5 Reasons why you should ditch packaged sports drink

Sports drinks have been earning a lot of revenue in the market for a very long time now. The packaging, advertisement, taste, bright and poppy colors have always enticed the customers. The idea behind selling sports drinks in the market is to target the minds of the audience in such a way that they are propelled to purchase it. Be it for the taste or energy or recreational events, sports drink have become a beverage of choice. Even after all this publicity, sports drink harm our body in multiple ways.

Sports drink is usually consumed by athletes to replenish water, energy, and electrolytes lost during workouts or competitions. It claims to regain the salts and sugars that are lost by the body so that the level of nutrients remains balanced. Even though it is consumed by athletes, almost everyone these days has started buying sports drinks just for its taste. The main components of a sports drink are as follows:
Electrolytes: Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium
Vitamins: Vitamin A and B
Sugar: glucose

5 reasons why sports drink is a big no:

Dehydration: Manufacturers of sports drink claim that this beverage will prevent dehydration. While the truth is the opposite. A high level of sugar can slow down hydration and people who are diabetic are at the risk of getting dehydrated. Even though sports drinks do replenish electrolytes after an intense workout, they do not keep you hydrated. Water is the best drink to quench your thirst and keep you hydrated.
Increased level of caffeine: Health experts advise minimal consumption of sports drinks as they contain caffeine in large quantities. Caffeine is highly addictive and consumption of caffeine regularly is detrimental to health. It can result in severe headaches, fatigue, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Excess sugar: Sports drinks contain a surplus amount of sugar which makes the consumer prone to several health hazards. Doctors have claimed that these drinks are acidic and high in sugar which deteriorates dental hygiene. It also puts them at risk of various heart diseases.

Additives: These are added to preserve flavor, enhance the taste and appearance. They also act as preservatives and sweeteners. Studies have shown that PEG (polyethylene glycol) is a chemical additive that is added to sports drinks. It is absorbed by the body and leads to death from embolism (blockage inside a blood vessel)

Weight gain: Young children today are fascinated by sports drink because of its taste and color. These drinks contain carbohydrates in a huge amount and no exercise eventually leads to obesity. Teenagers choose sports drinks over any other beverage and this has shown a decline in their health.

Footnote

While the main intention of a sports drink is to rehydrate and revive energy and minerals so that athletes can benefit from them, these drinks have a negative impact on our bodies. We should refrain from consuming them and switch to healthier options such as coconut water or even normal water.