Why you should avoid sports drinks

Sports drinks promise to rehydrate and refuel your body during exercise, making them seem like an ideal addition to your gym bag. However, while sports drinks may be beneficial to some, for most people the cons far outweigh the pros.

1. They are loaded with sugar 

While they may have vitamins and minerals, many sports drinks contain as much as eight teaspoons of sugar per 250ml, roughly as much as a regular soda.

2. They contain caffeine 

Caffeine can give you an energy boost but used too often it is harmful to your nervous system, causing dizziness and even raising your blood pressure.

3. They replace water 

Sports drinks may be useful after 45 minutes of strenuous exercise but for most people hydrating with water is far more important.

4. Unproven claims 

Energy drink companies can rarely, if ever, prove claims of improved performance as a result of energy drinks so when in doubt, stick to water!