What
is GU?
GU is
a convenient, great tasting carbohydrate gel formulated to energize
before, sustain during, and aid in recovery after training and competitions.
Made with a unique blend of ingredients, GU provides: complex carbohydrates
for sustained energy, amino acids to maintain muscle protein, antioxidants
and muscle buffers to aid with recovery and GU's patented herbal blend
for enhanced energy production. GU helps you feel and perform your
best.
During
a workout or race, no matter what type, you need to quickly absorb
carbohydrate-based calories to replace the glucose you are burning
at 400 - 600 per hour or you will begin to lose concentration and
energy. The fat, fiber and protein found in bars are very slow to
absorb and create unwanted bulk in the stomach. GU is created for
the body during exercise, and because of its form and ingredients
is absorbed much faster than a bar so you will feel the energy almost
immediately.
GU Energy
Gel contains maltodextrin, the best complex carbohydrate for delivering
energy to working muscles. GU also contains the optimal balance of
carbohydrates for the body during exercise: 80% complex/20% simple.
It is this balance of maltodextrin and fructose in GU that delivers
a quick rise in blood sugar and maintains that glucose level for up
to 45 minutes during exercise.
GU
Ingredients
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates provide the quick, sustained energy source in GU. 85%
are complex carbohydrates from maltodextrin and 15% are simple carbohydrates
from fructose.
Amino
Acids: Leucine and Valine are two vital amino acids in GU that help
maintain muscle protein and aid with recovery.
Antioxidants:
Vitamins C and E are important antioxidants in GU. They help protect
against tissue damage from free radicals, which are produced by the
muscle's burning of oxygen. GU contains 100% RDI of vitamins C &
E in each packet to protect your tissues, help reduce soreness and
aid with recovery.
Muscle
Buffers: Histidine, another amino acid in GU, buffers against lactic
acid buildup in your muscles. This helps alleviate muscle fatigue
while exercising and soreness during recovery. GU is the only gel
that contains histidine.
Herbal
Blend: GU's unique herbal blend combines the perfect fusion of herbs
for energy-enhancement (cola-nut), anti-inflammatory (chamomile),
and stomach buffering (ginger).
Caffeine:
Espresso Love contains an added jolt of 40 mg of caffeine, while Strawberry
Banana and Lemon Sublime have none at all. All other flavors contain
20mg (equivalent to 1/5 cup of coffee) per serving from cola-nut.
The caffeine level in GU is not enough to give a "caffeine rush,"
but is added to help you utilize body fat as an additional fuel source
during activity.
Each
serving of 1 packet contains: Calories 100 Calories from Fat 15
Total Fat 2g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Sodium 55mg Potassium 45mg
Total Carb 20g Sugars 4g Vitamin C 100% Vitamin E 100% Calcium 2%
Nutrition
facts vary slightly with each flavor.
How
to Use GU
Follow
these three simple steps to maximize your athletic performance:
1. Top
off your energy stores by taking one packet of GU 15 minutes before
exercise, preferably on an empty stomach for fastest absorption.
2. For
sustained energy consume one packet of GU every 35-45 minutes during
exercise, washing it down with a few mouthfuls of water or GU2O hydration
drink to speed absorption.
3. Speed
recovery and reduce post-exercise fatigue by eating one packet of
GU within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. This takes advantage
of the post-exercise time window when your body replenishes lost glycogen
most efficiently.
