Water and electrolytes are essential for keeping the body hydrated and healthy. Most people are aware of the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise. But one should not forget the importance of keeping the body well hydrated during workouts. For many people drinking plain water is really boring. Sport drinks are a special type of beverage which provides the body with water and other necessary fluids containing carbohydrates and electrolytes. Similarly, vitamin water is a specially formulated drink that contains nutrients which are lacking in plain water. Such drinks not only hydrate the body but also provide it with useful vitamins and nutrients necessary for replenishment.
Types Of Sport Drinks
Most people are aware about the long term benefits of exercise. But exercise and intense physical activity can deplete the body of necessary fluids and even contribute to oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Sport drinks are an alternative to replenish these losses. They also help prevent the body from experiencing a great increase in body temperature during the workout session. Sport drinks can be classified into three different types:
- Isotonic — These types of drinks are preferred by athletes who play team sports like football and rugby. They replace necessary fluids lost by sweating and increase energy levels by providing carbohydrates. These drinks can be consumed before, during and after physical activity.
- Hypotonic — These drinks replace fluids lost due to physical activity but contain a low level of carbohydrates. Hypotonic drinks are suitable for a person who has just finished a game of tennis or an aerobics session as they do not provide a burst of energy but only replace lost fluids.
- Hypertonic — These have higher carbohydrate content than Isotonic and Hypotonic drinks. They do not re-hydrate the body immediately as they are absorbed slowly by the body and replace lost energy rather than fluids.
Choosing A Sport Drink
Although there is no one sport drink that meets the needs of all athletes in all situations, there are many drinks that contain ingredients like antioxidants, B-complex vitamins and some herbal extracts suited for specific needs. It is important to choose a sport drink that offers a minimum concentration of active components. Most of the active ingredients contain metallic or bitter flavors and so you should choose a drink that has a balance of sweetness, saltiness and acidity.
Examine the usage of multi-functional ingredients in the drink. Carbohydrate components can be available in the form of sucrose, glucose and fructose. Sugar is not only a sweetener but also an energy source and osmotic-balancing agent. Phosphate salts help in isotonic balance and contribute buffer acid, which is important for microbial and color stability.
You should test a few brands before purchasing your sport drink as this will help in choosing a drink which is suitable for you. A person is more likely to drink it throughout the workout if the taste is enjoyable.
Benefits Of Vitamin Waters
Although water has plenty of benefits but drinking plain water all the time can be really boring. Vitamin water provides the benefits of water along with enjoyable flavors and added nutrients which can replenish the body. These drinks can also provide anti-aging effects because of their anti-oxidant contents. These antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that cause cell damage and serious eye diseases.
Vitamin drinks also provide the vitamins essential for the body. So drinking this water gives you the benefit of water and vitamin replenishment at the same time. There are a number of vitamin water brands that offer both quality and choice. Most of them offer the essential nutrients and vitamins to keep you fit and healthy. You can choose the one with the necessary ingredients and an appealing flavor and look forward to a tastier and healthier alternative to simple plain water.
