Energy Gels: Do you really need them?

From eDiets.com:

Depending on the brand, the gels provide 100 to 110 calories and 24 to 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Energy gels could be described as the offspring of a sports drink and an energy bar.

Exhibiting qualities of both, the energy gel is absorbed easily like a drink but packs more of a nutritional wallop, like a bar.

It is because of this versatility that energy gels are becoming more widespread in the demanding world of professional sports and more popular in the recreational world of amateur athletics.

"The gels are very popular in the world of professional cycling and racing," said Richard Kerner, owner of Bicycles-N-Gear in Myrtle Beach. "If you watch [cyclists] on television, you'll notice that they wear special belts that enable them to hold energy gels."

The gels, a mixture of simple and complex carbohydrates and water, come in many different flavors.

The American Council on Exercise cautions that an energy gel cannot take the place of consuming enough water and that athletes must take in enough fluid to replace what's lost during strenuous exercise.

Kerner, an amateur cyclist, uses the gels regularly and says they enhance his performance significantly.

"If you use them right, they work real well," he said. "They prevent me from cramping up as much or 'hitting the wall.'"

"Hitting the wall" means muscle fatigue or simply running out of energy. And running out of energy is an athlete's worst nightmare.

"I take the gels about every 30 minutes of strenuous activity," Kerner said. "It gives me all the stamina I need to keep it going."

Because of their quick absorption into the bloodstream, many athletes prefer gels because they are not heavy on the stomach.

"When you're running, they are much easier to digest and you feel the effects quicker," said James Blanton, Myrtle Beach Golds Gym employee and amateur runner, skater and cyclist.

Blanton estimates the gels give him an energy boost of 20 to 30 percent when he is training or competing. "They definitely help me," he said.

Blanton discovered energy gels when he participated in a Charleston 10k marathon six years ago and gel samples were given to runners. Now Blanton spends about $35 dollars a month on Gu Energy Gel to help him excel during his five-day-a-week exercise regimen and when it really counts: in the race.

Kerner is a big fan of Hammer Gel, which his store carries in chocolate, banana and eight other flavors. The Hammer Gel squeeze bottle retails for $19.95 and lasts Kerner about two weeks.

"I've used this stuff on 80-mile rides, and it helped me keep my stamina from bonking, or hitting the wall," he said.

Most energy gels are sold in 1.1-ounce foil packets. Depending on the brand, the gels provide 100 to 110 calories and 24 to 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

According to research provided by Holly Ortlund, director of research and development of Carb-BOOM! Inc., each serving of gel provides about 30 to 45 minutes of energy during physical activity. The gels can be found at General Nutrition Centers or online at sites such as www.cranksports.com and www.energyfoodwarehouse.com.

Energy gels can benefit athletes, diabetics and anyone looking for a quick source of energy. They are ideal for sports such as triathlons, running, cycling, swimming, tennis, soccer and football.

Learn more at eDiets.com...