Gatorade Nutrition Facts and Information

Gatorade Nutrition Facts and Information
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Gatorade Information and History

Sports drinks bestow several benefits to individuals and are usually used as thirst-quenchers and nutrient replenishes during physical activity events. Sports drinks are non-carbonated drinks that replenish and rehydrate the body. Besides rehydration, sports drinks are formulated to replenish nutrients including electrolytes and carbohydrates. Among popular sports drinks, Gatorade is well-known as a nutrient-replenisher sports drink for dehydrated players. To know more about this brand of sports drink, it is very important to comprehend Gatorade nutrition facts.

The Gatorade thirst-quencher was first formulated in 1965 by medical researchers Dana Shires, Robert Cade, Alejandro de Quesada and Harry James Free at the University of Florida. The name “Gatorade” owes its origin to the Gators football team. A healthy blend of lemon juice, water, phosphate, potassium, sugar and sodium was suggested by Robert Cade to avoid any dehydration issues during football practices. This idea impressed the Gators team football coach, Ray Graves and this drink played an important role in Gators win at the Orange Bowl. The drink was later licensed and marketed by Quaker Oats and today Gatorade is one of the most popular sports drink in the market. Here are some key nutritional facts about Gatorade:

Gatorade Nutrition Facts: Is Gatorade a Good Thirst-Quencher and Nutrient Restorer?

Before we delve deep into the nutrition facts, we need to understand the key ingredients of Gatorade. Scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) have conducted serious studies and experiments to comprehend the correlation of exercise science and sports nutrition. With the latest scientific equipment, the GSSI scientist’s study the link and effects between environment, exercise and nutrition and then formulate a perfect Gatorade flavored drink with the right nutrients.

The Gatorade sports drink consists of about 6 percent carbohydrate solution, and a balanced blend of potassium, sodium and chloride besides sugar, water and added flavors. The following Gatorade nutrition facts will shed light on its importance to athletes and sportspersons. These nutrition facts of Gatorade are based on one 8 fl oz. serving (fl oz=fluid ounces). (8 fl oz=1 cup)

  • Total carbohydrate in an 8 fl oz. serving is 16 g and the total sugar content is 13 g

  • The electrolytes in Gatorade replenish key minerals. According to Gatorade, an 8-oz. drink consists of 93 mg of chloride, 36.6 mg of potassium and 95 mg of sodium.

  • Gatorade contains zero protein. It is not an energy drink, but rather a replacement of water. The sports drink contains added nutrients that replenish the nutrients lost due to physical activity.

  • Drinking Gatorade also balances the pH of an athlete’s body, which helps him consume fluids easily. The pH level in Gatorade is 3.3.

  • Gatorade does not contain any saturated or trans-fat neither cholesterol. However, an 8 fl oz. serving contains one percent iron and 2 percent Vitamin C.

  • An 8 fl oz. serving contains 50 calories. A bottle will generally contain approximately 150-200 calories.

On paper, Gatorade nutrition facts render this sports drink a perfect thirst-quencher and quick energy booster. However, researchers claim that the acidity in Gatorade can cause dental erosion. The sodium content is also a worrying factor as it can induce muscle cramps, if too much Gatorade is consumed. Gatorade may be a good choice to restore nutrients and quench your thirst during endurance sports activities, but too much frequent consumption can be unhealthy.

References

“Gatorade Nutrition Facts” Gatorade Official Website: https://www.gatorade.com/default.aspx#product?s=gatorade-g

“Sports Drink Dental Erosion” Sports Injury Bulletin: https://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/sports-drinks-dental-erosion.htm

Gatorade History: Wikipedia