Recharge recovery drink by R.W.Knudsen

Product review!
After my workout this morning, which was unusually intense thanks to a  dear friend of mine Dr. Scott Folsom and Cross Fit 806, I felt like a recharge. Not wanting to go the high fructose corn syrup direction, I made my way over to the local health food store. There I found several products I have seen before and one I had not, Recharge by R.W. Knudsen. The carbohydrate sources are fruit juices, that's it. Cool, I like that. The electrolytes including sodium are from sea salt, I love that. There is a natural balance of electrolytes in sea salt and a ton of them are lost while sweating. Orange extract is used which is full of bioflavonoids and aids in upset stomach, which I had during and post workout. The main health benefits of bioflavonoids fall into two categories: health-promoting effects and therapeutic effects. The health-promoting effects include better eyesight, improved cardiovascular health, increased capillary strength, improved structure of connective tissues and appearance of skin, and a stronger immune system. Bioflavonoids also offer the health-promoting effect of lowering the risk of some diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders. The therapeutic applications include treating  coronary heart disease, allergies, inflammation, hemorrhoids, respiratory diseases, viral infections, some types of cancer, and peptic ulcers.
Hibiscus tea is used which has shown to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure and may help to control cholesterol. It also contains an enzyme inhibitor which blocks the production of amylase. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars and starches. Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea after meals will reduce the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and will assist in weight loss. Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C which also promotes connective tissue health including blood vessels Other benefits of hibiscus tea include preventing bladder infections and constipation if taken regularly.
I have two issues with the drink: The main one is the presence of "Natural Flavors." These two words should always be read as "Really Bad For Your Brain." "Natural Flavors" are excitotoxic. If you search the phrase on Google it will come up as "the taste that kills." Il'' post more on it later.
The other issue is the amylase blocking effect of Hibiscus. Amylase helps break down sugars so they can used by your body. However with 70g of sugar per serving (most will have more than one) I doubt there is any substantial effect. Also the sugars in fruit juice don't need to be broken down much.

Overall I like the taste. Its just sweet enough, it calmed my stomach and got rid of shaky muscles right away. For an off the shelve recovery drink its pretty good. Ill have to take points off for having "Natural Flavors" so Ill rate it (Almost as good as home-made).

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/18697.aspx#ixzz1B89AHucnhttp://www.rwknudsenfamily.

To Your Health

It's the new year! I welcome 2011 and am excited to continue my personal growth to health and wellness, and help others do so.

Dr Ken