Myth Busting Nutrition

Myth:

Complex carbohydrates are a better energy source than simple carbohydrates when exercising.

Fact:

All carbohydrates are ultimately processed into the same simple sugar component (glucose) for energy. Gram for gram, complex carbs provide the same amount of energy as simple carbs.

• Simple carbs are derived from glucose, fructose, or a combination of the two (examples: Sport Beans, sport drinks, fruits, sodas).
• Complex carbs are derived from a complex structure of glucose called starch (examples: potatoes, breads, pastas, some sport gels).
• Both types of carbs share the same basic sugar unit- glucose.

Myth:

High GI foods negatively impact physical performance.

Fact:

High GI foods like Sport Beans are optimal during exercise since muscles use glucose (sugar) as fuel and need it quickly.

• Different types of carbohydrates cause glucose to appear in circulation at different rates.
• How quickly circulating glucose levels rise is referred to as the Glycemic Index (GI).
• A high GI food means glucose gets into the system faster than a low GI food.
• The GI for a food cannot be predicted based upon whether it is a complex or simple carbohydrate.
• Research studies support the use of high GI foods over low GI foods during and after exercise as a means to boost performance.

Myth:

High GI foods create a “spike” and “crash” in energy levels.

Fact:

High GI foods like Sport Beans do create a rapid rise in blood sugar, providing quick energy. However, there is no actual “crash” that occurs – blood sugar levels simply return to normal.

• Consumption of all carbohydrates results in a rise in circulating levels of sugar.
• The body handles this rise by releasing insulin, which ushers sugars into the body’s cells returning levels to normal.