Is Propel Water Good For You?

If you're someone who does regular workouts, whether it be running, biking, cross-training, swimming, or other activities that require you to exert a significant amount of energy, you know the importance of replenishing and rehydrating your body. One method you could use following intense physical activity is consuming a sports drink like Propel water. Propel contains several vitamins and minerals your body needs following intense physical activity. According to Propel, its water contains vitamins B, C, and E. It also contains electrolytes.

According to the experts at Healthline, electrolytes are essential minerals that dissolve in your blood, urine, and sweat to support your body with a number of vital processes, such as nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Some key electrolytes in the human body include potassium, sodium, and calcium.

While sports drinks provide electrolytes and vitamins, they also have their critics. Erika Der Sarkissian, a clinical dietitian at Cedars Mt. Sinai, points out, "Sports drinks can also have a lot of sugar and food coloring added, and they may not be necessary for a person who is not engaging in intense exercise." Christina Fasulo, also a clinical dietitian at Cedars Mt. Sinai, adds that "sugar, salts, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs."

According to the experts at Livestrong, drinking Propel water may help you rehydrate properly while providing your body with 270 milligrams of sodium and 70 milligrams of potassium. This is a greater replenishment of these minerals than tap water, which provides your body with minimal sodium and zero potassium. However, Propel water contains a few less healthy ingredients that are worth noting. One of these ingredients is acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). According to WebMD, acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener that, despite the name, contains only traces of potassium. Propel water also contains sucralose, which Cleveland Clinic describes as an artificial sweetener made from real sugar. Sucralose goes through a chemical process that makes it 600 times sweeter than sugar while remaining calorie-free. Scientists discovered that sucralose led to inflammation in rats. More research is needed, however, to determine if it has the same negative impact on humans.

Bottom line? If you are someone who engages in intense physical exercise, consuming Propel water in moderation following your workouts can be beneficial. "In those instances, or if you're exercising in a humid, hot area, or working out for an extended length of time, then you might benefit from an electrolyte-replacement drink," says Fasulo. However, she adds that if you are someone who engages in easy or moderate workouts, tap water is a sufficient way to rehydrate.