Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates - a must-have for every athlete?

Modern nutritionists are divided because, on the one hand, they praise carbohydrates as the basic source of energy every day, and on the other hand, they recommend low-carbohydrate diets due to the positive effect on the body and figure. Which group is right? The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. Much depends on the lifestyle, intensity of training or lack of it. Genetics and the individual characteristics of the human body also have a lot to say. Even the best product may not suit a particular person for some reason, while everyone else evaluates it very well. This is worth bearing in mind.

Carbohydrates are also the most popular and widespread source of energy in nature. They are part of virtually every food, whether of animal or plant origin. Of course, we distinguish different types of carbohydrates - some of them are especially recommended for physically active people.

Carbohydrates - what are they and what is their division?

Carbohydrates, i.e. sugars, can be divided in various ways, but the most common criterion is the structure of the chain:

Simple carbohydrates

This group of sugars has a short and straight carbon chain, which translates into very fast absorption by the body. This may mean a sudden burst of insulin as the body's counter to a very high blood sugar level. The result of this state of affairs is a feeling of drowsiness and weakness.

Examples: low quality maltodextrin (highly sugared), glucose, dextrose, sucrose.

Complex carbohydrates

They are characterized by an extensive chemical structure of the carbon chain. They are not digested quickly, thanks to which they gradually enter the blood and do not cause a sudden release of insulin, and thus a feeling of irritability and weakness.

Examples: maltodextrin, waxy maize, vitargo.

Carbohydrates - sources in the diet, supplementation

A properly balanced diet is able to largely meet the needs of the body, especially if it is carried out by a person with moderate physical activity. It is worth emphasizing that athletes whose effort is much more intense and more frequent successfully carry out additional supplementation with carbohydrates. It brings them a number of measurable benefits.

When planning your diet, focus on:

• oat flakes,
• brown rice,
• fresh/seasonal fruit and vegetables,
• wholemeal groats (e.g. millet and buckwheat).

When planning professional supplementation, focus on the highest quality products of the 6PAK Nutrition brand, such as:

6PAK Carbo

6PAK Carbo is a sensational carbohydrate product in composition and in action. It comes in many great flavors, which will surely appeal to you and make your choice easier. It is characterized by the content of complex and simple carbohydrates in carefully selected proportions. It contains a valuable addition in the form of vitamin B1.

6PAK Iso Wave

6PAK Iso Wave is an excellent proposition for professional athletes whose effort is long and intense. It helps in meeting the body's needs for readily available energy. It will work, among others, in the case of runners and cyclists. Each serving is a rich source of carbohydrates, electrolytes and the most important minerals.

Carbohydrates - who should reach for them?

Carbohydrate supplements are recommended in particular to adepts of endurance and strength-endurance sports. Depending on the supplementation plan, they are of course used by advanced bodybuilders to support the body and supplement any deficiencies in the daily diet.

Carbohydrates - types of carbohydrate supplements and their short characteristics

If you are thinking about choosing a specific type of carbohydrate product - you've come to the right place. Of course, this is a general division that is not rigid and may undergo some modifications over time.

Carbo

The most common type of product, usually a mixture of several chemical forms of carbohydrates (e.g. glucose and maltodextrins). Being a source of simple and complex sugars, it is a universal choice for physically active people who want to support their body during periods of increased and intense physical effort.

Isotonics

A product recommended to endurance sports enthusiasts, which in its composition includes one or several sources of carbohydrates with a varied glycemic index (GI). It also has a properly balanced and composed mixture of minerals and vitamins. They provide multi-level satisfaction of the body's energy needs and enable quick replenishment of electrolytes lost with sweat.

Waxy maize

A professional carbohydrate supplement whose structure of carbohydrates was originally an attempt to respond to the much more expensive Vitargo. It is based on starch obtained from waxy corn, which is characterized by good digestibility and does not cause stomach problems.

Vitargo

A patented carbohydrate formula characterized by a complex chemical structure. It is an excellent choice for physically active people looking for a reliable source of energy. It is used by both Olympic athletes, advanced athletes, as well as those training at a more amateur level who want to improve their condition and sports results. Vitargo is distinguished by its osmolality many times lower than other carbohydrate supplements.

Carbohydrates - summary

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body, including muscles. Supplementation with this type of nutrients is particularly important from the point of view of physically active people during intensive training, which is associated with the rapid depletion of glycogen in the muscles and liver. In order to maintain the proper intensity of muscle work, it is necessary to ensure their energy supply. Thoughtful supplementation with carbohydrates helps to improve training performance. Reach for the highest quality products!