World Cup fever

Football fans all over the world were at the edge of their seats as they watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup. While the professionals fought it out in Russia, the World Cup fever trickled down to fans in the football-crazy continent of Asia, with people taking to open spaces everywhere to enjoy the beautiful game themselves.

The importance of steady and sustained nutrition

Football is an intense sport. Whether playing competitively or for fun, a typical session involves explosive sprints, running long-distances, jumping and mental focus.

Due to the physical demands, consuming the right nutrition is essential to even an amateur footballer’s performance and recovery. It is no surprise then that the market for sports products and nutrition continues to grow, with a plethora of products to fitness consumers.

(Photo courtesy: BENEO)

From amateurs to professionals, footballers want to keep their energy levels up throughout the game.  BENEO’s Palatinose™ can help them reach this goal as it is a slow release carbohydrate which means it delivers glucose in a balanced and prolonged way. Palatinose™ is derived from sugar beet, which is unique because of its molecular structure. It consists of a glucose and fructose molecule – similar to sucrose. However, in contrast to sucrose the linkage of the molecules is much stronger, which means that the human body can still digest it fully, yet more slowly. As a result, the full carbohydrate energy (glucose) is provided in a more steady and sustained way. The blood glucose levels stay balanced without sudden ups and down and this also helps to burn fat more effectively. An increased fat burning rate means that active consumers can draw on their carbohydrate reserves for longer.

Boosting performance levels with the multi-purpose Palatinose™

Palatinose™ balanced properties appeal to professional and amateur footballers despite their varying needs, fitness requirements and physical intensities.

Competitive footballers want to perform at top levels during training sessions and matches. Palatinose™ can help boost the endurance level of these players by providing steady and sustained energy and promoting fat oxidation.

Amateur players trying to emulate the pros often see football as an effective way of exercising to help them maintain a healthy body weight, improving body tone and to prevent illnesses. Due to its ability to keep blood sugar levels and insulin low, Palatinose™ can improve the fat metabolism of these consumers. As insulin is a storage hormone, fat storage will be minimised while fat fuel will be optimised. In the long term, these consumers will benefit from less fat accumulation and will also be able to prevent health issues such as non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Essentially versatile

The functional benefits of a product alone often aren’t enough for it to become a regular feature in consumers’ shopping baskets. Good taste and texture are also essential to attract consumers. 

With this in mind, carbohydrate ingredients need to be able to deliver in terms of technical, as well as nutritional and functional benefits. BENEO’s Palatinose™ has a natural, mild sugar-like taste and and is ideal for use in gels, bars and drinks. In recent recipe formulation trials at BENEO-Technology Center, Palatinose™ was used to create a reduced glycaemic response sports drink powder. The end result was a powder that delivers exceptional results in terms of having a sugar-like taste, is dissolvable in cold water and has excellent flowability and dispersibility.

Reduced Glycaemic Response Sports Drink Recipe

World Cup fever can be a reminder that the market for sports nutrition is growing, and is extending beyond the scope of catering only to the needs of elite athletes. With alternative carbohydrates such as Palatinose™, manufacturers can now offer products that cater to both competitive athletes and those playing sport for fun. The BENEO-Technology Centre has developed a wide range of new product concepts including drinks, foods and gels to meet these needs.