Page 36 - AMEFT Journal 2021-4

I
I
N
NG
G
R
R
E
ED
DI
I
E
E
N
NT
T
S
S
Innovating better with smart carbohydrates
Today, sports nutrition is no longer just about athletes.
The desire to lead more active, healthier lives has risen to the top of most consumers’ minds, in light of the ongoing pandemic. This trend has led to a boom in the sports nutrition mar- ket in Asia, which is expected to grow by 12.2% in the next five years.
This growth means that more and more manufacturers have begun re- designing their mainstream food and drinks to help consumers achieve their fitness goals. These include products such as beverages, cereals, and snacks, andtheynowprovideanaddedbene- fit of increasing energy during exercise or help with recovery after workouts. However, many of these products tend to be abundant in high glycaemic car- bohydrates.
Such carbohydrates release glucose into the bloodstream at a fast rate, giv- ing you a short boost of energy. This also tends to trigger a significant in- crease in blood sugar and insulin lev- els, which then results in a so called “sugar crash”.
Consumers are beginning to recog-
nize that carbohydrates vary greatly in quality. In fact, a recent BENEO sur- vey revealed that 66% of consumers believe that low-glycaemic sugars are better for their health. Along with an increasing penchant for healthier al- ternatives, 45% of Asian consumers are also now looking for products that can improve their energy.
This unabated demand represents a market of thriving opportunities, and food manufacturers must strike while the iron is hot. They should therefore look at ingredients that can deliver en- ergy in a balanced, sustained manner.
Helping consumers make smarter choices with smart carbohydrates
When it comes to catering to daily energy needs, carbohydrates come to mind. However, it’s just as important (if not more important) to look at the quality of the carbohydrates we con- sume.
‘Fast carbohydrates’ — such as maltodextrin and sucrose that are commonly used in sports nutrition products — release glucose into the bloodstream quickly when digested.
This causes a ‘boost and crash’ effect where there is a rapid increase fol- lowed by a sudden decline in glucose levels as our body regulates the sud- den rise. Such reactions are not ideal for those looking to achieve sustained, balanced energy levels throughout the day, much less those who are looking for endurance during exercise.
On the other hand, smart-release carbohydrates can help to provide a more steady and sustained energy supply, resulting in blood glucose levels that stay balanced, without sudden ups and downs. One example isBENEO’sPalatinoseTM(genericname: isomaltulose), a smart carbohydrate derived from sugar beet that is digest- ed gradually so glucose is released into the bloodstream in small quantities at a time.
This lower and more balanced blood glucose response results in less insulin release and an improved metabolic profile. In addition, the lower insu- lin levels allow for a higher rate of fat burning instead of carbohydrate burn- ing for energy supply. This was dem- onstrated in a scientific study which
36 AMEFT 4 2021
www.ameft.com
(Source Pixabay)