Sports food is specifically formulated to assist people to reach certain sporting or nutritional goals. They’re designed to supplement an athlete’s diet and not be the sole or major supply of nutrition. The labels on sports foods have to also give the same information needed on most canned foods as well. Just like with any food label, the accuracy of the information can be somewhat questionable, depending on who you ask.
The first step you should take before buying sports nutrition and sports food is to read the label. It should state whether or not it is “low” or “high” in fat, protein and fiber. If you find the product is high in fat, then that is something to avoid because high fat foods tend to raise your cholesterol levels and may contribute to heart disease. Low fiber athletic foods usually provide a sufficient amount of fiber to keep the digestive process moving and provide a steady stream of nutrients throughout the day. Sports drinks and energy bars are considering low in fat and high in fiber, but they can still boost your cholesterol level and potentially your heart disease or cancer.
Energy bars and sports drinks provide an immediate energy boost and are easily digested by the body. Sports drinks and energy bars usually contain stimulants such as caffeine, guarana, green tea, and ginseng to promote general energy and mental focus. Guarana is known to treat many medical conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes. As for ginseng, it has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from insomnia and nervousness to anxiety and depression.
