People often get confused with the difference between sports drinks and energy drinks. They seem to be similar, but they actually aren’t. The two have very distinctive ingredients and effects. So, before purchasing or consuming either drink, continue reading below to understand the differences between sports drinks vs energy drinks!
In this article, you can learn more about
– What sports drinks and energy drinks are,
– The ingredients used in sports drinks and energy drinks,
– The effects of sports drinks and energy drinks, and
– Which one that is generally better and healthier.
Overview
If you listen to the ads, you may get confused because sports drinks and energy drinks are often advertised to have similar effects. Many products claim to be able to give you more energy, enhanced performance, and improved concentration. However, sports drinks and energy drinks do have different formulas. See also: Red Bull vs Coffee.
Sports drinks are mainly designed to rehydrate the body. Sports drinks are made to replace the water and electrolytes that have been lost due to sweating. As a note, electrolytes are basically minerals, and included in this group are sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They help to keep the body’s fluid balance at the proper level. Some sports drinks may also restore carbohydrates.
On the other hand, energy drinks are made to enhance your energy levels. This may be achieved by the use of one or more stimulant agents. People usually drink energy drinks to increase energy, improve endurance, improve concentration, or aid in weight loss.
Ingredients
Sports drinks usually contain water and minerals, as they are made to restore the body’s water and electrolytes. Many sports drinks also contain sugars. Some products may have very high sugar levels, so choose your drink carefully. They don’t normally contain stimulants.
On the other hand, according to Livestrong, the primary ingredient used in many energy drinks is caffeine. This is because caffeine can give the desired effects effectively, and caffeine has been recognized to be generally safe. Other common ingredients include taurine, guarana extract, sugars, vitamins, and minerals.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
You may benefit from a sports drink if you have sweated very much after an intense or prolonged activity. It is even considered essential for long-distance runners and cyclists, as a sports drink can quickly rehydrate and replace electrolytes. However, you don’t need a sports drink after a short activity or exercise.
Sports drinks are generally considered legal as long as they don’t contain stimulants.The only downside of sports drinks is the high sugar content. If you haven’t exercised long or hard enough, the high sugar content may lead to weight gain. The sugars may also cause dental problems.
On the other hand, energy drinks are indeed effective for keeping you awake and concentrated. Energy drinks can improve your energy and endurance. However, some energy drinks are banned in some sports due to their stimulating effects.
Energy drinks carry more health risks, as the stimulants may cause a dependence effect. High doses of caffeine may cause insomnia, headaches, anxiety, trembling, rapid heart rate, and stomach problems. High amounts of caffeine may cause pregnancy problems. The interaction between caffeine and alcohol can be dangerous.
Sports Drinks vs Energy Drinks
| Sports Drinks | Energy Drinks |
|---|---|
| - Made to quickly rehydrate the body and replace electrolytes | - Made to enhance energy, endurance, and concentration |
| - Contain water, minerals, sugars | - Caffeine, taurine, guarana extract, sugars, vitamins, and minerals |
| - No stimulating effects | - May have stimulating effects |
| - High sugar may cause weight gain and dental problems | - May cause dependence, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, trembling, rapid heart rate, and stomach problems |
Conclusion
Sports drinks are made to quickly rehydrate and replace electrolytes. Sports drinks simply contain water, minerals, and sugars. Sports drinks are generally more recommended due to the lower health risks, but you actually only need a sports drink after a long, intense activity. On the other hand, energy drinks have stimulating effects and aren’t recommended due to the health risks.