The popular sports drink Gatorade was originally formulated to help rehydrate the University of Florida's football team as they practiced in the humidity of Florida. Today it's a staple on the sidelines of most sporting events. But science is now proving that Gatorade may not hydrate any better than water. Before filling up your water bottle with a sugary alternative, carefully weigh the pros and cons of drinking Gatorade the next time you play a sport or work out. You may find that plain water is a better choice for you.
Pro: Taste
Gatorade currently comes in over 30 flavors, making it easy for every athlete to find a flavor that they love. Most athletes prefer the sweet taste of Gatorade over water, notes the Michigan State University News, which means they are more likely to drink it when thirsty. This keeps athletes hydrated on hot days when they don't want to drink plain water.
Con: Less Water
Water is essential for every athlete's body to function, and drinking Gatorade to rehydrate means that your body is getting less pure water, without the added sugar and flavoring of Gatorade. A University of New Mexico exercise physiologist completed research that found that Gatorade does not hydrate better than water, and water has fewer calories, and less salt and sugar, making it a better choice over all.
Pro: Electrolytes
Any athlete will tell you that profuse sweating for over an hour causes you to lose electrolytes from your body. These electrolytes are important for the contractions of muscles and performance on the field, states Medical News Today. Gatorade contains these electrolytes, replenishing them while working out or playing a sport that causes you to sweat profusely.
Con: Dental Damage
Gatorade has a relatively high sugar content of around 14 to 21 grams per serving. This, added to the artificial coloring and flavoring used in the drink, can cause dental damage. A study by the University of Iowa found that Gatorade can wear away tooth enamel faster than other popular drinks like Coke and Red Bull.
Pro: Carbohydrates
If you are planning a long workout and need a burst of energy, Gatorade contains carbohydrates that can help you stay focused and give you energy 90 minutes after consuming, as it takes 90 minutes for the carbohydrates to have an effect on your body. However, it doesn't give any more energy when consumed for a workout or game that is shorter than that amount of time, says the University of Hawaii Manoa Student College Newspaper.
Con: Weight Gain
The sugar and carbs in Gatorade can cause you to gain weight, something you are probably hoping to avoid during a workout or while playing sports. The the University of California at Berkeley's Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Center for Weight and Health found that an individual drinking one sports drink per day would gain 13 pounds per year.
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