Gatorade is a popular product, but just how healthy is it?
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What Is Gatorade?
Gatorade is known as the original sports drink.
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So what’s in it?
Gatorade is about 90% water.
This is a critical component, as hydration is important for our general health, especially after physical exertion.
Gatorade also contains carbohydrates (carbs), which come in the form of sugar.
This helps rebuildglycogen, which storesglucose(sugar) in your muscles for energy.
The main electrolytes (minerals) in Gatorade aresodiumandpotassium.
Can Anyone Drink Gatorade?
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Gatorade?
If you’ve ever noticed how your sweat is salty, that’s because you’re losing sodium.
The salt in Gatorade can resupply you with this mineral.
If you drink the Gatorade formulas that contain vitamins, they can contribute to your nutrient needs.
Does Gatorade Hydrate You Better Than Water After Sports or Exercise?
Unbiased research on whether Gatorade or water is more efficient for rehydration is lacking.
It’s wise not to drink it every day.
What Are the Risks of Drinking Too Much Gatorade?
Additionally, too much salt can raise blood pressure.
This stresses the cardiovascular system and can lead toheart attackorstroke.
The high sugar content of Gatorade is also a challenge to good health.
Experts recommend that sugar form no more than 10% of our daily diet.
About half of Americans eat double that on a daily basis.
Sugar affects your blood glucose level and can createinsulin resistance, a risk factor fortype 2 diabetes.
It is also associated with cardiovascular disease.
The index goes from 1 to 100, and anything over 70 is considered high.
The glycemic index of Gatorade is 78.
However, drinking water will do much of the same thing.
Gatorade is not unhealthy, but it does have high amounts of sugar and salt.
So can water, broth, and other clear fluids.
If you have low potassium levels, you may become constipated, because potassium helps your intestinal muscles contract.
The potassium in Gatorade may help ease constipation.
Bananas are another good source of potassium.
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