The human body needs a good amount of water for proper functioning. The approximate and recommended fluid intake is 2.7 for adult women and 3.6 for adult men. It is important to keep the body hydrated throughout the day by consuming the right amounts of fluid. This is a much more serious matter for athletes and other sportspersons. During competitions and training sessions, they will lose much more water content than in the case of a normal human being.
Most of you would have noticed how the competitors in sports events always sip bright-colored sports drinks. These are said to be the perfect option for the intake of essential electrolytes for the better working of muscles. It can boost energy before a run or any other sport.
There are a wide variety of sports drinks available in the market today. They are mainly classified into three types depending on the level of salt and sugar content; Isotonic, Hypertonic, and Hypotonic. It is important to choose the right drink so that no adverse health conditions are caused as a result of its consumption. Pocari Sweat and Gatorade are two major competitor brands in the sports drink industry. Let us take a look at the particularities of each:
While searching for a sports drink in the supermarket, there are a few questions any consumer would have in their mind:
- Which brand hydrates better?
- Which one has the right and healthy amount of sugar and electrolytes?
- What are the nutritional facts of each brand?
Table of Contents
POCARI SWEAT
Pocari Sweat is described as the Asian answer to Gatorade in the business line. It was first launched in 1980 by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka. There was a time this nutraceutical by Otsuka was consumed as a “first aid” against diseases like dengue fever or diarrhea. Now, it has turned out to be one of the best picks among the sports drinks sold in the Asian market. It is known for its acceptance among athletes. Pocari Sweat is found to be rich in electrolytes for the healthy functioning of muscles. You can see them stocked in vending machines and supermarkets. The company even became the brand ambassador for the 2020 summer Olympics.
Though the first version of the drink was made in several bright colors, now it comes in ordinary plain watercolor.
The nutritional values in a 100g pouch of Pocari Sweat:
- Energy: 98 kcal
- Sugars: 21.3g
- Dietary fiber: 5.5g
- Salt-equivalent: 0.11g
- Potassium: 18mg
- Calcium: 1.8mg
- Magnesium: 0.5mg
Pocari Sweat is free of all chemical ingredients and should be consumed the same day the seal is broken. The Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium contents are all responsible for the electrolyte content in the drink.
GATORADE
Initially made in 1965 for the student athletic team of the University of Florida, Gatorade is now popular in over 80 countries around the world by Pepsico. In the early days, Lemon Lime and Orange were the only two flavors available from the Gatorade range of products but now it has grown to have a wide variety of flavors like the Cool Blue, Fierce Green Apple, and Frost Glacier Cherry.
There are different subvarieties of Gatorade, like the Taste Quenchers, G Zero, etc. These are basically strong in their hydration properties or have protein content that helps in muscle repair. Thus Gatorade offers an all-around sports drink experience with improved energy for the users. It still sells bright-colored drinks. Gatorade is one of the major sponsors of several sports events and hence has found a place among sports enthusiasts around the world. The brand has also placed claim on how its product is even better than water.
It is known that a 560g serving of “Thirst Quencher”, a drink by the brand, is roughly around 36 grams of sugar. A level that is considered unhealthy for people of all ages. Surveys have shown that this high sugar level contributes to obesity from a very early age.
The nutritional values in a 360ml of Gatorade:
- Energy: 98 kcal
- Sugars: 42g
- Potassium: 50mg
- Sodium: 160mg
From the list provided above, it’s apparent that the electrolyte count in Gatorade is high, which approves it as a suitable electrolyte replacement for athletes and other individuals engaged in sports.
Ending with a Healthy Reminder…
Though sports drinks are said to keep you hydrated and provide all the necessary electrolytes, the sugar content in these drinks can turn out to be extremely harmful. It can cause weight gain, diabetes, blood pressure due to the high levels of Sodium, etc.
Hence, it is important to make your choice based on thorough research. Take the advice of a medical expert and pick the right fluid that can keep you hydrated always. Above all remember to Stay Hydrated!!
