Mashed potatoes to boost sports performance

The potato would be an equally effective fuel for endurance sports that gels energy that cyclists or long-distance runners like, according to a study published in Journal of Applied Physiology October 17. The researchers recruited 12 experienced cyclists to participate in a 120-minute competition followed by a time trial on indoor bikes. Some had to consume pure water, others a energy gel or an equivalent portion in carbohydrates in the form of mashed potatoes during exercise. Result: " The two groups who ingested potatoes or gels in the recommended amounts of approximately 60 grams per hour during the Review saw a significant increase in their performance compared to those who drank only water "Reports lead author Nicholas Burd. The rate of glucose blood pressure and heart rate were similar in the two groups, and those who ate the mash even obtained better times in the time trial.

The potato still has some drawbacks: the participants in the “mashed” group thus indicated that they suffered from digestive problems and flatulence. " This is because you have to ingest a large amount of potatoes to reach an equivalent level of glucose to that of gels. “, Justifies the researcher. Swallowing puree while pedaling should also not be very obvious. However on the cost side, the potato is unbeatable. Note that the study was judiciously funded by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education.