Daniel Behrendt: Handball Power, Fitness & Hemp in Professional Sports

Daniel Behrendt is currently working as a coach and athletic trainer at HSG Konstanz and teaches handball as a basic and major subject at the University of Konstanz. In addition, the resident of Konstanz is also studying fitness science and fitness economics part-time and is currently doing an internship at the Talent Campus Sports School on Lake Constance. In recent months, the passionate climber has increasingly focused on nutrition and has discovered the added value of hemp products - fortunately, because the important role that this crop now plays even in top-level sports is becoming clearer.

Daniel, you have surely experienced some things regarding recovery, as well as physical complaints and injuries in your career. What do athletes often do wrong?

The mistake often lies in the fundamentals and frequently in the training program itself. There is no foundational training in the areas of coordination, endurance, strength, and flexibility. In my opinion, this is essential and should be developed from childhood. Furthermore, many lack knowledge in the areas of healthy, effective nutrition, and there is too little discussion about ideal recovery.

So do you believe that nutrition plays a somewhat larger role in performance delivery or in sports?

Nutrition is crucial to a healthy athlete and thus also to their success. The connection can best be explained using Formula 1: if the driver fuels too little or even the wrong fuel, they cannot fully or optimally exploit their car's potential. Our body also needs high-quality food to keep all processes running. It is about metabolic processes, muscle building, but also about recovery. Unfortunately, I see an increasing need for action, especially in the area of nutrition. We no longer take the time for meals, and the number of overweight individuals continues to rise – that's not good. Additionally, the care and protection of the skin - in my case, that of my hands and feet - is very important and part of the whole package.

How did your first contact with hemp come about?

I first heard about cannabis when an acquaintance was diagnosed with leukemia. Unfortunately, chemotherapy could no longer help her, but the cannabis products at least gave her better, deeper sleep and a greater appetite. I then researched on the internet and learned about Parkinson's patients who showed significantly fewer symptoms after taking medical cannabis. This piqued my interest, and I wondered whether the hemp plant could also be beneficial in sports. That's how I became aware of cannabinoids and then bought and tested hemp protein, particularly in connection with an intense training phase as an energy source.

Did you notice any advantages or disadvantages while testing hemp products yourself?

I initially noticed that my body generally recovers faster. This is probably due to the dietary change and the easily digestible hemp protein. It also provides the necessary energy for the body. I no longer have to deal with side effects like bloating and stomach discomfort, which are common with conventional protein mixtures, and that is truly remarkable. Furthermore, I have become a big fan of pure hemp seed oil, as it not only tastes very good in salads but is also incredibly healthy due to its many vitamins, minerals, and ideal fatty acid profile, making it perfect for me. I have also massaged CBD oils onto "troubled skin areas" on my hands and feet. I found the caring properties to be very positive.

How do you think the image of hemp is today?

Unfortunately, legal CBD products are often equated with illegal THC products. The distinction between EU industrial hemp, medical cannabis, and illegal drug hemp is also not understood. There is insufficient education in these areas – neither in the population nor in medical studies. Unfortunately, one can only speculate about the intentions behind this. It is truly sad to see expensive medications being prescribed when natural remedies could potentially help just as well and have fewer side effects. I just find that wrong.

What do you think the future of hemp and cannabidiol in sports and training could look like?

I believe that hemp as a food like hemp protein, as well as CBD products like CBD oils, will establish themselves in sports and society. Their positive effects on body and mind are scientifically proven. Especially in the areas of performance and recovery concerning food, as well as the care and protection of stressed skin areas regarding the external application of CBD products, the body can be very well supported in a natural way.

What needs to happen in people's minds for hemp and the potential of its active ingredients to regain a deserving positive image?

I wish for the future a sincere engagement with the plant, based on scientific arguments and not on prejudices. For this, media reporting needs to become more objective. An open discussion with representatives from medicine, industry, and hemp experts would also be a good and effective first step. It is important that our fellow humans understand that the hemp plant is a useful plant that finds application in various sectors. The image of the "gateway drug" does not do justice to the plant and is no longer shared by many drug addiction experts – fortunately.

Image source: © Daniel Behrendt