We see it all the time especially in professional games.
But why exactly do basketball players drink Gatorade?
Basketball players drink Gatorade because it provides electrolytes and carbohydrates. This lets them replenish their energy and provides minerals that allows them to be on top of their game. Plus, they’re even flavored.
But is Gatorade healthy for players? Do NBA players actually drink them? In this post, we’ll dig for answers.
Why do Basketball Players Drink Gatorade?
You may have seen a lot of basketball players especially the pros drink Gatorade. The drink has become synonymous with sports that we see them everywhere.
But why exactly are they consumed by basketball players?
The simple answer is that Gatorade provides electrolytes and carbohydrates. This lets you replenish your energy which is lost during games.
They’re better than just drinking water since they have other ingredients that provide you additional minerals.
In its basic form, it’s sugar water. It’s good for hydrating during a sports event when you know you’ll spend a lot of energy to do things.
Also, they come in different flavors such as Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, Orange, Riptide Rush and more.
Does the NBA and Gatorade have a Partnership?
The NBA and Gatorade has been in partnership since 1984. Gatorade is the NBA’s official sports drink partner which means that they provide all the drinks that the league uses.
In exchange, their products get to be in every game. Every cup that you see have their logo.
There are 82 games in a regular season for each team so you can imagine the exposure that they get.
Because of this partnership along with other contracts, they rake in billions of dollars in revenue each year.
Gatorade also sponsor players such as Zion Williamson, Jayson Taytum, Paul George and Karl Anthony-Towns.
They get money and get sponsored with Gatorade drinks in exchange for promoting the brand.
Do NBA Players Actually Drink Gatorade?
Yes, NBA players actually drink Gatorade. You’ll see them drink during games as there’s a specific place for the Gatorade products in the bench.
But since Gatorade is basically sugar water, drinking a lot of it can be considered unhealthy. So, fans question whether they’re actually drinking Gatorade or just water with the Gatorade logo in the cups.
There’s no definite way to know this but it could also be that they water it down.
But ultimately, an NBA player is more active than your average human so drinking Gatorade won’t actually have adverse effects.
NBA players typically follow a strict diet to stay on tip-top shape. Plus they regularly work out and play games so Gatorade won’t make them unhealthy.
Should You Drink Gatorade?
If you can afford to drink Gatorade during a basketball game, then it’s worth it. But if you’re not going to participate in a sports activity, then it might not be worth it.
Remember that Gatorade contains lots of sugar to provide a quick burst of energy. So, if you decide to drink it, keep it in moderation.
Alternatives to Gatorade
Because Gatorade has become synonymous with basketball, it’s hard to break out of it. But you don’t need to drink Gatorade every time you play.
Here are some alternatives to Gatorade:
Water
The best alternative to Gatorade is still pure water. It might not provide you with electrolytes and carbohydrates, but it will keep you hydrated.
A lot of basketball players just stick to water when playing. They don’t need anything fancy especially since Gatorade isn’t cheap.
Coconut Water
If you don’t want the boring taste of water, you can try coconut water. It provides electrolytes and it can provide other benefits.
It’s also coconut flavored so you won’t get bored drinking it.
Lemon Water
There’s also the option of drinking water with lemon. This helps you stay hydrated and keeps your body temperature.
It’s a healthier alternative to Gatorade and it’s so cheap to make. You can insert slices of lemon on your jug of water and you’re good to go.
Final Words
Gatorade allows basketball players to gain a quick burst of energy necessary to perform at their best. Although Gatorade has many benefits, they should be consumed in moderation.
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