It has been proven that carbohydrates boost athletic performance and maximize endurance. That is why there are so many energy drinks, bars, and smoothies available in gyms and sports stores.
But what about plain sugar water? This article reveals the amazing effects that sugar water has on our bodies.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we typically receive our daily dose of sugar in soft drinks (33% of the time) and fruit drinks (10% of the time). However, these sources are not always the best option for our body.
We decided to explore what happens to our bodies when we consume sugar water and how it can benefit us.
Benefits Of Sugar Water
Sugar Water Gives Our Bodies A Quick Energy Boost
Most people know that having too much sugar in their diet is bad for their health.
While it is true that nutritionists recommend that we receive only about 10% of our daily calorie intake from sugars, there are times when our bodies require an immediate boost in energy.
When we consume sugary water, our bodies absorb sugar molecules into the bloodstream, where they are carried by cells and converted into energy.
Sucrose, the sugar molecule found in most store-bought table sugars, has a faster absorption rate than other types of sugar.
Research shows that the relatively simple components of sugar water can be a better source of energy than store-bought sugary drinks.
What Is Sugar Water Made Of?
Sugary water is easily made by stirring the table sugar in a glass of water. However, the common sugar we use at home differs from the sugars used in other sugary drinks:
Sugary water contains sucrose, while other sugary drinks contain glucose in combination with other sugars (fructose, corn starch, and more).
Sucrose is a disaccharide made up of 2 molecules of sugar, glucose, and fructose.
A recent UK study shows that the way our bodies use sucrose is better and more efficient than other sugar molecules.
Why Sugar Water Is Better Than Other Sweetened Drinks?
Fruit juices, energy drinks, and vitamin water seem to have the same building blocks as sugar water, but this is untrue. There are significant differences between sugar water and other sugary drinks:
Store-bought sweetened beverages generally contain additional ingredients, such as caffeine, flavorings, and colorings.
Sugary drinks, especially energy drinks, are expensive, while sugar water is cheap and easy to prepare.
Glucose-mixed energy and fruit drinks can actually cause some mild stomach discomfort, while sucrose-based sugar water is easily digested by the intestines.
Why Athletes Choose Sugar Water?
Although this article demonstrates that drinking sugar water is good for everyone, there are many additional benefits for anyone who works regularly or trains professionally:
While all carbohydrates help restore energy levels during exercise, it is the speed at which energy is restored that really makes the difference during intense training.
Most sports drinks contain glucose combinations that can actually cause significant discomfort as they are absorbed from the intestine.
The scientists found that athletes who consumed sugar water experienced a faster and smoother recovery than those who consumed energy drinks.
So if you’re running a marathon or just need to feel better, it’s best to replace store-bought sugary drinks with plain water with homemade sugar.
When Is The Best Time To Consume Sugar Water?
There are several situations where you are not only healthy, but you need to increase your carbohydrate intake:
- Before, during and after exercise in the gym (or at home)
- During high intensity activities like hiking, biking, skating and more
- When you feel big gaps between meals
- Whenever you need a quick boost of energy without the effects of feeling full
Recommended Consumption Of Sugar Water
Sugary water, like all goodies, is meant to be consumed in moderation.
For endurance-based workouts, such as cycling, it is best to consume 7 tablespoons of sugar per hour. It is recommended to mix approximately 1.5 tablespoons with a glass of water.
For less intense exercise, it may be advisable to cut the amount in half.
If you are not exercising and only need a spike quickly throughout the day, it is recommended that you consume no more than 2 teaspoons per cup of water.
Do you think you will try sugar water? Let us know in the comments below.
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