Those quick fix energy drinks
Yes, the rat race has taken its toll on most of us. We are constantly living in the fast track. We sleep less, work more and require stimulants to keep us going. For some of us it will be coffee or even tea, for some, energy providing food or some type of hydration while others may turn to energy drinks.
Consumer demands for energy drinks have sky rocketed in recent times, and as we chase the high of these artificially flavoured drinks, it is always good to know what exactly we are drinking. The appeal for energy drinks is because of their ability to keep you feeling energized for a sustained period of time and push beyond your normal energy limits. Yes of course it is no doubt handy if you need to work through the night or you have a busy day ahead or are just tired and worn out by the hectic day you have had.
Why do we need energy?
We need energy for all our body processes. All parts of the body, muscles, brain, heart, and liver need energy to work. Energy fuels our body’s internal functions, repairs, builds and maintains cells and body tissues, and supports the external activities that enable us to interact with the physical world. The amount of energy that is required depends on age, gender and of course the extent of activity.
How do we get energy?
Energy comes from the food we eat by a process of digestion in the stomach with acids and enzymes. During this digestion the carbohydrate (sugars and starches) in the food breaks down into glucose and sucrose.The stomach and small intestines absorb these sugars and then release it into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, glucose can be used immediately for energy or stored in our bodies, to be used later. At times we feel that this energy is not sufficient and then we turn to energy stimulants.
Why the appeal for
energy drinks?
Energy stimulants such as energy drinks differ from other flavoured beverages as they work exclusively as energy providers. While most soft drinks usually consist of water, sugar or a sugar substitute, fruit juice or artificial flavours, colourings and preservatives and sometimes some caffeine, they are mostly just made to taste good. In contrast, energy beverages contain significant quantities of caffeine and are intended to give an added burst of energy. However, they do not have electrolytes to rehydrate and replenish the body like sports drinks. So these “stamina boosting” drinks can actually leave you feeling more dehydrated and drinking them while exercising can be unsafe.
Energy drink ingredients
and effects
Caffeine is the primary ingredient in energy drinks, and its levels can vary widely. Caffeine is practically harmless in small amounts. It stimulates the central nervous system giving the body a sense of alertness. There is no official recommended limit for the amount of caffeine a person can consume, but excessive caffeine has been linked to a variety of adverse effects as it increases heart rate and blood pressure and dehydrates the body. Consuming a lot of it can lead to headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety and insomnia. It also can make you feel jittery and irritable. Over time, caffeine can become addictive. It is also a diuretic that causes the kidneys to remove extra fluid into the urine. Moreover, caffeine can cause negative reactions when combined with regular medications.
Sugars in the form of sucrose, glucose, high fructose or corn syrup are also common in energy drinks. The content varies widely but generally users who consume two or three energy drinks could be taking in 4 to 6 times the maximum recommended daily intake and this can lead to weight gain, blood sugar problems, increased risk of heart disease, dental problems and other risky conditions. Too much caffeine and sugar can increase and cause anxiety. People with heart conditions and women who are pregnant should avoid these drinks due to possible complications.
Other ingredients may include guarana that contains a caffeine compound called guaranine which means if a drink is said to contain caffeine plus guarana, it contains caffeine plus more caffeine. Then there is taurine – an amino acid naturally made in the human body and important in several of the body’s metabolic processes, the carbohydrate, glucuronolactone – a stimulant with mild anti-depressant effects, inositol – a mood-booster that helps the brain use serotonin as well as several B vitamins. But there is little proof that the amounts of these ingredients in energy drinks are sufficient to have any significant effect. Then of course these drinks also contain artificial colours and flavours.
So the rule of thumb is you can enjoy an energy drink, but in moderation and try and balance it with the several alternate energy providers. And of course, if you find yourself frequently fatigued and in constant need of an extra boost, you can also feel rejuvenated by adequate sleep, more exercise and eating a healthy diet.
| Energy drinks vs. sports drinks There is a big difference between energy drinks and sports drinks. Energy drinks contain stimulants, primarily caffeine and sugar, which give a temporary energy boost. Sports drinks usually do not contain stimulants but only some carbohydrates and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to replace those lost in sweat. So they are basically a hydration fluid. | |
| Alternate energy providers Some alternate energy providers include chocolate particularly dark chocolate where the flavonoids activate bioactive compounds in the brain, increasing energy levels. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and pistachios have beneficial protein as well as carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and flavonoids that allow the body to sustain higher energy levels. Tea can also provide a spike without the jittery after-effects that are often associated with both coffee as well as energy drinks. Coconut water will provide quick hydration and help perk you up. Apples and kale offer high levels of the antioxidant quercetin leading to greater muscle performance.Beetroot a detoxifying super food amongst athletes provides good energy support. Eggs will give you long-lasting energy thanks to their high level of protein.And of course the leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals that also offers magnesium, which contributes to more than 300 metabolic functions, that includes the production and storage of cellular energy. |