Gatorade products contain electrolytes to help your body replace nutrients when you sweat during exercise. Which formulas of the "Thirst Quencher" have additives, and are they right for you? The sports drink manufacturer offers Original Gatorade and enhanced-nutrition and reduced-calorie formulas for different types of activity. Get some insight into Gatorade nutrition information to learn which type fits into your healthy diet.
Types
In a revolving lineup of sports drinks, the many Gatorade products fall into a few main "recipe" categories, many of which share common ingredients. Those based on the Original formula include popular flavors Gatorade Frost, Lemonade and X-Treme. The Performance Series builds on this formula with additional nutrients, such as protein and minerals. Special blends include Gatorade A.M., a vitamin C booster, and G2, a low-calorie version of the Original.
Features
Common ingredients make all Gatorade types do their job of rehydrating your body. Nutrition information shows an 8 oz. serving of Gatorade Original drinks contain 50 calories, 110 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium and 14 g carbohydrates (sugar). All Original Gatorade products contain no measurable fat, cholesterol or caffeine. G2 contains 25 calories and reduced sugar. Enhanced formulas may have higher calorie, carbohydrate and other nutrient counts.
Specifics
Specific additives distinguish Gatorade sports drinks in taste and nutritional content. For instance, Gatorade Endurance formula and Performance Series items have nearly double the sodium and triple the potassium of the Original formula, for electrolyte replacement during extreme sports. Gatorade's Performance Nutrition Shake is specially formulated for muscle recovery. Nutrition information shows it contains 54 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein and 8 g fat in 360 calories. Nutrition Shake also boasts a list of added vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, calcium and magnesium.
Function
Salts and filtered water in sports drinks replenish the sodium, potassium and body water lost through the pores as sweat. Carbohydrates from high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners in Gatorade deliver energy to cells for bursts of athletic activity. Enhanced formulas add a variety of nutrients essential to vigorous body function, including vitamins A, B, C, D and E, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Considerations
Note the nutrition label of the Gatorade products you are considering. The recommended serving size may differ from the container size. For instance, the serving size for a 20 oz. bottle of Gatorade Lemonade is 8 oz. If you drink more than that, your calorie count will rise and the scientifically formulated electrolyte balance will change. Keeping nutrition information in perspective is especially important regarding high-calorie shakes.
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