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Chicago White Sox right fielder Tristan Peters being doused with Gatorade to celebrate his walk-off RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 3.

Chicago White Sox right fielder Tristan Peters being doused with Gatorade to celebrate his walk-off RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 3.

PHOTO: REUTERS

The Economist

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In 1965, scientists at the University of Florida mixed an unusual cocktail of water, sugar and salt for the college’s American football players. The drink tasted like urine, but the Florida Gators downed it anyway.

With lemon juice added for flavour, Gatorade – as the drink was called – was designed to replenish the minerals lost through sweating during hard training sessions in the southern heat. The team reckoned it also boosted their stamina on game day.

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