Sports Drinks Key Terms

Drink up to the best of sports drinks common terms

Energy drinks are a hot commodity, whether provided to office environments or to larger sports-related businesses. It's imperative that you become familiar with some sports drinks key terms in order to offer the highest-quality products. If a client desires sports drinks, then you must know the difference between those and energy drinks. Mixing the two would be damaging to your reputation. But if you familiarize yourself with common terms, then you should be well on your way to a profitable business.

 

Sports drinks

Sports drinks are geared more toward hydrating the body after a sporting event. Whether it's after a grueling football game or a workout, sports drinks contain water, sodium, potassium and sugar to provide the body with hydrating fluids and offer a boost for the muscles after a tough bout of exercise.
Try: Learn what the three popular sports drinks brands are at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks aim to boost a person's energy through a mix of caffeine and sugar. These drinks are geared more toward the college-age crowd or those under the age of 30. A popular stimulant added to energy drinks is ginseng.
Try: Visit Brown University to learn more about energy drinks.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is added to energy drinks to provide an extra boost and elevate moods. Caffeine is not stored in the body, but if ingested, people may feel its effects for up to six hours.
Try: Look to The Nemours Foundation to learn more about caffeine.

Sodium

Sodium is a mineral found in many sports drinks. It's used in these drinks to spurn thirst, making people want to drink it more. Sodium is required for normal day-to-day body functions, and in athletes, it is lost faster due to sweating.
Try: Learn more about sodium at SportsMed Web.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes serve several functions when ingested: they maintain acid levels and control the osmosis of water within the body, both of which are vital when people exercise. Located in sports drinks, electrolyte concentrations are found in sodium chloride or potassium chloride.
Try: Learn how electrolytes work at HowStuffWorks.

Carbohydrates

Sports drinks are loaded with carbohydrates to help replenish fluids lost due to exercising. The higher rate of carbohydrates in the drink means that it takes more time to leave the stomach.
Try: Visit MamasHealth to learn more about carbohydrates in sports drinks.

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