What to drink when you are an athlete? There are several alcohol-free drinks that are recommended for athletes. Mineral water is the best option to ensure good hydration, but there are also sports drinks that contain minerals such as sodium to help get water into the bloodstream. But there are also tastier and more enjoyable options such as non-alcoholic beer or de-alcoholised wine.
Alcohol-free beer is an isotonic drink
0.0 beers can be a good choice for athletes, as several studies have shown that they contain small amounts of magnesium, potassium and silicon, which are beneficial to the body. In addition, alcohol-free beer is an isotonic drink that helps to rebalance the water and mineral deficits that occur after sport, providing glucose, which also serves to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. Non-alcoholic beer has also been shown to reduce inflammation and prevent injury in athletes.
Non-alcoholic wine provides nutrients
A good drink for athletes is de-alcoholised wine because it does not contain alcohol, which means it will not adversely affect sports performance. Alcohol-free wine retains all the taste, aroma and texture of traditional wine, but, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) database, it only contains about 6 calories per 100g. That means it has 14 times fewer calories than red wine (85 Kcal/100 g); white wine (82 Kcal/100 g) or rosé wine (83 Kcal/100 g).
Alcohol-free wine is therefore not fattening, but there is more: because it does not contain alcohol, it prevents the accumulation of fat, which, as well as avoiding unsightly fat, reduces the risk of diseases such as stroke and hypertension, and also contains antioxidants and other nutrients beneficial to the body, such as polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent injuries in sportsmen and women.
But is alcohol really that bad for athletes?
Yes, alcohol has a direct impact on sports. Some of the reasons why alcohol intake is discouraged for athletes are:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic substance that can dehydrate the body, which can negatively affect physical performance and the ability to recover after exercise.
- Nutrient loss: Alcohol can affect the body’s ability to absorb and use important nutrients, such as protein, which can delay muscle recovery after exercise.
- Sleep and rest problems: Alcohol can negatively affect sleep and rest, which can be crucial for performance and proper recovery.
- Temperature regulation problems: Alcohol can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can increase the risk of injury and illness.
- Risk of injury: Alcohol can affect concentration and balance, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Sports performance: Alcohol can reduce the body’s ability to produce energy, which can negatively affect sports performance.
In short, alcohol consumption is not recommended for athletes, as it can negatively affect their performance and overall health. The good news is that alcohol-free drinks such as alcohol-free beers, non-alcoholic wines and alcohol-free cocktails are a good option for those who love sport.
