If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best carbohydrate supplement for cutting is, then we recommend Performance Lab® SPORT Carb as the best one.
Fitness and lifestyle continue to top the discussion on the majority of health and wellness blogs.
Every day, more folks begin to search for information and engage in activities concerning healthy lifestyles.
Healthy living is not only about hitting the gym but also selecting the proper diet.
This article focuses on guiding you in choosing the best carbohydrate supplement for cutting and providing insightful information about healthy living.
Here are the top carbohydrate supplements we’ll be reviewing:
- Universal Nutrition Carbo Plus
- Optimum Nutrition Glyco-Maize
- GAT Carbotein
- MHP Dark Matter
- Genius Carbohydrate Powder
- Performance Lab® SPORT Carb
What Are Carbohydrate Supplements?
Typically, carbohydrate supplements are health products that contain carbohydrate-based nutrients in powder form or pills.
Nevertheless, the body digests supplements quicker compared to absorbing food-based carbohydrates.
The best carbohydrate supplement may contain dextrose, waxy maize, and maltodextrin.
For the last few decades, carbs continue to gain bad reviews and reputation concerning a healthy lifestyle.
Therefore, a significant percentage of people are trying to keep a healthy lifestyle by avoiding carbs altogether.
The primary reason behind this is, a lot of folks have the wrong idea about carbohydrates.
For instance, I completely avoided carbohydrates when I started my exercise regime.
Unfortunately, I did not get the desired outcome and later realized that I suppressed my body’s energy production that would otherwise be critical during my workout sessions.
This is how I stumbled upon carbohydrate supplements.
With these products, you can supply your body with the proper amount of carbohydrates while avoiding the build-up of too much glycogen that converts into body fat.
Why do Carbs Matter Even When Cutting Weight?
Carbs Provide the Energy We Need
While consuming too many carbohydrates is dangerous to our health, it is impossible to keep carbs out of our diet entirely.
Usually, carbs contain glycogen, which provides our body with the energy it needs to carry out crucial metabolic activities.
The state of immunity of our bodies depends on proteins and vitamins, and carbohydrates for proper functioning.
Some good carbs that are healthy for your diet include vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Carbs Contain Fiber
Following nutritional statistics, dietary fiber comes with the benefits.
Improves Bowel Movements
Fiber lessens the chances of constipation by increasing the bulkiness and softening the stool. Bulk, soft stool is easier to pass, thereby improving bowel movement.
There are two categories of fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber.
You will need both because insoluble fiber bulks up your stool while soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance that eases the movement of stool out your body.
Reduces Risk of Colon Cancer
The best fiber comes from unprocessed food.
This means adding food like legumes and whole grains to your diet. Since fiber keeps calorie count in check, it reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The bottom line is, consuming healthy carbohydrates reduces your risk of colon cancer by at least 42%.
Detoxification
Our bodies contain many toxins that come from the food we eat, the air we inhale, and surfaces we touch, among others.
When cutting weight, our bodies need to flush out toxins and other unnecessary substances.
Insoluble fiber is an essential element for detoxification as it speeds up the passage and eliminates toxic substances from the body.
On the other hand, soluble fiber socks toxins and excess cholesterol before the body absorbs these substances.
This is a natural way of cleansing your body, which is an added advantage concerning losing weight.
Weight Control
One of the best facts about consuming fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is that you become fuller for longer.
I enjoy eating whole grains and fruits because I control my desire to overindulge in consuming unhealthy snacks.
Keep in mind that you only need small amounts of fiber to keep you full for an extended period.
How to Choose the Best Carb Supplements
Check Carbohydrate Source
It would be best if you purchase supplements based on healthy carbs.
The best carbohydrate supplements come from waxy maize, dextrose, and maltodextrin.
Waxy maize aids in the absorption of other supplements and refills glycogen stores faster than dextrose and maltodextrin.
Dextrose is a significant source of energy and also treats dehydration and low blood sugar.
On the other hand, maltodextrin increases blood sugar level, making it essential to boost your energy level if need be.
Supplement Quantity
You may need a high volume of supplements if you work out regularly or have health complications that require a carbohydrate boost.
Casual consumers can purchase lower quantities of carb supplements.
Carbohydrate Content
Carb supplements have varying carb contents.
