Gatorade is a sports drink that contains electrolytes that can help you stay hydrated. However, it also contains added sugars and calories, which may not support healthy eating or weight loss.
According to Gatorade's website, the drink was "born in the laboratorywhen researchers looked at why athletes got sick after a tough workout in the heat.
They found that these athletes lost electrolytes and fluids during exercise, but did not replenish them. Gatorade is designed to replace important electrolytes and carbohydrates while hydrating at the same time.
Although it is marketed as a sports drink, athletes are not the only ones who drink Gatorade. Kids drink it during lunch or after soccer practice, and it has even developed a reputation as a hangover cure.
But while Gatorade may contain less sugar than soda, is it actually good for you?
It is important to stay hydrated while exercising. Water is the most logical form of hydration. But sports drinks like Gatorade contain sugar and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Sports drinks can help replace what we lose during prolonged exercise, especially in the heat.
Electrolytes are minerals that maintain your body's ionic balance. This balance is essential for nerve, muscle and brain function. An imbalance can lead to...disturbance of the electrolyte balance.
Examples of electrolytes include:
- calcium
- magnesium
- chloride
- phosphate
- potassium
- sodium
Electrolytes and carbohydrates help athletes refuel and rehydrate. This is what makes sports drinks popular. Electrolytes help regulate the body's fluid balance, while carbohydrates provide energy. Gatorade claims that their product hydrates better than water because of these additional ingredients.
Some research supports their claims. Arapportfrom the University of California at Berkeley says sports drinks may be better than water for children and athletes who participate in sustained, vigorous physical activity for more than an hour, especially in hot conditions.
However, keep in mind that people who exercise for less than 60 to 90 minutes may not need Gatorade to maintain or improve their performance.
So what about the use of sports drinks for the average person?
The vast majority of people who drink Gatorade are not athletes. And according toBerkeley studyMost people who drink sports drinks at least once a day are not as physically active as they should be.
IN20-ounce serveringof Gatorade's thirst quencher contains 36 grams of sugar. While it contains slightly less sugar per ounce than the average soda, it's not exactly healthy.
Berkeley researchers even say that the sugar in sports drinks may contribute to thisobesity in childrenepidemic by increasing calorie intake.
When consumed frequently, Gatorade's sugar content may also contributeholes, especially in children.
For people who are less active, it is neither necessary nor recommended to consume extra sugar and sodium during the day. The extra calories from a sports drink can contribute to thisweight gain. The extra sodium may increase the riskhigh bloodpressureafter a while.
Gatorade's lower-calorie version, G2, replaces itacesulfaamInsucralosefor sugar. G2 contains40 caloriesfor every 16 ounces, which is less than half the calories of regular Gatorade.ResearchThe long-term safety of these artificial sweeteners is ongoing, but not yet definitive.
It is also important to note that Gatorade containsfood colorings, asRed no. 40, Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 5. These artificial colorings come from petroleum and may increase the risk ofhyperactivity in children. They are also linked to it
Although Gatorade can help you stay hydrated, it's best to drink it only when necessary.
For people who don't exercise for at least an hour five days a week, water is the best choice to stay hydrated. Electrolytes from natural sources without added sugars and colorants are recommended.
Experts suggest that parents limit their children's consumption of sports drinks like Gatorade due to the sugar content and artificial colors.
A researcher who has previously worked with Gatorade saidNPRthat Gatorade should not be labeled as the “bad guy.” She emphasized that parents should assess sugar consumption from all sources if they want to help their child make the healthiest decisions.
For most children, water remains the best source of hydration. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source of carbohydrates and electrolyte replacement. You can also make a healthier sports drink at homethis recipe.
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