BY STEVE BORN
We're heading into The Season of Sugar - that time from Halloween through New Year's Day - when sugar-laden candy, snacks, and desserts are everywhere and within easy reach. While celebrating the season with the occasional sweet treat is fine, of course, remember to be aware of the very real dangers of excess sugar. Excess sugar intake is a major factor in heart disease, the number one killer of Americans (an estimated 16 million Americans have heart disease), as well as a number of cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and more.
One place you won't find sugar is in HEED, Hammer Nutrition's sports drink designed for athletes and active people, including children. Instead of relying on junk sugars such as sucrose (table sugar) as an energy/sweetness source, HEED contains complex carbohydrates (maltodextrin) for more reliable, longer-lasting energy. Additionally, HEED contains no artificial sweeteners; instead, we include xylitol and stevia, which are both natural and healthy.
Xylitol - Naturally occurring in a variety of fruits and vegetables, xylitol is as sweet as table sugar (sucrose), yet it has about 40% fewer calories. Xylitol is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria, which helps to promote optimal gum and tooth health.
Stevia - This extract from Stevia rebaudiana is estimated to be nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has no calories or glycemic index rating, and does not affect blood sugar levels. Research indicates that stevia is safe for diabetics and effectively regulates blood sugar in people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Like xylitol, stevia inhibits the growth of oral bacteria.
Another ingredient you won't find in HEED is citric acid. When teeth are regularly exposed to citric acid in sports drinks - whether it's added for taste purposes or chelated to a mineral (e.g. calcium citrate) - permanent damage can result, thanks to the corrosive nature of acids such as this on tooth enamel. Additionally, continuous consumption of sports drinks containing citric acid most often causes significant stomach distress. Citric acid isn't necessary in HEED, so none is added, simple as that. Additionally, the minerals in HEED are chelated to amino acids for superior absorption.
It's up to you to exercise control over the urge to consume lots of the sugary offerings that are part of The Season of Sugar, and if you have children you'll of course want to monitor their intake of sweets as well. However, when you or your kids are exercising or competing, you don't have to worry about sugar: We've got you covered with HEED, the drink mix with two tooth-friendly sweeteners, no added sugars, and no artificial or questionable ingredients (e.g. stimulants.)
Don't forget that HEED is also a great product to use when doing chores in or out of the house, and is ideal to use if your job involves physical labor, helping to keep you properly hydrated while also replenishing depleted electrolytes.
Made with premium, natural ingredients, HEED is the deliciously healthy, tooth-friendly, and versatile sports drink - all year long, and especially during The Season of Sugar.
