back admitted that he gained kwledge about veganism through Netflix documentaries, he switched to a vegan diet due to sporting reasons. Arsenal star learned that adopting a plant-based diet could reduce his muscle inflammation and decrease pain levels helping his recovery. Spain international learnt about ethical and environmental factors of having following veganism a few years later, solidifying his choice of a vegan lifestyle. However, Arsenal star's recent struggles for form and fitness have pointed some questions at his choice of going vegan. 

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Hector Bellerin diet: Arsenal staff and nutritionists believe a vegan diet could be a source of Bellerin's injury troubles

Matt Lovel, a specialist performance nutritionist who has worked at a host of Premier League tells Athletic, says that while a vegan diet can bring instant changes, it's sustainability could be debated. He adds that most people do t eat vegetarian food eugh and hence results are drastic. Ar top nutritionist tells Altic that cutting down of meat is t what brings change but addition of fruits and vegetables in diet. He added that while players could feel good for months, y are most likely to incur deficiencies and will need supplements to balance it out. In 2016, Bellerin had revealed that he does t take any supplements. 

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Hector Bellerin diet: Ethics vs fitness for Arsenal star

While Hector Bellerin might have started with veganism for fitness purposes, it is w a moral compass for Arsenal right-back. A vegan diet has always been a grey area for nutritionists says Matt Lovel, who tells that a combination of vegan and meat diet would be perfect for footballers plying ir trade in Premier League. Altic reveals that Lovel worked with former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and 37-year old currently playing for Rangers in Scotland, has a vegan diet for four days a week and adds animal protein like salmon a night before and day of game. While Defoe chooses a vegan diet for clean living, same is t case with Bellerin. While questions will be raised against Hector Bellerin's diet as he struggles for form and fitness, Arsenal star can only prove those doubters wrong by getting back to his best. 

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