Glycogen is how our bodies store carbohydrate. It is predominantly stored in our muscles and liver and provides the glucose needed for exercise, particularly the high intensity type. What is glycogen? Glycogen is a branched polymer of glucose used as fuel storage. Plants store glucose in starch, we do it in glycogen (1). Most glycogen…Continue reading What is glycogen?
Tag: performance
Can caffeine harm performance?
Caffeine is a widely used supplement used to enhance performance in endurance, strength and combat sports. Today we’ll discuss the flip side: Can caffeine harm performance? What is caffeine? Caffeine is a substance that “occurs naturally in foods, such as coffee, tea and cocoa and has a long history of safe use as a mild…Continue reading Can caffeine harm performance?
Caffeine for combat sports
Caffeine is one of the few ergogenic substances backed by science, but it has different effects depending on the type of exercise. While its effects on endurance and strength have been widely studied, the role of caffeine for combat sports remains relatively unknown. What are combat sports? Combat sports is a broad category of disciplines…Continue reading Caffeine for combat sports
Sports supplements intake in Australia
In this article we will look at some statistics regarding sports supplements intake in Australia. As you may know, sports supplements are widely consumed worldwide. They are taken by athletes and the general public for a variety of perceived or expected benefits. Sports supplements According to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard…Continue reading Sports supplements intake in Australia
Product review: Every Body Every Day Gut Performance
I was introduced to Every Body Every Day Gut Performance by a friend and client who has found great relief from digestive issues using this product. This is a supplement designed to improve gut health and, despite its name, it’s not only targeted to the athletic population. Gut Performance The product claims to help balance…Continue reading Product review: Every Body Every Day Gut Performance
Product review: Prepd Hydration
I first heard about Prepd Hydration from the Sports Dietitians Australia newsletter. These performance drinks are certified by HASTA, which means they do not contain any banned substances. These products have been developed in partnership with researchers at Flinders University. The drinks Prepd Hydration drinks come in 2 varieties: Prime and Recover. These are designed…Continue reading Product review: Prepd Hydration
Caffeine and performance
Caffeine is a known ergogenic (i.e. performance-enhancing) substance used by many athletes participating in various disciplines. But does it work for all types of exercise? What are the mechanisms behind caffeine and performance? How does it impact health? Caffeine as a supplement Caffeine is an alkaloid present in plants such as coffee that acts as…Continue reading Caffeine and performance
Product review: Peak Chocolate Bar by True Protein
Yes, this is a chocolate bar sold as a fitness supplement. This is the sort of thing that gets my coach fired up about the money-driven fitness supplement industry, but I could not resist and had to try it as soon as it got released. Given the ingredient list (80% dark choc, creatine monohydrate, BCAAs,…Continue reading Product review: Peak Chocolate Bar by True Protein