Healthy Energy Gels Picks for Endurance Sports
Are energy gels healthy? In recent times, sport nutrition was synonymous with chemical-filled “nutrition” shakes and gels. However, the food landscape is changing fast and healthy sportsmans seek for transparency and high quality ingredients at every bite. A study shows that nearly seven of 10 Americans are trying to increase plant protein consumption in order to hit their health-related goals. Sports nutrition is not an exception. Real-food and plant-based energy gels represent the new generation of healthy products for those who need immediate energy to keep up with their challenge. Our body uses two main sources of fuel to nourish your muscles during the race – fat and carbohydrate. In simple terms, energy gels are designed to replenish the carbohydrate stores that run out during the training or race. Made with natural ingredients such as seeds, fruit, vegetables, energy gels are still a part of the food armor of many runners, often playing the “prison free” card. Gels offer all the energy and resistance you need but they need to be tasty, easy to digest and portable. Energy shot provides instantaneous absorption of nutrients through the system, allowing for greater strength and shorter recovery times.
We have selected our three favourite energy gels among dozens based on the quality of their ingredients and claimed performance.
Grab one of our suggested healthy energy gels and let us know what you think.
- HUMA CHIA
PER GEL (44g) – Strawberries: Total carbohydrates 22g, 100 calories, 105mg sodium, 14g sugar.
Huma Chia Energy Gel is a nutritional Gel for fast, continuous exercises such as running, cycling, triathlon and other long – term endurance activities. This Energy Gel is made with real food ingredients. Huma Chia Energy Gel is thought to guarantee a long lasting performance that consist of 2:1 Glucose (short and long chains) to Fructose ratio combined with all 9 essential amino acids giving you maximum boost. Finely milled chia seeds helps modulate energy uptake to ensure no flash crashes.
PROs
- Made from 90% organic sources.
- Gluten and dairy free which reduces stomach issues.
- Large assortment of flavours.
- No caffeine.
CONs
- It seems to contain added sugars.
- Note: Nutrition facts change significantly among flavours.
2. ENERGY MIND
PER GEL (30ml) – Neutral sweet taste: Total carbohydrates 23g, 90 calories, 105mg sodium, 18g sugar (no added sugar).
The world’s first nootropic gel made with 100% natural ingredients. Energy Mind provides an immediate clean energy boost to your muscles during exercise, reduces fatigue with its unique isotonic formula (105mg sodium, 55mg potassium and 15mg magnesium) and, furthermore, helps improving your focus thanks to the unique and proven efficacy tomato extract.
Energy Mind is concentrated (more energy in 30ml only), easily digestible and naturally tasty (no chemical flavours, additives or preservatives). Energy Mind’s formula is based on organic rice and agave syrups from which come its naturally sweet pleasant taste and texture. This energy gel is powered by cucumber extract and tomato extract which have clinically proven significant focus, endurance, strength and recovery improvements.
PROs
- No caffeine and no stimulants.
- Suitable for vegan and vegetarian as free from gluten, GMO, lactose, soy, added sugar.
- Free from additives.
- Nootropic action to restore focus and coordination.
CONs
- It comes with only one neutral sweet taste.
3. GU ROCTANE ENERGY GEL
PER GEL (32g) – Blueberry Pomegranate: Total carbohydrates 21g, 100 calories, 125mg sodium, 6g sugar, 35mg caffeine.
Created for demanding training and competition, GU Roctane Energy Gel stands out from original GU Energy Gel with more sodium, an electrolyte that aids in hydration, and even more branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine) that reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage than our original GU Energy Gel. The amino acid taurine helps maintain heart contractility and improve cardiac output during long exercise sessions, while the amino acid beta-alanine helps promote formation of the intramuscular buffer carnosine. The 100-calorie packets contain carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) that use non-competing pathways to help maximize carbohydrate absorption and utilization while diminishing stomach distress.
PROs
- Contains three-times the amino acids and twice the sodium as original GU Energy Gel.
- It is gluten free, and kosher.
- This product is made with all vegan ingredients.
CONs
- Contains Caffeine (35mg).
- The consistency might be a bit tick for some.