The intense physical demands of sports can leave athletes dehydrated and at risk for dehydration-related side effects. To prevent these consequences, many athletes choose to drink electrolyte-rich beverages such as Gatorade Zero before, during, and after athletic activities. However, some athletes avoid drinking Gatorade Zero because they assume it is bad for their health. This article details the five most common concerns about Gatorade Zero and its impact on health.
Is Gatorade Zero Good For You?
If you starve yourself but drink water, you will become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a number of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and even death.
5 Things To Consider About Gatorade Zero
Gatorade Zero is bad for your bones and joints.
Some people worry that drinking Gatorade Zero on a daily basis will erode their bones and joints. This unfounded concern stems from the belief that Gatorade contains large amounts of phosphates. Phosphates are an essential mineral, but high phosphorous intake has been linked to reduced bone density. In reality, Gatorade Zero contains less than one milligram of phosphate per eight-ounce serving. This amount is well below the daily recommended phosphate intake. Additionally, phosphates are mainly found in the Gatorade powder, not the liquid form. Athletes who consume the powder form of Gatorade will be exposed to much higher phosphorous levels than those who drink the Gatorade Zero liquid.
Gatorade Zero is filled with chemicals and artificial ingredients.
Another common concern about Gatorade Zero is that it contains harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients. Indeed, the Gatorade website does list a long list of ingredients, but many of these are harmless and necessary for the product to function properly. For example, the artificial colors in Gatorade Zero are added to make the drink more visually appealing. Gatorade also includes potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and xanthan gum as ingredients. While these are not natural ingredients, they are not necessarily harmful.
Gatorade Zero can cause stomach distress and diarrhea.
Some athletes worry that Gatorade Zero will cause gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea. This is a legitimate concern, as some athletes have reported experiencing stomach issues after consuming Gatorade. However, it is possible that these athletes were consuming the wrong type of Gatorade or consuming it at the wrong time. Gatorade is formulated with significant amounts of electrolytes to rehydrate athletes and prevent dehydration. However, Gatorade also includes high amounts of carbohydrates, which may not be ideal for athletes who are attempting to lose weight. To prevent stomach issues, athletes should select a Gatorade formula that is lower in carbohydrates.
Gatorade Zero should not be a part of a healthy diet.
Many athletes worry that they should avoid Gatorade Zero because it is not a part of a healthy diet. Indeed, Gatorade is not a healthy product, but athletes should not feel guilty for consuming it occasionally. Gatorade contains significant amounts of sugar, sodium, and calories, which is why it should be consumed sparingly. However, athletes should not feel guilty if they occasionally consume Gatorade before, during, or after a sporting event. Gatorade is not a daily beverage and does not provide the same health benefits as water. Athletes should choose water as their primary rehydration beverage.
Gatorade Zero does not restore important nutrients lost in sweat.
Another concern about Gatorade is that it does not provide any nutritional benefits. While this is true for Gatorade, it does not apply to Gatorade Zero. Gatorade Zero is free of electrolytes and carbohydrates, which makes it an excellent post-workout recovery beverage. Gatorade Zero provides the same benefits as water and can help athletes recover from strenuous exercise.
Benefits Of Gatorade Zero
- Gatorade Zero provides appropriate levels of electrolytes for athletes and is not a concern for unhealthy diets.
- Gatorade Zero does not contain carbohydrates, which is why it does not promote weight gain or insulin resistance in the body.
- Athletes can choose from various flavors of Gatorade Zero, which means they can select a flavor that fits their tastes and dietary needs.
- For athletes who want to lose weight, Gatorade Zero is an excellent choice because it provides all the energy needed for exercise without adding any unnecessary calories.
- To prevent stomach issues with Gatorade, athletes should select a formula that is lower in carbohydrates (i.e., choose unsweetened).
Drawbacks Of Gatorade Zero
- Gatorade Zero does not contain the same electrolytes (sodium and potassium) as Gatorade.
- There are no added vitamins or minerals in Gatorade Zero, which means it is not an excellent choice for athletes who desire additional nutrients.
- Athletes will have to select a flavor they like and then consume it regularly. Otherwise, they will be tempted to switch back to other flavors in the future.
- To prevent stomach issues with Gatorade, athletes should select a formula that is lower in carbohydrates (i.e., choose unsweetened).
Final words
In summary, Gatorade is not bad for your health as long as you consume it in moderation. Gatorade Zero is an excellent alternative to sugary sports drinks and provides many of the same benefits. Gatorade Zero provides just enough electrolytes and carbohydrates to help athletes rehydrate and recover from exercise. Athletes who consume Gatorade Zero will likely experience less stomach distress and fewer gastrointestinal issues than those who consume traditional Gatorade. Gatorade Zero is good for you, but it should only be consumed occasionally.
FAQs:
How is Gatorade different from Gatorade Zero?
Gatorade Zero contains no carbohydrates and is formulated to provide electrolytes, but it does not contain the same amount of electrolytes as traditional Gatorade.
What are the ingredients in Gatorade Zero?
The main ingredients in Gatorade Zero are water, sucrose, glucose and potassium chloride (potassium citrate).
What is “sucrose”?
Sucrose is a carbohydrate that consists of one molecule of glucose bound to one molecule of fructose (a type of sugar). The majority of table sugar comes from refined sucrose which is made by removing the part that contains fructose from table sugar cane or beetroot and then processing it further into granulated or powdered form. Sucrose has a slightly sweet taste and can be used as an ingredient in many foods and drinks, especially soft drinks such as cola and fruit juices such as orange juice and pineapple juice. As sucrose contains only glucose bound to fructose, it does not have any anti-diabetic properties like other sugars like lactose (milk sugar) do; however, sucrose can still be used by diabetics because it does not raise blood glucose levels as other sugars do.
