Fitness
Sports Drinks: Do You Need Them?

Have you ever wondered if sports drinks really hydrate your body better than water? In short, the answer is no. There's still no substitute for clear, fresh water when it comes to replacing the water in your body that's lost when you exercise. And with zero calories, it's the thirst quencher of choice for people who are trying to manage their weight.

However, that doesn't mean sports drinks don't have their place. Sports drinks contain minerals called electrolytes (including salt and potassium) that your body loses when you sweat. Electrolytes are necessary for carrying out many functions in the body, so replacing lost electrolytes with a sports drink can be beneficial when you're exercising for more than 60 minutes at a time or when you are sweating excessively, as in hot weather.

Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of sports drinks. Read more