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Description of Gatorade

Gatorade is the original sports drink developed in 1965 for football players at the University of Florida. The assistant coach of the Gators had problems with his athletes being affected by the heat and heat-related illnesses and realized drinking water was not helping them rehydrate.

  1. What is in Gatorade?

    • Gatorade is a balanced carbohydrate, electrolyte and fluid drink. It contains carbohydrates in the form of sucrose, glucose and fructose and electrolytes in the form of potassium and sodium.

    Benefits

    • Drinking Gatorade replenishes fluids and electrolytes that are lost through sweat. Gatorade also replenishes carbohydrates, which are burned through strenuous physical activity.

    Misconceptions

    • Gatorade does not contain caffeine. Gatorade is not just for athletes and is recommended by pediatricians to help keep children hydrated.

    Effects

    • Due to the success of Gatorade, the University of Florida has earned more than $80 million since 1973. The money has been used to fund the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, the university's Genetics Institute and many other research projects.

    Fun Fact

    • In 1983, Gatorade became the official sports drink of the National Football League. Gatorade is also the official sports drink of the National Basketball Association, AVP (professional beach volleyball), the PGA of America (golf), Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and numerous professional sports teams.

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