Snus is a stimulant that improves cognition, attention, and serves as a substitute for other forms of heated tobacco. These benefits increase the stamina of football players and help them play more efficiently, while quitting cigarettes.
These benefits are the main reason why snus is so popular among Premier League players. Here's a quick review of how snus impacts footballers and the football leagues:
- Snus use is prevalent amongst professional footballers
- Snus has slight performance-boosting effects
- Players are using snus or nicotine pouches for stress relief
- Some footballers use snus as an alternative to cigarettes and vapes
- Clubs and the PFA are worried about the popularity of Snus
- Snus isn't banned according to WADA
- Clubs are taking steps to educate people about snus use
Benefits of Snus for Professional Football Players
Snus is a stimulant that affects the cognitive abilities, adrenaline, dopamine, and attention of footballers. The boost in all these areas allows the footballers to react and play slightly faster compared to non-snus users.
Nicotine also acts as a stress-relief agent, reducing the mental stress and duress that most players feel. While these effects sound great, their effects aren't significant enough to make snus a doping agent.
Furthermore, most of the effects of snus are related to stress relief and mental acuity. Countless other products, like energy drinks, caffeine, and certain foods, have the same effect. The product is on WADA's monitoring list, but for now, it doesn't seem like it will be banned.
Side Effects of Snus for Professional Footballers
Snus contains nicotine, which is an addictive chemical and can significantly affect the performance of players. According to research published in the NCBI, snus use can mess with the sleep and diet cycle of various players because of its addictive, stimulant nature.
Due to these effects, snus users might have a slower recovery rate. Other side effects include periodontal issues, dry mouth, cardiovascular problems, intolerance to heat, and anxiety. The tobacco in snus contains countless carcinogenic chemicals that can impair dental and liver health.
Long-time users might have a hard time staying motivated without snus use. These effects of snus forced the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) to publish educational material, highlighting the risk of prolonged snus use.
Do Footballers Use Snus?
Yes, the use of snus is rampant among professional football players. Research conducted by the PFA and Loughborough University concluded that one in five male and female players were hooked on snus or nicotine pouches.
Popular players like Jamie Vardy, James Lascelles, Karim Benzema, and Dele Alli use snus. Surprisingly, professional female footballers reported more snus use and nicotine dependence compared to male players.
While this may sound disconcerting, the research also states that most players referred to nicotine pouches as snus.
This common terminology mistake led to countless headlines that spun the media on its head. While tobacco product use among players in the Premier League is very common, we wouldn't say it's exceptional since most of them are using nicotine pouches.
Why Do Footballers Use Snus?
Most professional players use snus as a stress reliever because the alternatives deplete stamina. For example, cigarettes are known to cause cardiovascular issues that sap a player's potential. Vapes are a step above cigarettes because they produce phlegm, which severely impacts stamina.
The only plausible alternatives that players are left with include snus and nicotine pouches. These are smokeless alternatives to cigarettes that offer the same rush and effects, without the added risk. Furthermore, sentiments around snus and nicopods aren't as harsh compared to cigarettes.
Snus was introduced to the pro players when there was an influx of Swedish players. According to players like Jamie Vardy, snus use is quite common amongst English football players. The PFA is concerned about this because they think most players don't understand the risks.
Is Snus Illegal in Football?
No, snus use in football is not illegal; however, the product is on WADA's monitoring list. After the rampant growth of snus in 2021, WADA decided to monitor the product and its effects. For now, the use of snus is legal in football; however, it is discouraged by clubs.
Countless clubs have had interventions and educational camps to inform the players of the risks associated with snus. However, these are preventive measures to discourage snus use in premier league players.
Recommended Snus for Footballers
While there are countless snus products, some of these could have a counter effect on the productivity of a footballer. Here's a complete list of the best snus for footballers:
1. General Snus Original Mini
General Snus is one of the oldest and most reliable snus producers in the world. Original Mini is one of their oldest blends of snus, that guarantees a great taste and nicotine kick. The pouches come in a mini format, which makes them virtually unnoticeable while you're playing.
