Re: What provides more energy: gatoraide or sugar cane juice?

Hi, Carlos.  This is a great question.  A lot of research has been done on 
the effects of food and drink regarding performance in sporting events.
It all depends on several factors.  During light and moderate excercise 
the muscles run on free fatty acids, glycogen and glucose, whereas the 
body draws primarily on its glycogen reserves for long and strenuous 
activities.  Apart from drinks, there are sports diets based 
on  'carbohydrate loading', designed to increase glycogen reserves.  
Different climatic conditions will also dictate the type of drink you 
choose, (more on this later).
A particular drink exisits that is well adapted for sports.  This drink is 
one that has considerable advantage over the ones you mentioned and its 
price is even cheaper than sugarcane juice.  This product is not promoted 
by big business either.  What is this special product?  WATER!
The advantages and necessity of drinking water is well documented.  Water 
passes more quickly through the intestines, enabling the cells to receive 
nutrients faster, provides hydration, regulates body temperature, 
maintains blood volumes and pressure, helps supply oxygen and removes 
waste more efficiently than any other 'sports drink.'
In 1956 Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay became the first successful 
climbers to scale Mt. Everest.  They knew the importance of water, for 
they took along enough fuel to melt about 3 quarts of water a day for each 
person in their final ascent to the summit.
However, there may be a place for sports drinks under certain 
circumstances.  But first, let me tell you why sugarcane juice is not a 
recommended energy source.  The main reason is because it contains too 
much sugar.  Instead of providing quick energy, the sugar content of 
sugarcane juice may hinder performance by slowing gastric emptying, thus 
delaying the passage of nutrients and oxygen to cells.  It may also cause 
a hypoglycemic effect because the body secretes insulin resulting in 
lowering blood sugar levels and causing earlier onset of fatigue and 
hunger pangs, while retarding the use of fat for energy.  Too much sugar 
may also cause bloating and gas pains due to sugar's osmotic effect on 
cells.  Worse, it may actually speed up the depletion of glycogen.
Another problem with sugarcane juice is possible bacterial contamination.  
In India, sugarcane juice caused illness after contaminated water was used 
to make it and crushed ice.  As well, high levels of pesticides are used 
to maintain sugarcane crop.  In fairness, residues of atrazine have been 
detected at only 1/5th the maximum allowable limit set by the U.S. E.P.A.
In general, sports drinks such as Gatorade contain more minerals and sugar 
than is needed.  If you are going to use them, make a 50/50 dilution with 
water.  They should be considered only for strenuous long endurance 
activities, lasting 2 hours or more, such as a marathon.  Such high 
intensity excercise can benefit from a small amount of sugar, preferably 
in the form of glucose, as this is the most rapidly absorbed form.  
Fructose is also quickly absorbed and has the added advantage of 
minimizing insulin release.
It's important not to drink too much at once as this could cause 
undesirable side effects.  Gatorade contains 6% carbohydrates derived from 
sucrose, glucose and fructose.  Ideally a drink  should be between 2.5% to 
5% sugars for 25 to 50 grams/litre.  Colder weather requires higher sugar 
concentrations due to increased energy demands, while hot, humid 
conditions necessitates more water and less sugar.  During long, strenuous 
activities, this solution is best consumed a few ounces at a a time, i.e. 
100 to 200 ml. every 15 to 20 minutes, (or every 2 to 3 km. for runners.)
Such solutions can help regulate body temperature, slow glycogen 
depletion, increase endurance and even enhance athletic performance.
The important thing to remember prior to such events is to be adequately 
hydrated.  Sports drinks are fine prior to events but better diluted.  
After such an event, sports drinks or fruit juice is important in order to 
replace electrolytes and water that is lost.  You can even use fruit juice 
for an event but make sure it's diluted 1 part juice to 4 parts water.  
Plain water is still an excellent choice for reasons previously mentioned.
Anything less strenuous or lasting less than 2 hours does not require or 
justify sweetened drinks or sports drinks.  The sugar may interfere with 
your performance.  Water remains the ideal choice for such events.
Hope that helps.
Peter Bosani.

References:  Dietetique du Sportif par J.P. Blanc (Paris, France) 
Publisher- Amphora
             Jane Brody's Nutrition Book  Publisher- Bantam.