Is Body Armor Healthier Than Gatorade?
When it comes to staying hydrated during physical activities, many people reach for sports drinks like Gatorade to replenish electrolytes and keep their body fueled. However, a newer player in the game, Body Armor, claims to be a healthier and more natural alternative to traditional sports drinks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Body Armor and Gatorade, and determine which one is better for your health and athletic performance.
Body Armor vs. Gatorade: Comparing Ingredients
Firstly, let’s compare the ingredients. Gatorade contains water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, natural flavors, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, modified food starch, and glycerol ester of rosin. Some of these ingredients, such as modified food starch and glycerol ester of rosin, are artificial additives that some people may want to steer clear of.
On the other hand, Body Armor includes water, coconut water concentrate, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium phosphate, cane sugar, vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12, and various fruit and vegetable juices. One possible advantage of Body Armor is its use of coconut water concentrate, which contains more electrolytes compared to plain water. Additionally, the inclusion of fruit and vegetable juices provides antioxidants and other nutrients that support overall wellness. Overall, the ingredient list for Body Armor appears more natural and less processed compared to Gatorade.
Body Armor vs. Gatorade: Nutrition Facts
Another important factor to consider is the nutrition facts of both beverages. Gatorade provides 140 calories per 12-ounce serving, with 34 grams of carbohydrates, 270 milligrams of sodium, and 75 milligrams of potassium. Its carbohydrate content, specifically its high sugar content, is necessary to provide quick energy during activity but can also contribute to a sugar crash afterward.
Body Armor, on the other hand, offers 70 calories per 12-ounce serving, with 18 grams of carbohydrates, 40 milligrams of sodium, and 100 milligrams of potassium. With half the calories and sugar content of Gatorade, Body Armor may be a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake but still need to replenish their electrolytes.
Body Armor vs. Gatorade: Taste and Flavor Variety
A subjective factor to consider is taste and flavor variety. Gatorade offers a wide selection of flavors, from classic options like lemon-lime and fruit punch to newer flavors like tropical mango and glacier cherry. Body Armor also offers a variety of flavors, such as fruit punch, strawberry banana, and orange mango. Taste preference ultimately comes down to personal preference, so it’s wise to try a few different options to see which one you like best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Body Armor and Gatorade have their own strengths and weaknesses. Body Armor offers a more natural ingredient list, fewer calories and sugar, and a decent amount of electrolytes. Gatorade, on the other hand, has been a trusted sports drink for years and provides a quick energy boost during activity.
It’s important to note that sports drinks should only be consumed during intense physical activities that last longer than an hour, as they can provide additional hydration and energy that plain water may not offer. For those who are looking for a healthier option, Body Armor may be the better choice due to its use of natural ingredients and lower calorie and sugar content.
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