Gym-goers would have to select products with higher carbohydrate content since they need the energy to burn calories.
Otherwise, it would help to consult a professional nutritionist regarding the appropriate carb level content for your body’s requirement.
The General Benefits of Carb Supplements
Take a look at the reasons you may need carb supplements.
- They are quick sources of energy.
- Carb supplements are essential for muscle building and preservation.
- The products contain fiber, which has several health benefits, such as improving digestion.
- Due to the presence of glucose, carb supplements play a significant role in stimulating insulin production.
- Carbohydrate supplements replenish our glycogen stores, thus enhancing muscle growth and repair.
The Proper Way to Use Carbohydrate Supplements
Consuming too much of anything can be toxic, including carbohydrates. If you are a non-gym goer, the optimal dosage should be 30 g per serving.
Tyically 220 g of carbs a day would be beneficial for adults.
Suppose you occasionally work out, you may have to increase the carb supplement volume, depending on the intensity and period of a workout session.
Should You Use Carb Supplements?
A lot of folks continue to demonize carbohydrates when it comes to health.
This may have you avoiding carb supplements and keto-diets altogether. However, carbs are crucial nutrients concerning good health.
The only downside that comes with carbohydrate supplements is the possibility of obesity.
Nevertheless, this only happens when we take carb supplements in excess amounts.
That said, it is essential to consult a professional to get the best insights about the best carbohydrate supplement, based on your interests and body type.
Therefore, to answer your question, yes, carb supplements in proper amounts are excellent for your well-being.
The Best Carbohydrate Supplement
Universal Nutrition Carbo Plus
Universal Nutrition Carbo Plus is fast to replenish your glycogen stores with incorporated pure complex carbohydrates, thus supplying the muscles with sufficient energy.
The product comprises of 18 g per serving of carbs, therefore excellent for keeping your carbohydrate levels in check.
This maltodextrin-based powder formula is one of the ultimate solutions for folks looking forward to building muscle and quickly recover their energy after workouts.
For best results, I would use at least two servings daily or more during workout sessions. Besides maltodextrin, the supplement contains premium grain sources.
Pros
- 100% high-performance complex carbohydrates.
- Free from sweeteners.
- No preservatives.
- No artificial added flavors.
- No cholesterol
- No fat
- Easy to digest
- Readily absorbed
- Moderate protein content
- Comprises of glycemic carbs for pure energy.
- Fine granules
- Easy to mix
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Insulin spike
- Not recommended for teenagers under 19 years.
- Not excellent for weight loss exercise regimes.
Optimum Nutrition Glyco-Maize
The Optimum Nutrition Glyco-Maize is a complex carbohydrate ready to refuel your glycogen store on instant consumption.
Unlike some carb supplements that you should consume in smaller amounts, Optimum Nutrition Glyco-Maize is suitable for vegetarians as it can be consumed in more significant amounts.
This supplement’s serving contains up to 35.2 g carbohydrates, therefore useful for both athletes and non-gym goers.
Also, a serving contains only 3 g sugar, hence less likely to cause an insulin crash, causing allergic reactions for some consumers.
Waxy maize carbohydrates absorb rapidly in the body; therefore, this is one of the best solutions for regularly dealing with fatigue issues.
The energy capacity of Optimum Nutrition Glyco-Maize is 596Kj per serving. I would use this supplement to jumpstart my day and have another serving before a meal.
Two servings are enough to keep your energy in check throughout the day.
Pros
- Excellent for adding weight.
- Pure ingredients (waxy maize and trehalose).
- Comes in a convenient tablet and powder form.
- Neutral taste.
- Balanced nutritional value.
- Prevents freezing and dehydration.
- No bloating.
- Unflavoured.
- Steady synthesis of energy
- Minimum sugar content
- Easily soluble.
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant women.
- Not recommended for persons under the age of 18.
- May contain allergens such as nuts and gluten.
GAT Carbotein
The GAT Carbotein is one of the latest advanced German-American carb supplements in the nutrition market.
The high-performance glycogen loader with 50 servings comes with six unique carbohydrates.
The mixture of specialty carbohydrates and whey protein is adequate for energy restoration, keeping carb content in check for non-gym goers, and endurance for athletes.
The specialty carbs include rice maltodextrin, fructose, fibersol, ologodextrin, potato starch, and maize maltodextrin.