2. Whitefox Double Mint
White Fox Double Mint is a fresh snus combo that combines pasteurized tobacco with the freshness of mint. Instead of having just one dose of mint, you get two blasts of freshness with each pouch. The pouches come in a mini dry format that is very easy to conceal.
3. Lundgrens Skåne Slim White Portion
Lundgrens is a brand that upholds the sacred laws of classic Swedish snus, while implementing modern product and safety techniques. Skane Slim White is one of their best products, and it guarantees a fresh green taste, along with a significant nicotine kick.
Recommended Nicotine Pouches for Footballers
Most footballers use nicotine pouches instead of snus. Here's a list of nicotine pouches that footballers can use:
1. ZYN Black Cherry 3 mg
ZYN Black Cherry is one of the best flavors that ZYN has ever produced. This remarkable tobacco-free nicotine pouch is infused with the taste of dark berries, cherries, and a bit of vanilla. The 3 mg nicotine kick and mini dry format make it a great pouch for footballers.
2. ZYN Citrus Mini Dry 3 mg
ZYN Citrus is a sour-sweet combo of lemon, lime, and orange zest that guarantees an unforgettable experience. The pouch has enough juice to wake up your inner player, even if you've been off the field for weeks. This pouch also comes in significant 6 and 11 mg nicotine concentrations.
3. VELO Crispy Peppermint
VELO Crispy Peppermint is a cool and icy combo of mint and menthol that freezes your mind and forces ice into your veins. When you pop this pouch under your upper lip, nothing dares to stand in your way. Ice Cool Strong contains 9 mg of nicotine, which is a bit strong for first-time users.
Unique Pouch for Footballers
VELO recently released a unique product titled VELO Zero. These pouches free you from the shackles of nicotine, without causing any of the standard withdrawal symptoms. These pouches do not contain tobacco or nicotine, which makes them a great option for footballers.
You can still enjoy your favorite flavors and the sensation of a full-bodied nicotine pouch, without the added hassle of nicotine dependence. Try VELO ZERO Cool Storm or Tropical Breeze today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is snus less harmful than smoking cigarettes?
Yes, snus is generally considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes. It doesn't involve combustion, which eliminates many of the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. However, snus still carries health risks due to its nicotine content and other tobacco-specific compounds.
Can snus affect a footballer's cardiovascular performance?
Snus can potentially impact a footballer's cardiovascular performance. While it doesn't harm lung function like smoking, the nicotine in snus can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may affect endurance during prolonged physical activity.
Are there any regulations on snus use in professional football?
Currently, there are no specific regulations banning snus use in professional football. However, some individual clubs have implemented their own policies discouraging or prohibiting its use among players. The situation may change if WADA decides to ban snus in the future.
How long does the effect of snus last during a match?
The effects of snus typically last between 30 and 60 minutes per pouch. For a 90-minute football match, players might use one or two pouches to maintain the desired effect throughout the game. However, tolerance can develop over time, potentially requiring more frequent use.
Can snus use lead to addiction in footballers?
Yes, snus use can lead to addiction in footballers. Nicotine is highly addictive, regardless of its delivery method. Regular snus use can create both physical and psychological dependence, potentially impacting a player's performance when they don't have access to it.
Conclusion: Snus Helps Footballers as a Stress Relief
Snus mainly helps footballers by providing them smoke-free stress relief. These pouches contain nicotine, which boosts mood, cognition, and functionality, which increases the overall productivity of footballers. However, these boosts aren't significant enough to classify snus as a doping agent.
Many professional footballers use snus as an alternative to cigarettes. It gives them a way to curb their cravings without pilfering their stamina. Some players also use nicotine pouches instead of snus.
Nicotine pouches are much safer compared to snus. Furthermore, brands like VELO have introduced ZERO pouches, which free you from nicotine dependence as well. Get your favorite options today with Snusdaddy and become the beast you were meant to be.
