Water: An Overlooked Nutrient, Essay Example

As requested, I have analyzed the nutrient benefits of Powerade, Gatorade and water and after comparing the data, it seems that water is the most efficient and cost effective way for people to stay hydrated. Although Powerade and Gatorade are packed with electrolytes which aid in hydration, the sugar in the drinks counteracts the positive benefits of the supposed “health drinks.” When it comes to hydrating, water does just as good of a job as Powerade and Gatorade to help the body restore itself from heat or exercise.

A serving of Gatorade contains 100 calories, 30 mg of potassium, 25 grams of sugar, 8 grams of protein and an assortment of vitamins, such as B-6, iron, and niacin. A serving of Powerade contains 130 calories, 250 mg of potassium, 34 grams of sugar, no protein and no vitamins. Water has no calories, no sugar, no carbs or vitamins.

Generally, a bottle of Gatorade costs around $2.00-$2.50, the same price of a bottle of Powerade. For the same amount of bottled water, a customer can expect to pay around $1.50 maximum. Not only does water hydrate as well as the popular sports drinks, but it is also more cost efficient.

Powerade and Gatorade are good choices when someone is exerting high levels of energy, and at risk of losing electrolytes, but when it comes to hydrating, the two are no better than water. They are also more costly. Because of these reasons, I recommend water for most purposes of hydration.