High energy sports drinks boost performance even if you spit them out
4 hours ago
- #nutrition
- #sports science
- #exercise physiology
- Sports drinks improve performance when rinsed and spat out, even without ingestion.
- Carbohydrate receptors in the mouth signal the brain to reduce perceived effort during exercise.
- Cyclists using glucose or maltodextrin drinks were 2-3% faster than with a placebo.
- Brain scans showed carbohydrates activate reward circuits not triggered by artificial sweeteners.
- The findings support the 'central governor hypothesis' that the brain limits physical performance.