Carbohydrates are one of the three essential macronutrients, which are essential for proper functioning of the body, growth and development of muscular tissues, and building a strong physique. The other two macronutrients are viz proteins and fats.
Carbohydrates are like fuel for our body. They contain glucose which are primary source of energy for our body.
Carbohydrate Supplement
Carbohydrate supplement can be taken before, after, and in-between the workouts. They are incredibly effective for improving your performance during training.
In the recent years, there have been significant advancements in the manufacturing of carbohydrate supplements and a variety of blends are available, which can be taken stand alone or along with other nutrition supplements.
But it is essential to understand why and how much of carbohydrate supplement is required by your body and at what time intervals to get maximum benefit from the supplement routine you are going to pursue.
Similar Article: List of 6 Best Fast Digesting Carbs
Why do you need Carb Supplement
The carbohydrate supplements are broken down by our body and gets converted into glucose, which is a source energy. The best thing about carbohydrates is that- they are flexible. If not used instantly, they are stored in the body in the form of glycogen, which is a secondary source of energy.
Lack of carbohydrates in athletes and bodybuilders may lead to fatigue, dizzy feeling, and reduces their performance during training or exercise.
If it’s all energy we are talking about; you might be confused as proteins also provide energy for workouts.
But here is a catch.
The main purpose of protein is to supply amino acids, which are necessary for muscle growth. If instead of carbohydrates (during low carb diet for weight loss), the body is made to use proteins for the supply of energy in the form of glucose, then they won’t be able to feed the muscles and as a result, despite of much hard work, the expected results with respect to the volume and stiffness of muscles cannot be achieved.
Hence, as a primary source of energy to gain strength for workouts, carbohydrates are required by our body.
We also need carb supplements because the natural source of carbohydrates add more to calories as compared to the energy they provide.
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List of Best Carb Supplement
Now that you know why carbohydrate supplements are essential, let us pin the best of bests carbohydrate supplement and the best time to use them.
1) Dextrose
Dextrose is the simplest form of carbohydrate, also regarded as monosaccharide sugar. Since it is not a complex compound, our body do not need to break it down further to make it suitable to release energy.
Hence, dextrose is a source of immediate energy especially required during the intense training. For example, MFF Dextrose Monohydrate, manufactured by MyFitFuel gets rapidly absorbed by our body and releases substantial energy during and after workouts. Because of its ability to immediately release energy, dextrose makes the best carb supplement for bulking.
When to take Dextrose?
Dextrose can be taken anytime i.e. before, after, and during the training. When taken before and in between exercises; it gives strength to sustain higher levels of exertion.
After workouts, it can be taken with protein shakes to improve the concentration of glucose in blood thereby improving protein synthesis.
Dextrose is also the best post workout carb supplement.
2) Maltodextrin
These are complex carbohydrates and the maltodextrin supplement is usually made from rice, corn, or potato starch. It helps to increase the blood sugar and insulin level.
As maltodextrin is a complex carb, when taken, it is first broken down into simpler glucose molecules and hence, they are metabolised slower than the dextrose.
When to take Maltodextrin?
The good time to take maltodextrin is after before going to bed, because they form the glucose / energy storage in the body when the energy is not immediately required (while sleeping) and which can be used during the workouts, any other time when the body requires.
Like dextrose, maltodextrin also makes one of the best carb supplements.
3) Waxy Maize
This is a fast digesting carb made from corn starch. It helps to replenish the glycogen levels in our body. It is even good to be taken with other protein supplements like creatine, etc.
When to take waxy maize?
Ideally, it is a post workout supplement, usually taken in 2:1 ratio with proteins. I.e. in the mixture carbohydrates constitutes twice the amount of protein.
In the fitness industry many other variants of carbohydrates are available like- Vitargo, fructose, palatinose, etc. but somehow they are not as popular as dextrose, maltodextrin, and waxy maize because they limit in their effectiveness as compared to the above mentioned carb supplements.
So friends, if you are willing to put on lean mass, and stay energized throughout the training, you should incorporate carbohydrate supplements in your routine.
Why not this time you tell tell us the amount of carbohydrate supplement to take in both bulking and regular routine.
Fear not, we are always there to help you out with your doubts with the supplements. Do comment what’s be in your mind regarding carbs.
