Feeling Sluggish? What About Energy Drinks?
Rockstar, Monster, Speed Stack and Red Bull. Energy drinks are hot. They promise you increased energy and reduced fatigue.
What do they really deliver?
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The main ingredient in all “energy drinks” is carbohydrate… or sugar. Sugar is the energy source all of our cells use to function. But sugar without other nutrients doesn’t energize you for long.
The other major ingredient in these drinks is caffeine. An 8-ounce can of Red Bull has 80 milligrams of caffeine. Speed Stack has 250 milligrams. While caffeine may help you focus for a short time, it may leave you feeling jittery, drained or both. And…caffeine is a drug and it is addictive. You may require higher and higher doses to achieve the same “caffeine high.”
Top two ingredients in "energy drinks" is sugar and caffeine
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Many energy drinks contain additional caffeine containing herbs such as guarana seeds, kola nuts, and Yerba mate leaves. These “natural” caffeine-containing supplements are claimed to be better than synthetic caffeine. Unfortunately, the natural substances do not contain consistent amounts of caffeine so manufacturers will often add synthetic caffeine to boost the effect of the natural source. And this total amount becomes unpredictable
Then, there are the added natural stimulants, like guarana, derived from a South American plant, and bitter orange, which contains synephrine, a popular alternative to ephedrine. Ephedrine is the active ingredient in ephedra banned by the F.D.A. 2004 after it was linked to heart problems and heatstroke deaths among young athletes.
Natural does not necessarily mean safe, legal or effective.
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And finally, there are those extra ingredients such as amino acids, extra vitamins and the ever popular ginseng which are mostly added to make the drinks appealing to athletes looking to have an edge.
The Bottom Line
Claims made on the labels of energy drinks may or may not be truthful. They are basically a caffeine infused, high sugar beverage with added ingredients of questionable safety and effectiveness.
What can you do to keep your energy level up?
- Food First: remember to eat three meals a day with added snacks.
- Watch your fluid intake: drink water throughout the day.
- Get regular exercise. It will energize.
- Try and get enough sleep.
For more ideas, pick up a copy of The College Student’s Guide to Eating Well on Campus
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Feeling Sluggish? What About Energy Drinks? |
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