First invented for the football team at the University of Florida, Gatorade has since become a premier sports drink for both professional and amateur athletes and anyone involved in prolonged periods of heavy physical exertion. The drink is specifically formulated to replenish the water, nutrients and energy expended during physical activity in a form that is easy to make, enjoyable to drink and quick to act on the body to provide important nutrition when needed.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium and chloride, are nutrients and are essential for the body to function properly. During heavy physical exertion, the human body perspires as a way to eliminate toxins and cool the body through evaporation. Electrolytes are components of perspiration. Heavy sweating can result in a significant loss of electrolytes. Gatorade contains all three of these is essential elements and can help to replenish losses due to excessive perspiration.
Hydration
Another downside to excessive perspiration is the loss of fluids within the body. Proper hydration is essential to maintaining high levels of performance, particularly for those involved in athletic activities. Gatorade can provide significant quantities of water to help support hydration requirements while a person is involved in heavy physical activity. The osmality of Gatorade, the number of particles in solution, is slightly higher than that of blood. That, along with the electrolytes and carbohydrates in the drink, provide for rapid absorption, according to Gatorade.com.
Carbohydrate Intake
Gatorade also contains a carbohydrates in the form of sucrose and dextrose, which are an essential fuel source for optimal muscle function during physical exertion. These simple carbohydrates break down easily within the body. According to Gatorade.com, the sports drink contains 14 g of carbohydrates per 8 oz. serving, offering a significant source of readily available food energy.
Member Comments