What is the importance of the 4-1 ratio carbohydrate to protein?
University of Texas researchers measured the effect of carbohydrate consumption during variable intensity exercise. They found if they could boost insulin levels during exercise they could further spare muscle glycogen and improve endurance capacity. One way to enhance insulin levels is by the addition of protein. But the amount of protein is critical. Too much protein will slow gastric emptying. The combining of carbohydrate and protein in a 4-1 ratio enables endurance athletes to shift the energy dynamic during exercise resulting in improved energy production, sparing of muscle glycogen and extended endurance in the later stages of competition. The bottom line: you can train and compete longer and harder.
