Whether you’re hiking the Hobbit’s journey in New Zealand or reliving Anakin and Padme’s wedding on Lake Como, you know that any good traveler needs to stay hydrated on their long journey. From regular water to an abundance of flavored and enhanced beverages, it can be difficult to find the brand that’s right for you and your family.
One such beverage increasing in popularity is Propel Water, a popular choice among travelers and fitness enthusiasts for its claims of quick hydration with zero calories. But is Propel Water good for travelers trotting along on their epic quest?
This article explores the basics of Propel Water, what sets it apart from regular water, and addresses its safety for repetitive consumption to provide you with all the information you need to decide, is Propel Water good for travelers?
Is Propel Water Good for Travelers
What is Propel Water?
Is Propel Water good for travelers? First, you must know more about its properties. Propel Water is an “electrolyte water” first introduced in the early 2000s to fit the demand of beverages to improve hydration for active individuals. Propel Water is a zero-calorie, flavored beverage that can boost hydration without the sugar and calories found in other popular brands.
Though Propel Water is like regular water in that it contains zero calories, there are other added benefits that set Propel Water apart from Plain water.
What makes Propel Water Different from Regular Water?
Electrolytes
Propel Water contains added electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help the body maintain its balance of fluids while also controlling nerve function and muscle contractions.
After strenuous activities like exercise, long hours of travel, or a lightsaber duel across the landscape of Mustafar, electrolyte loss through sweat can lead to dehydration, making it even more necessary to replenish electrolytes throughout your workout.
Vitamins
Propel Water is also fortified with vitamins, such as Vitamin B and Vitamin C. Vitamins, like electrolytes, play a key role in the body’s functioning and are usually involved in digestion and immune system support.
Propel Water offers a supplement in vitamins absent from plain water and may be particularly beneficial for travelers looking to avoid jet lag or wanting to boost their immune systems after sitting on a plane with a bunch of strangers.
Flavor
Propel Water comes in a wide range of flavors, which can make drinking water more enjoyable for those who find plain water boring or who want some variety in their choice of hydration.
Though Propel Water is flavored, it does not contain added sugar, making it an alluring alternative to other sports drinks or sodas. By drinking propel water, travelers can still take pleasure in their daily hydration without worrying about negative health consequences from added sugar.
Zero Calories
Propel Water, like plain water, is calorie-free, meaning it is a safe option for those who want to maintain or reduce their calorie intake while enjoying a flavorful beverage. Many regular sweetened drinks, including other sports drinks, are not zero-calorie and can, therefore, lead to unnecessary calorie consumption when enjoyed throughout the day.
Propel water is different in that enjoying an additional bottle throughout your travels will not add further calories to your daily intake, better aligning with your health and fitness goals.
Is Propel Water Safe?
Now that we understand the difference between Propel Water and regular water, it’s important to assess how safe Propel Water is for consumption and determine how much propel is safe to drink daily.
To answer this question, let’s first go over the benefits of Propel Water for travelers:
Hydration: As a water-based beverage, Propel Water effectively hydrates the body, preventing fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that may be more common while traveling.
Electrolyte Balancing: Maintaining electrolyte balance while working out is essential if you want to avoid dehydration while sweating. Because Propel Water contains key electrolytes like potassium and sodium, travelers can maintain their fluid balance without resorting to sugary sports drinks.
Vitamins: As mentioned earlier, the added vitamins in Propel Water can boost an individual’s immune system, helping travelers fight possible exposures to potential illnesses from new environments.
Zero Calories: For travelers on a diet or for those looking to avoid sugary or high-calorie beverages, Propel Water is a perfect choice, allowing you to enjoy a flavored drink without compromising your dietary goals.
Flavor Variety: With a plethora of flavors to choose from, Propel Water offers travelers an abundance of choice when considering their daily hydration. With all the possibilities, there’s an option for even the pickiest person in your travel party.
Though there are many benefits of Propel Water, there are also some potential downsides:
Artificial Ingredients: Propel Water may contain artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, which may lead to individual sensitivities like headaches, dizziness, or cramping. Some people may also just wish to avoid artificial additives like these in their daily diet.
Increased Sodium: If Propel Water is consumed too often and used as a replacement for plain water, individuals may be exposed to unhealthy levels of sodium. Increased sodium levels are associated with high blood pressure and a limited immune system, meaning there could be an undue risk to high levels of all sports drink consumption, including Propel Water.
Cost: Propel Water is more expensive than tap water and may be more expensive than other forms of bottled water, which are more readily available. If purchased often, this cost can add up and potentially strain your travel dollars you might rather spend on some local souvenirs.
Availability: Depending on where you’re traveling, you may not be able to find Propel Water locally. If you’re planning an international voyage where Propel Water isn’t common, it may be inconvenient to pack enough bottles for vacation in your checked luggage. For this reason, Propel Water is much better suited for local explorations.
Environmental Impact: Propel Water is usually packed in plastic, which can contribute to pollution and the spread of microplastics if not properly recycled. More environmentally conscious travelers, therefore, might consider using a reusable water bottle and supplement their tap water with a powdered beverage mix instead.
Individual Tolerance: Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming beverages fortified with vitamins or electrolytes. While this phenomenon is not specific to Propel Water, it’s essential for travelers to gauge their body’s tolerance to sports beverages and adjust their intake accordingly.
In Conclusion: Is Propel Water Good for You?
Propel Water is a unique option for travelers who want a flavorful, functional beverage to take with them on all their strenuous quests and adventures. While Propel Water should not be consumed in excess or in lieu of plain water, with its added electrolytes and vitamins, Propel Water can be a valuable tool for maintaining hydration and energy levels while you explore all your favorite fairytale locations.
Ultimately, whether Propel Water is the best option for your travels depends on your individual needs and preferences. While Propel Water can be a convenient and tasty option, it’s crucial to consider your specific circumstances, dietary goals, environmental values, and activity levels.
For many adventurers, a combination of regular water with supplements of Propel Water on more active days may strike the right balance of hydration, flavor, and nutrition throughout their travels.
