Is sugar before sport a good idea?

Some researchers found that when athletes drank or ate something sugary 30 minutes before exercise, they became tired quickly. That’s because these simple sugars, which are carbs that are quickly absorbed by the body to produce energy, cause a rush in insulin (the hormone that helps get blood sugar into muscles). The insulin then causes a decrease in blood sugar, as it moves the glucose into muscles. As the blood glucose falls, the insulin also prevents athletes from being able to use fat for energy. This causes them to use up the carbohydrate that was stored in their muscles (glycogen) rather quickly. 

So take any simple sugars 60 minutes prior to exercise as it leaves sufficient time for the body to re-establish hormonal balance. The degree to which blood sugar increases and decreases depends on your genes, the form of carbohydrate and the food, in addition to a variety of other factors. If you’re into competitive sports, it’s recommended you test this out during practice rather than before a game. If you’re a recreational exerciser, it’s better to experiment with the timing of different foods and beverages and determine what works for you.

Frozen yogurt may contain some healthy bacteria. While the research is inconclusive, it seems the active cultures (probiotics) can survive frozen yogurt’s freezing process. However, not all frozen yogurts are the same. Next time you buy look for the live and active cultures seal or if probiotics are listed in the ingredients. A few common probiotic bacteria are species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. 

If you find a frozen yogurt with the perfect taste, but doesn’t have the seal or its probiotic content displayed among ingredients, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s without live active cultures. Contact the manufacturer to find out how much and what types of bacteria are in the product.

Overall, regular yogurt beats frozen yogurt when it comes to nutrients and probiotic content. Regular yogurt is a great source of many nutrients, including calcium, vitamins B and D, magnesium, potassium and protein in addition to natural and added live active cultures. While some varieties of frozen yogurt may contain probiotics, many just don’t measure up to regular yoghurt’s nutrient and vitamin content. That said it’s still a good option for a lower-calorie treat.