Sports Drinks
Featuring carbohydrates and electrolytes, sports drinks are popular among
athletes.
Sports drinks provide carbohydrates and electrolytes that are not found in water. They
contain easily absorbed carbohydrates, and have about half the calories of fruit juices. They may also contain herbs and supplements
purported to enhance energy and boost weight loss.
Originally designed for athletes, sports drinks are useful for any sporting or athletic event,
or as an energy-boosting beverage enjoyed anytime.
Varieties
Sports drinks are available in cans and bottles, in a variety of flavors. Natural sports
drinks with natural sweeteners, flavors, and colors, are also available.
Buying and storing tips
Look for sports drinks in the beverage or supplement section of heath food stores, or in
the beverage or specialty foods section of most supermarkets.
Availability
Sports drinks are available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Use sports drinks instead of soda. Enjoy with an apple, pear, or banana for a fast snack.
Nutritional Highlights
Sports drink, 8 oz. (240mL)
Calories: 50
Protein: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: 14g
Total Fat: 0.0g
Fiber: 0.0g
Nutritional content varies among drinks.
Health benefits and concerns
Athletic
performance
Water is the most abundant substance in the human body and is essential for normal
physiological function. Water loss due to sweating during exercise can result in decreased
performance and other problems. Fluids should be ingested prior to, during, and after
exercise—especially under extreme conditions such as climate, exercise intensity, and
exercise duration. Approximately two glasses of fluid should be consumed two hours before
exercise and at regular intervals during exercise; fluid should be cool, not cold
(59°–72°F [15°–22.2°C]). Flavored sports drinks containing
electrolytes are not necessary for fluid replacement during brief periods of exercise, but
they may be more effective in encouraging the athlete to drink frequently and in larger
amounts.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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