Why grapes post workout?
 

Why are grapes and-or grape juice used and recommended so commonly as post-workout glycogen replenishers?

Great question!

Most of the sugar in fruit is either glucose or fructose. Glucose replenishes muscle glycogen whereas fructose preferentially replenishes LIVER glycogen. Once liver glycogen is topped-off any extra fructose is converted to fat. High fructose consumption deranges liver function and causes insulin resistance.

So when we eat a post workout meal we would like most the carbs to be in a form that replenishes muscle glycogen. This is one of those paradoxes of nutrition. High glycemic index fruits, like grapes, have less fructose…and are likely a better option for consistent consumption. Here a re a few interesting links on the topic.

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T042600.asp
http://allergyadvisor.com/Educational/sept2002_2.htm