This would be your best carbohydrate supplement as it will definitely uniquely replenish your energy stores as it has a balanced combination of different types of carbohydrates.
More so, this product comes with a 6g BCAAs, which is a vital amino acid combination for muscle recovery and growth. GAT Carbotein comes in two flavors: orange and grape.
This would be one of the best options for folks who prefer sweet taste to tasteless supplements.
Pros
- Available in two flavors.
- Excellent for overall health.
- A healthier digestive tract.
- Faster muscle growth and repair.
- Comes with whey isolate and BCAAs for enhancing strength.
- Improve mental functioning.
- Improved endurance for athletes
- Carbotein has weight loss benefits.
- Extra fast glycogen replenishment.
- Low sugar content.
- Maize maltodextrin enhances proper and rapid absorption
- Fibersol is a low glycemic dietary fiber.
- Potato starch is excellent at promoting low osmolality conditions.
- Oligodextrin is an efficient energy source with ultra-low glycemic content.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Regulates muscle contraction due to the presence of potassium.
Cons
- The supplement may contain nuts and soy (potential allergens).
- Produced in facilities that process wheat products.
- Unknown content of amino acids.
- The price is quite hefty.
MHP Dark Matter
MHP Dark Matter is one of the best carbohydrate supplements as it comes with 48g carbs and a known ratio of BCAAs (10:1:1).
A mixture of 5g creatine, 6g EAAs, and 48g carbs is a perfect blend for synthesizing energy and increasing muscle protein synthesis.
A container of MHP Dark Matter contains 20 servings, with 78 carbohydrates per serving.
This supplement is available in three excellent flavors: fruit punch, blue raspberry, and strawberry lime.
This is one of the best carb supplements for more significant anabolic growth and recovery with a nutritious blend, especially after workout sessions.
The presence of BCAAs and a micronutrient delivery system makes it a more convenient supplement for rebuilding your muscles compared to whey protein.
Pros
- MHP Dark Matter contains a known concentration of amino acids.
- The presence of creatine is essential for replenishing ATP stores.
- Increases muscle protein synthesis.
- It includes a blend of waxy maize and dextrose for maximum glycogen restoration.
- Low sugar content.
- Available in three flavors.
- Comprises potassium, which preserves bone mineral density.
- Fine texture.
- Easy mixing.
- Reduces muscle soreness.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- Contains milk, which is inconvenient for some users.
Genius Carbohydrate Powder
The low osmolality carbohydrate powder replenishes your glycogen stores without causing a spike in insulin.
The main ingredient for this supplement is pea starch. This would be beneficial if you are aiming to add mass.
Genius Carbohydrate Powder is light, tasteless, and ready to dissolve. This means consumption leads to immediate glycogen restoration.
I would also purchase this product for natural and healthy weight gain without workout sessions.
One container of the carb supplement has 30 servings, which is reasonable, considering the item price.
Pros
- A healthier alternative to dextrose.
- Low osmolality.
- Sustained energy during a workout.
- Brilliant neutral taste in food and drinks.
- It is gluten-free.
- The supplement is prebiotic.
- Efficient speed recovery for athletes.
- No potential allergic ingredients.
- Not caffeinated.
- No maltodextrin crash.
- Easy mixing with drinks.
- Fast gastric emptying.
- Plump fullness of muscles.
- Fine granules.
- Unflavored.
- Reasonable cost.
Cons
- The product may cause stomach irritation due to possible indigestion.
Performance Lab® SPORT Carb
Performance Lab® SPORT Carb is a fast-acting, long-lasting carb supplement that provides stim-free muscle fuel for those more intense workouts.
This carb supplement is the cleanest carb supplement of the ones listed, and provides the energy without typical crashing, bloating or gastric distress during exercise you get from many other carb supplements out there.
On top of that, it’s naturally flavored and sweetened, providing clean muscle fuel before, during, an after your workouts.
Final Thoughts
The products, as mentioned above, are some of my favorites in the nutrition market.
However, Performance Lab® SPORT Carb beats out all the other carb supplements hands down.
It has a sustained energy release of at least two hours and is absored quickly by your body, providing that fast energy you need for your workouts.
It’s a premium carb supplement that’s backed by well-researched science and patented processes that simply makes it stand out over the rest.
