Sports Drinks
Fitness - If it came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body - Cher
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The Controversial Science of Sports Drinks
A history of the conflated science of hydration and how consumers came to believe that "water is not enough."
The British Medical Journal published a scathing investigation yesterday into the influence of the sports drink industry over academia, in the interest of marketing the science of hydration. The lengthy piece by Deborah Cohen documents how, over the past several decades, mandates regarding the necessity of hydrating during exercise entered the public consciousness to the point that they're now thought of as common sense. Here are some highlights:
- The key players: Pepsico, which produces Gatorade, the Coca-Cola company, which owns Powerade…
Resources
Bananas vs. Sports Drinks? Bananas Win in Study
A banana might reasonably replace sports drinks for those of us who rely on carbohydrates to fuel exercise and speed recovery, according to a new study comparing the cellular effects of carbohydrates consumed during sports. It found that a banana, with its all-natural package, provides comparable or greater anti-inflammatory and other benefits for athletes than sports drinks. But there may be a downside, and it involves bloating.
Is Gatorade actually better than water?
The sugar in sports drinks might be helpful—but only to a select few.
Health in a Bottle?
In the past decade there has been an explosion of 'health' drinks as opposed to 'energy' drinks. But, is it possible to find health in a bottle?
A History of the Important Moments That Shaped the $8 Billion Sports Drink Industry
Have you ever thought about how sports drinks became the $8 billion industry they are now? We break down all the history for you & highlight the big moments.
Are Americans replacing soda with something worse?
It would be one thing if the replacement drinks contained little to no sugar. But the replacements — fruit drinks, sports drinks, bottled tea, energy drinks — can have nearly as much, if not more, sugar than sodas, according to the ACWH study.
Are Sports Drinks Actually Good for Kids?
The answer is a qualified ‘yes.’ “When kids do intense exercise in the heat for numerous hours, I would encourage the use of sports drinks,” says Douglas Casa, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and the lead researcher for most of the sports camp studies. “They will likely drink more of a flavor they like as compared to water, and will benefit from the carbs and electrolytes.”
Are Vitamin Drinks a Bad Idea?
Companies are increasingly adding vitamins and minerals to juices, sports drinks and bottled water, responding to a growing consumer demand for these products. Even though the amounts of added nutrients in these drinks are typically small, some nutrition scientists are concerned that through their overall diets, many people may be ingesting levels of vitamins and other nutrients that are not only unnecessary, but potentially harmful.
Can Coconut Water Replace Sports Drinks?
As we become more wary of artificially flavored and sweetened beverages, it’s, well, only natural to start seeking out more natural alternatives. And that’s especially true in the health conscious fitness community.
Do Protein Sports Drinks Work?
The topic may continue to draw attention from scientists and athletes hoping for a simple, liquid means of getting themselves to the finish line faster, but he said, “I am convinced that protein in carbohydrate drinks during exercise will soon be out of fashion.”
Gatorade Organic ‘Might’ve Been Too Little Too Late’
PepsiCo Inc.’s Gatorade, a sideline staple for fatigued athletes that has long dominated the sports-drink market, needs a pick-me-up of its own. Known for neon-colored, sugar-loaded flavors such as “Arctic Blitz,” Gatorade has been losing ground as consumers gulp record amounts of bottled water and spend more on enhanced waters, teas and energy drinks.
Is Gatorade Bad For You?
Sports drinks such as Gatorade are good for getting you re-hydrated and energized if you are doing intense or long-duration exercise – especially if in a hot environment. There are three words to take note of here: intense, duration and hot.
Organic Gatorade Is Still Junk Sugar Water
Gatorade’s recently released line of “organic” sports drinks is called G Organic. Reimagined name aside, the now healthy-sounding sports drink boasts a shorter list of ingredients, including “organic cane sugar,” but the drink is really little more than glorified, colored sugar water.
Pedialyte for Runners
Pedialyte was first used by endurance runners in the 1980s and 90s. Popular ultra-runner Dean Karnazes used Pedialyte for electrolyte replacements when prepping for his ultra-running events as reported in his book, Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner. NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB athletes are known to consume Pedialyte on and off the field to combat dehydration and improve performance and recovery.
Pedialyte vs Gatorade: Which Is The Better Drink For Hydration?
While these substances are extremely similar in both ingredients and nature, and they both help with hydration, they are not equal. Deciding which one is best for you depends on your specific scenario...
Sports Drinks: Separating fact from fiction
Gatorade, Powerade, Accelerade, Lucozade, Sqwincher, EFS, Recharge, All Sport, Levelen… as you can see there are endless sports drinks on the market. These drinks say they can increase performance, decrease cramping, and speed recovery. What does the research say?
Sports Drinks: The Good, The Bad, and The Alternatives
If you consume Sports Drinks regularly while exercising an hour or less in air conditioning you can quickly sabotage your fitness efforts due to these facts...
The Best Sports Drink Is Sugar Water
Researchers have found that a spoonful of sugar mixed into a bottle of water is actually a better aide for athletic endurance than the energy drinks that were created to do the trick.
The Secret Behind Gatorade & How to Replenish Electrolytes Naturally
Let’s face it – Gatorade (and Powerade, etc…) is one of the worst things you could possibly put in your body. It’s made up of mostly chemically treated & refined sugar (as much as a typical soda), artificial colors, and other ingredients that are dreadful for your body.
The Sports-Drink Upstarts
Endurance athletes increasingly are seeking organic foods and beverages for training and competition; alternatives to Gatorade and PowerAde.
