This is my first of two posts on Generation UCAN. This post will focus on:
โ What it is
โ What to use it for
โ How to use it
โ The history behind it
โ How it works
โ Critics
My second post will focus on:
โ Flavor reviews
โ Genearation UCAN recipes
What It Is:
Generation UCAN is a sports energy drink that uses SuperStarch, a complex carbohydrate derived from non-GMO corn.
What To Use It For:
Generation UCAN is used for sports, energy and fitness. Personally, I like to use it whenever I am running for two hours or longer.
How To Use It:
Generation UCAN comes as a powder that you mix with water. During my endurance competitions, I mix two scoops of powder with approximately 20 ounces of water โ I try and take in 20 ounces every hour.
The History Behind It:
About twelve years ago, Jonah Feldman was born with a rare metabolic disorder (GSDI or von Gierke disease) that prevented his body from breaking down certain carbohydrates. He had to be tube-fed every two hours in order to maintain normal blood sugar. His parents, David and Wendy, started a journey that led them to the discovery of SuperStarch โ and ultimately the founding of The UCAN Co. in 2006 (Generation UCAN โpowderโ did not become available to the public until 2010).
How It Works:
SuperStarch provides a steady release of glucose, keeping blood-sugar levels steady for several hours. Instead of the spike/crash you get from simple sugars, SuperStarch breaks down slowly over time. Not only that, it is a large molecule that passes through the stomach relatively quickly, so it does not cause GI distress like many other sports drinks.
Critics:
Not everyone is a believer. There was a study done at the University of Oklahoma that had mixed results (pun intended) (Roberts MD, et al., โIngestion of a high-molecular-weight hydrothermally modified waxy maize starch alters metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in trained cyclists.โ Nutrition (2010)). While I am not qualified to comment on the study, I am able to speak from personal experience. I really like Generation UCAN and Iโve had good success with it. Not only that, I will continue to use it in the future.
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On a somewhat related note, check out this story that Runnerโs World had the other day. Apparently, at the 2013 Copenhagen Marathon, those who followed a specified fueling plan ran almost 11 minutes faster than runners of similar ability who consumed whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted during the race. Iโd like to see this study replicated โ very interesting stuff!
