MEDICAL NEWS TODAY – Gatorade is sold as an exercise enhancement drink. It contains rehydrating electrolytes but also has a high concentration of sugar. There are benefits and risks of drinking Gatorade while exercising.
Gatorade is classified as a “sports drink.” Scientists at the University of Florida developed the drink in 1965 with the aim of boosting the performance of their football team, called the Gators. In 1967, the Gators won the Orange Bowl for the first time in years.
Gatorade contains electrolytes to rehydrate people and provide energy. However, it also contains high levels of sugar, which can increase people’s health risks.
According to Healthy Eating Research in 2012, people’s intake of sugary drinks has increased significantly in the last 3 decades. Drinking sugary sports drinks, such as Gatorade, is associated with:
- weight gain
- poor diet
- switching from healthful drinks
- raised risk of diabetes and obesity
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Still, this alone does not mean that Gatorade is bad for a person’s health. People can consume moderate amounts of Gatorade or other sports drinks and experience no negative effects.
Serious athletes and people who do heavy exercise may even see benefits from drinking Gatorade, as well as water.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the benefits and the risks of drinking Gatorade.
Should you drink Gatorade or water after sports?
Research suggests that only serious athletes exercising for over an hour will benefit from drinking Gatorade.
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Both Gatorade and water will help the body regain fluid lost through exercise and other physical activity. The difference is that manufacturers add additional elements, such as sugar and electrolytes, to Gatorade and other sports drinks.
Electrolytes are minerals, such as potassium and sodium, that have an impact on a person’s muscles, brain, and nerves …