It has been widely claimed that downing a performance drink while exercising or engaging in athletic events will improve overall performance and endurance. But, there are numerous skeptics who question if there are any real benefits in consuming an energy sports drink. The question on many peoples’ minds is, should I shell out the money for an electrolyte sports drink or just stick to a bottle of purified water while working out?
Way back in 1965, the first energy sports drink was introduced to the market when a group of doctors from the University of Florida concocted the very first, pioneering sport drink. The purpose of their work was to develop a sports beverage that would help the student athletes at the University fight off tiredness and fatigue so that they could turn in the best possible performance.
These researchers were also diligent about not including any components in the performance drink that might be called into question by the FDA or sports leagues as a performance enhancing drug. Gatorade was introduced as a result of their years of study and work and is probably the best-known sports beverage on the market.
For an extended number of years, Gatorade could only be purchased in one flavor, yet in todays market with the recent energy drink explosion, there are quite a few Gatorade flavors to pick from. At the same time, the store shelves are now lined with a myriad of choices when it comes to energy sports drink brands.
Still the question lingers and people wonder if there is any real purpose to spending their money on sports beverages. If you ask the professional athletes, or even the serious amateurs, then you will get a resounding yes. During physical activity, especially in hot weather and humid climates, the body loses some essential nutrients and elements.
Plain water can help a person to avoid strict dehydration during exercise and workout, but it does not replace electrolytes which are also essential for health and well-being and for sustained activity. Electrolytes are made up of 4 essential minerals which are magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium. When the body starts running low on electrolytes, you cannot perform at peak levels and a good sports drink will compensate for that.
There are many different drink options available and many of them contain a variety of substances in addition to the basic fluid and electrolytes. Adding a small amount of carbohydrates, somewhere in the range of four to six percent, can also help to provide the body with the glucose it needs to continue in the desired activity.
Some formulations also include protein, energy enhancers such as caffeine, guarana and amino acids. You can also purchase a nutrition sports drink that has an assortment of vitamins in addition to other elements. The primary intention behind all of these different ingredients to assist an athlete to remain well-hydrated while they are working out, at the same time also provides the body with other helpful nutrients that assist in performance as well as recovery.
It is always a wise course of action to consult with your physician or your trainer and get their recommendations of a performance drink that will best enhance your particular body and your type of workout routines. But, before you run out and buy a whole case of the sport drink they recommend, be sure to buy a couple bottles first to be sure you can handle the taste.
Not every drink is alike. There are hundreds of varieties of waters and colas on the market and if you throw in the sports drinks that are currently the fad beverage you have a confusing mix of beverages that can make anyone’s head dizzy. But for those true sports enthusiasts who are wanting to get the best nutrition possible or to change their physical appearance a drink is the best possible way to take advantage of the caloric intake found within beverages. It is a beverage packed with vitamins, nutrients and proteins. You can get that added punch too. Click here for more information: Body Building Sports Supplement and at Bodybuilding Equipment also Vegan Bodybuilder
