Orange Grove’s asemZansi Amahewu is a natural energy booster. It does not contain artificial enhancers or caffeine. This makes it an ideal energy booster as there’s no post-enjoying crash or dip in energy levels.
Why is Amahewu a Good Source of Energy?
asemZansi Amahewu is a maize-based drink. It’s packed with natural nutrients that increase energy levels. Amahewu can be enjoyed before training or a race, during an activity or afterwards to reenergise yourself. Maize is regarded as a healthy grain because it is rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre.
Maize is a good source of energy because of it contains a high concentration of complex carbohydrates. The endosperm of maize kernels is largely made up of starch. This breaks down into glucose when digested and fuels cells with energy. Maize also contains a small amount of fat and protein, which also fuels body cells. Another advantage of the complex carbohydrates in maize is they can also be converted into stored energy. This can then be used by the body when it needs an energy boost.
Energy without a Sugar Spike
Maize naturally has sugar in it. However, it’s not a high-glycaemic food and rates low on the glycaemic index (GI). This means that it’s an effective energy booster but doesn’t result in a sugar spike or crash. It’s what you need when you’re training, competing or recovering from exercise. Furthermore, the fibre in maize helps our bodies feel full for longer. This means you need to refuel less often while competing in, for example a marathon. You’re also less likely to crave unhealthy energy sources.
Why You don’t want Caffeine in Your Energy Drink
Many energy drinks, bars, pills and powders contain caffeine or artificial stimulants, like guarana, taurine and L-carnitine, as an energy booster. While these increase alertness and assist in boosting energy, they are not ideal energy sources as they can cause serious side effects. This is especially likely when caffeine or artificial stimulants are consumed in concentrated or pure forms.
10 Side Effects of Caffeine and Artificial Stimulants
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Digestive issues (such as diarrhea).
- Heartburn.
- Muscle breakdown which increases risk of Rhabdomyolysis.
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate.
- Fatigue.
- Need to urinate more often.
- Addiction.
The Risk of Using Caffeine as a Performance Enhancer
Many athletes use caffeine as a performance enhancer and energy booster. Currently it is permitted in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). However, it is on their monitoring list and some athletic associations regulate its use. This means that it’s advisable to be aware of if and where it is regulated or monitored when competing in a sporting event. For example, The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NAAA) only permits caffeine urine concentrations of less than 15 mcg/ml. This is roughly equivalent to 5-8 cups of coffee or 4-5 energy drinks. Note that the brand and type (drip, stovetop, expresso or instant) of coffee impacts the amount of caffeine and your body weight is also a factor. Energy bars and tablets usually contain higher concentrations of caffeine than coffee does.
Enjoy the Natural Energy Boost of asemZansi Amahewu
asemZansi Amahewu is an Official Sponsor of the Comrades Marathon. It comes in three delicious flavours, Cool Cream, Pineapple Power and Banana Boost. Orange Grove’s Amahewu is available in various sizes to give you the option to enjoy it as a pre-exercise energy booster (500ml), in-exercise energy source (250ml) or reenergiser at home (1L). asemZansi Amahewu is a long-life product, so it can be conveniently stored on a shelf before opening. After opening keep it in the fridge while enjoying your favourite flavour of asemZansi Amahewu.
Food of the South, for the People of the South, from the Dairy of the South