James E. Sullivan advised, “Don’t get in to the habit of drinking and eating in a marathon race; some prominent runners do, but it is not beneficial” (A Short History of Sports Drinks and the Science Behind Them). This quote shows how sports drink as a whole has been a new concept in the last century, as that quote nowadays would be looked at as foolish. In 1927, “Lucozade” was developed by William Owen, which was citrus flavored sugar water (A Short History of Sports Drinks and the Science Behind Them). Felice Kosakavich says, “The composition of high-protein low-carbohydrates will provide the extra protein needed pre and post workout for recovery” (Healthline).
The act of sweating during exercise is the main way the body regulates its heat (Sweat Glands and Perspiration Information). Sweat that our body produces mostly contains electrolytes and water and 1% of the total volume of sweat we produce contains proteins (Sweat Glands and Perspiration Information). Sports drinks are more likely to have high electrolyte levels due to the fact that you lose electrolytes through the process of sweating (Electrolytes and Sports Drinks).
Chocolate milk can help repair muscles after a workout as it is a good source of protein and carbs for athletes (D'Berry). Muscle milk products often contain carbohydrates and a high fat content (Willett). Muscle milk is also high in calories and protein which could increase weight in the individual (Willett). Red Bull is an energy drink that contains large amounts of sugar and caffeine (Reynolds). Orange Juice has a healthy amount of Vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and helps athletes to prevent colds and illness (Baur). Gatorade is a sports drink that is a combination of carbohydrates, water, and electrolytes (Wickford). Gatorade also can help prevent dehydration as it is rich in sodium, which helps maintain the balance of water in the body’s cells (Wickford). Water helps regulate body temperature, lubricant joints, transport nutrients, and keep you healthy which all can be beneficial for athletes (Hydration for Athletes). Water also maintains blood volume and helps in muscle contractions (The Effects of Hydration on Athletic Performance). Sweating is the mechanisms of the body that helps regulate body temperature, as you sweat, your body is cooled down (The Effects of Hydration on Athletic Performance).
A pH value is any number from one to fourteen indicating the level of acidity or alkalinity in the substance (Which of Your Friends Needs to Learn This Term). In athletes, an acidic environment causes impairs in the performance of the muscle and leads to fatigue which puts a stronger focus on giving athletes higher alkalinity (Applegate). Digesting food with high alkaline levels have many health benefits for an athlete, such as memory, decreasing pain, increasing the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria, lowering risk of hypertension and it generally keeps you healthy (Difference : Acidic & Alkaline Food).
Conductivity is how fast water can go through an electrical current (Conductivity, Salinity & Total Dissolved Solids). When a solution has a lot of ions that have dissolved it is called an electrolyte (Conductivity, Salinity & Total Dissolved Solids). Electrolytes are used to conduct electricity and send electrical impulses around the body, such as muscle contractions, which is important for any athlete (Electrolytes and Sports Drinks). The best electrolytes are the ones with the highest conductivity of electricity as it has the most ions in the solution (Electrolytes, Ionization and Conductivity).
Lipids provide stored energy in the form of fats, however eating too many fats can be counterproductive for athletes (The Athlete's Nutrition Needs).
The biuret test is a test that determines if the solution has proteins or not (Bank). Protein is important for athletes in building mass but eating too much is not beneficial for athletes as it doesn’t mean a toned body (Protein and the Athlete – How Much Do You Need).
The Benedict’s test is used to identify if the solution has any simple carbohydrates and reducing sugars in it (Aryal). Carbohydrates are important because they are the main source of fuel and when your intake is too low, your body breaks down muscle for fuel which is really bad for performance (An Athlete's Guide to Carbohydrates). Simple carbohydrates deliver energy fast which is useful for athletes; carbohydrates are the good before, during, and after exercise (An Athlete's Guide to Carbohydrates). The Barfoed’s test indicates the presence of monosaccharides in the solution (Objective). Our body can use monosaccharides for energy quickly as they can use them immediately (Anderson).
The Seliwanoff test indicates the presence of fructose and sucrose through the presence of aldoses and ketoses (Tests for Specific Carbohydrates: Seliwanoff's Test, Bial's Test and Iodine Test). These disaccharides are absorbed by body quickly and create energy fast (Anderson). The Iodine test indicates the presence of a specific carbohydrate in the form of starch (polysaccharide). (Tests for Specific Carbohydrates: Seliwanoff's Test, Bial's Test and Iodine Test). Starch takes longer to digest and break down, since they are complex carbohydrates (Anderson).