Six reasons why tapioca is tops!
By Steve Born
The original HEED®, Perpetuem®, Sustained Energy, Recoverite®, and Organic Vegan Recoverite® formulas used corn-derived maltodextrin (complex carbohydrate), which was actually an outstanding maltodextrin. However, we never stand on our laurels, and when it comes to possibly improving a product, you can bet that we’re going to give it our full attention and effort. As Brian Frank states, “My policy is simple: Any time I can improve a product, I will—and so I did.”
That’s exactly the case with the newer 2.0 formulations, which contain cassava root/tapioca-derived maltodextrin. While corn-derived maltodextrin was indeed excellent, tapioca-derived maltodextrin is even better. Whenever possible, “better” is what we strive for when it comes to Hammer Nutrition products!
Six advantages of a tapioca-derived maltodextrin
- Tapioca requires far less processing than corn.
- Unlike corn, there is no GMO content in tapioca to begin with, so even though every single batch of the corn-derived maltodextrin we used in our products always tested at 0ppb (parts per billion) for GMOs, going with tapioca just saves us that hassle.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has lower amounts of sodium and higher amounts of naturally occurring potassium. Given that most everyone consumes far too much sodium as it is, having more potassium and less sodium is a definite plus.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has a more alkaline pH than corn-derived maltodextrin. Considering that we athletes are “acid-producing machines” during exercise, a more alkaline pH is a highly desirable feature/benefit.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has a lower Dextrose Equivalent (DE) than corn maltodextrin, which means fewer naturally occurring monosaccharide and disaccharide (short-chain sugar) content, and a much higher percentage of polysaccharide (complex carb) content—in essence, a more “complex” complex carbohydrate—for even longer-lasting energy and endurance.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has the same Glycemic Index (GI) as other forms of maltodextrin, so you get the fast-acting energy that you’re looking for.
Summary
Echoing Brian’s words, even though corn-derived maltodextrin was definitely a good one, when we find an even better one—in this case, a tapioca (cassava root)-derived maltodextrin—we’re absolutely going to go with it. Making great products even greater? That’s just the Hammer way, and you—our valued clients—are the ones who benefit!