What the Eff is an Electrolyte? Is Gatorade the Real Deal?
Everybody loves Gatorade, so let’s talk about if it’s fluff or it’s actually good for you.
Why Exercise Experts Say You Should Spit Out Your Energy Drink
According to new research from exercise physiology researchers at the University of Hertfordshire, you may not need to swallow sports drinks to get their promised energy boost. Swilling the liquid around your mouth could be just as effective.
The Controversial Science of Sports Drinks
A history of the conflated science of hydration and how consumers came to believe that "water is not enough."
Activate
Vitamins deteriorate while sitting in water, so we keep ours hid in the lid.
ALO
ALO is a refreshing line of unique drink alternatives made with real aloe vera pulp. Our drinks are all natural, with no preservatives, no artificial colorings, and no artificial flavors.
Crank Sports
Crank Sports produces energy gels and electrolyte hydration drinks that are truly innovative and a class above the competition. All of our products are designed by endurance athletes and developed by a team of experts that have been creating new products for over 20 years.
E-Lyte
Fight cramping, stay hydrated, and maintain a consistent performance level over extended periods. Compete better than ever with sugar-free ElyteSport electrolyte replacement sports drink specially formulated for athletes.
EAS
Science is the core of our business. Our commitment to excellence has made Ross one of the world's most respected names for nutritional and related health care products.
Effect
The mental energizer...
Elete
Elete was launched in response to an unanswered need within the marketplace. We recognized that no other electrolyte-replacement formula on the market offered a method to allow athletes to add a complete balance of electrolytes to their wattle bottle or hydration system.
FRS
All FRS products feature quercetin, a powerful all-natural antioxidant found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It has been shown in multiple clinical trials to provide sustained energy, increased endurance, immune system support along with many other health benefits.
Function
Each of our physician-developed drinks provides unique, concrete functionality, without having to wait hours in a doctor's office. Our goal is to make your life as fun, productive, and healthy as it can be one drink at a time.
Gatorade
Gatorade and GSSI continue to search for and study new and innovative ways to help athletes improve performance by facilitating proper hydration and nutrition. From the lab testing of athletes, to new flavor and delivery system development, to the publication and distribution of scientific research, the Gatorade Company and the GSSI perpetually strive to advance their collective mission of enabling athletes to always perform at their peak.
GU
Whether you're a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, GU Energy Labs has your nutrition needs covered.
High5
High5 is a UK company run by athletes. We have competed in many of the World’s toughest events and have years of racing experience between us. We know from personal experience how important it is to get your nutrition absolutely right and what it takes to make a great sports product. High5 has close links with Universities and leading researcher groups.
Huma Gel
Hüma Gel is an all-natural, great-tasting energy gel designed to get you through tough exercise.
Neuro
Neuro Drinks is the brainchild of Chairman, CEO and Founder Diana Jenkins, created to provide a healthy alternative to what Jenkins perceived as a self medicating and caffeine-dependent society.
Nuun
Our electrolyte enhanced drink tab is gluten free, dairy + soy free, safe for clean sport, and made from plant based ingredients.
O.N.E.
O.N.E., One Natural Experience, is an all-natural beverage company with a deep commitment to the Earth and its people. Our products are responsibly sourced and harvested, filtered naturally and packaged in eco-friendly Tetra Paks.
PacificHealth
PacificHealth Laboratories, founded in 1996 by two prominent scientists, started with a singular purpose — to help athletes achieve their personal goals. We never lost sight of that mission. Collaborating with some of the world’s top nutritionists, biochemists and sports scientists, our research and products have reshaped sports nutrition.
Pedialyte
Great for kids & adults! Pedialyte helps prevent dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Powerade
Give your Game some flavor Keeping you hydrated is our job. Working on your game is yours. We do what we need to do so you can do what you have to do.
PureSport
PureSport Nutritional Performance Sports Drinks with Protein: Human Performance Labs develops superior nutritional performance sports drinks with protein for athletes of all types, from world class professionals to club sport amateurs and weekend warriors.
SoBe
South Beach Beverage Company (or "SoBe" as we like to call it) makes and markets the best tasting herbally enhanced beverages, hands-down! We've designed our "healthy refreshment' beverages with fun, active people in mind.
Spiz
SPIZ is a delicious, race-proven energy drink designed to provide your body with everything it needs to perform at peak levels, making it very popular with all types of sporting enthusiasts including triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers, etc.
Ultima Replenisher
Ultima Replenisher is a rehydration drink that contains no sugars, artificial sweeteners or artificial ingredients. It has only 10 calories per 8-12oz serving.
Vita Coco
Vita Coco is about hydration, and hydration is important no matter what you do. It's okay if you're not a marathon runner, a football player, or a Tour de France winner. Life is hectic enough, and you should be hydrated while you live it.
Vitalyte
To provide the most effective, scientifically-based functional replacement solutions possible through passionate dedication to enhancing the quality and balance of people''s lives.
Vrroom
Our product was created to fulfill the convergence of the two fastest growing categories in cold beverage: health and energy.
VYVWater
VYVwater performs like a sports drink without the sugar, calories or additives. Our rapid hydrating formula is non-bloating and enhanced with electrolytes, allowing you to train harder and longer. VYVwater's optimal pH properties combat lactic acid build up which means faster recovery times, reduced cramping, and better overall performance.
Zico
As a company, we''re on a mission to tell the world that Mother Nature made a better sports drink, ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water. We're athletes. We drink ZICO daily (lots of it!), know it works and want to help others make the switch to ZICO too.
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