Athletes' Performance Improved By Protein-Rich Energy Drink

A combined survey to idetify which energy drink best helped cyclists recover after a strenuous ride, revealed that the protein-containing sports drink improves energy level.

Energy drinks which contain protein are superior to carbohydrate-only drinks in improving cyclists’ recovery from exercise, says research published in BioMed Central’s open access Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

John Berardi of Precision Nutrition worked with researchers from Gettysburg College and The University of Western Ontario to study which energy drink best helped cyclists recover after a strenuous ride.

Nutrition Facts - Types of food
The types of food and how foods are commonly classified with examples of the characteristics of the food whether it is an energy yielder or body builder or protector.

He said, "Liquid carbohydrate and protein supplements given early during a six hour post-exercise recovery period helped subjects better maintain subsequent time trial performance and power output, compared to supplements with carbohydrate alone".

In the test, cyclists rode exercise bikes that were attached to monitors allowing them to compete against a virtual opponent. After a morning session, they rested for six hours drinking either the protein-containing sports drink or the carbohydrate only version.

Both formulas had the same energy content. After their six-hour rest, the athletes did another virtual cycle race.

Is Addition Of Proteins In The Sports Drink Beneficial?
According to the researchers at the McMaster University including proteins in the sports drink and its benefit still remains controversial.

According to Berardi, "Both groups showed a reduction in performance in the afternoon session. However, the reduction in distance traveled and power output during the afternoon exercise was significantly less among those who had the protein and carbs drink, relative those who just had the carbs".

The subjects’ self-reported fatigue levels were lower in the protein group and increases in fat oxidation were also seen.

A Protein-Rich Diet Combined With Exercise Found To Be More Effective In Weight Loss
A recent study shows that cutting calories and increasing physical activity to lose weight will see greater benefits if their diet is rich in protein.

Beardi concluded, "These findings may be important considering that most endurance athletes concern themselves primarily with carbohydrate intake and often fail to recognize the potential benefits of protein with respect to performance recovery".

Source-ANI
PRI/L

High Protein Diet can Help Burn Away Fat
High protein diet could help burn away fat, Australian scientists say.