‘Burger and fries’ are as effective as energy bar

A new study had revealed that fast food like humburgers, French fries and hash browns are as effective as sports supplements. The researchers found no significant difference in glycogen recovery when cyclists ate fast food after a workout versus when they ingested traditional sports supplements such as Gatorade, Powerbar and Clif products.

A study was conducted on 11 male cyclists in a randomized order. Each trial included a 90-minute glycogen-depletion ride followed by a four-hour recovery period. Immediately following each ride and again two hours later, researchers provided participants with either sports supplements or fast food, such as hamburgers, french fires and hash browns. Following a four-hour recovery period, participants completed a 12.4-mile time trial.

The researchers analysed the blood samples and muscle biopsies taken between the two rides and compared the glucose levels and insulin responses. They found that there are no significant differences in glycogen recovery.

Researcher Brent Ruby said that their results show that eating fast food, in the right amounts can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen as sports nutrition products that usually cost more.A lot of the articles out there are totally misrepresenting the study, he said. They had participants eating small servings of the fast-food products, not giant orders of burgers and fries. Moderation is the key to the results they got.

Although many studies have proved side effects of fast food consumption, but the University of Montanna researchers have found the nutritional benefit of fast foods. The research was published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

AW: Lizitha