Can anyone give me the basics on maltodextrin. Is this in any way superior or less harmful than sugar? Does it have any specific benefit or drawback?
Thanks much.
Posted by: The_Chicken_Daddy
Compared to 'sugar' in general or table sugar?
Malto is just sevral glucose molecules connected. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar.
table sugar is one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule together.
Posted by: Gettin'old
Let me try to explain where I'm coming from on this Chicken. I'm trying to keep my sugar down as it's immunosuppressive and not really great for the intestinal tract and colon, among other things. Now, I find all these products with no sugar but they are loaded with maltodextrin. So, I'm trying to figure out if the maltodextrin is an equal "evil" to the sugar that would be found in various protein bars and such things.
Is there any advantage to maltodextrin over sugar? Are there any particular "downsides" to maltodextrin one should know about.
Thanks much.
Posted by: The_Chicken_Daddy
It's called 'complex' because there's no classification for 'medium chain' carbs.
Malto is like 3-8 glucose molecules.
Stuff like oats are up to hundreds and (potentially) thousands. Oats take MUCh longer to digest and therefore prevent suddent spikes in blood sugar.
Malto digests very quickly into glucose in the stomach and rises blood sugar enough to warrant a sudden rise in insulin.
Supplement companies use this whole syntax shit as propaganda for selling goods. Malto maybe considered complex but it is as simple as glucose almost.
Unless it's post workout (or possibly, in the morning first thing), malto or glucose aren't much cop. There are better choices available.
Now then, now then (that's my Jimmy Saville impression for any older Brits), what's that you mean when you say "immunosuppressive and not really great for the intestinal tract and colon"?
Posted by: Gettin'old
That last question you posed regarding immunosuppressive activity could be a long discussion indeed. In short, several published studies have shown the very strong detrimental effect of sugar on the immune system. The T cells and NK cells simply do not respond or move nearly as fast when in the presence of significant sugar. This is also extremely well documented in the health/nutrition section of your local bookstore.
Secondly, you have both favorable and unfavorable "fauna" or bacteria throughout your digestive tract. Your "gut" is an extremely important part of your overall system - - its health is a major factor in the amount of nutrients you actually absorb. Sugar is the primary food for the unhealthy bacteria that damages the gut and, over the long term, can lead to many devastating health conditions such as the overgrowth of candida albicans.
In short, too much sugar is bad juju!
I'm looking at Iso Pure whey protein to take on a daily basis. I thought it was intriguing b/c it has no sugar. But then I see it's loaded with maltodextrin. Now, I'm trying to figure out more about maltodextrin.
Posted by: The_Chicken_Daddy
T cells and NK cells?
T as in test?
There are protein powders available with very little sugars in (like 2-5g per serving), you just need to keep an eye out for them.
And anything classified as 'weight gainer' or 'MRP' is not something you're after (cause these have the added sugars).
Posted by: Gettin'old
T cells, as in T1 and T2 cells are a crucial frontline aspect of your immune system. NK cells are called natural killer cells. These various cells in the immune system, and throughout your body, attack foreign pathogens. It is extremely important to keep the immune system functioning and at peak.
The protein powders with very little sugar you mentioned, do they contain maltodextrin? What brands or products do you recommend and why? What do you think of Iso pure?
Posted by: The_Chicken_Daddy
I know what you're referring to about T cells now.
Never heard of NK cells before though.
I just use EAS simpley whey. Mainly cause i get a large tub for quite cheap compared to other brands.
I can't get Iso pure over here easily, so i've never looked into it, sorry.