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Energy drinks were originally popular in Asia, and it has been marketed in Thailand (since the 1970s). The drinks were introduced on most of the European market in the late 1980s, and that is where they start their success story all around the world. It should be noted that despite their fresh category growth, Energy drinks remain a niche category of beverages that represent only 1% of the entire non-alcoholic beverages currently in the market.
The so-called energy boosting products are such beverages like Rock Star, Red Bull, and Monster or any drinks containing large doses of caffeine plus other legal stimulants such as ginseng and guarana. Therefore, the quantity of caffeine (the most common chemical ingredient that provides the energy boost) in a given energy drink can vary from 75 milligrams up to over 200 milligrams for every serving. This relates to 55 milligrams in Mountain Dew and 34 milligrams in Coke. For instance, if a drink advertises absence of caffeine, then the energy comes from guarana, the equivalent of caffeine.
Energy drinks facts
Energy drinks are expected to do just as the name implies, to provide an extra burst of energy. But the truth of the matter is that most of the “energy” comes directly from two main ingredients; caffeine and sugar. A distinctive energy drink contains up to 80 milligrams of caffeine equivalent to the same amount as a coffee cup. Studies confirm that the average 12-ounce soda contains roughly 18 to 49 mg of caffeine.
The different between caffeine and sodas/ sports drinks are that soft drinks mainly contain water, sugar, and the flavoring. Thus, they don’t do anything for the body than expected, to taste good. It should also be noted that the majority of the caffeine intake are from beverages but not the energy drinks.
Energy Drinks as a source of Extra Calories
Energy drinks add extra calories and sugar to your diet unless you purchase a sugar-free version. Hence this makes maintaining, losing weight or simply healthy body weight hard. The usual version of a good number of energy drinks gives about 100 calories and 30 grams of sugar that is per 8-ounce serving, parallel to taking a can of regular soda. Because many energy drinks are sold in the 16 or even 24-ounce cans, then you could be drinking many calories from a small meal.
Sports drinks, on the other hand, are designed to replenish any fluids lost during activity. They normally contain water, sugar and electrolytes. Energy drinks have got added caffeine besides other ingredients that the manufacturers believe to boost performance and also increase stamina. They’re designed mainly for athletes, students and anyone else who might want an extra energy kick.
The Energy drinks ingredients occur naturally.
Several of the ingredients used commonly in energy drinks can naturally be found in other foods. For instance, Taurine occurs naturally in poultry or seafood while caffeine is just a natural constituent of tea leaves, coffee beans, cocoa beans, guarana, kola nuts and yerba mate.
Mixing the Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Energy drinks when mixed with alcohol become trendy beverages among youths and at most social events. There are also numbers of alcoholic malt beverages that contain caffeine and are in most cases marketed as energy drinks. So, the dangers of mixing energy drinks and alcohol have been in the news and have been subject to further investigation by the concerned administration.
Below are some of the ingredients found in common energy drinks plus what they do in our body
- Ephedrine: this is a stimulant that works mainly on the central nervous system. A common ingredient in most decongestants and weight-loss products.
- Taurine: this is a natural amino acid generated by the body that assists in heart beat regulation and muscle contractions. Several health experts currently aren’t sure about the effect of its addiction.
3. Ginseng: this is a root believed to have several medicinal properties, such as reduction of stress and boosting energy levels.
4.The B-Vitamins: this is a group capable of converting sugar to energy and besides improvement of muscle tone.
5.Guarana Seed: It is a stimulant that originate from a little shrub native to Brazil and Venezuela.
6. Carnitine: this is an amino acid known to play a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acid.
7. Organic Acid (Creatine): it helps in the energy supply meant for muscle contractions.
8.Inositol:this is a member of the vitamin B complex that is not the actual vitamin.
9.Ginkgo biloba: It is made from Ginkgo biloba tree seeds and believe to enhance memory.
Conclusion
Therefore, looking at the energy drinks ingredients, it would appear that they may well be categorized as a part nutritional supplement and part soft drink. This is because most reviewers have confirmed that the taste falls within a particular same range. In most cases, the manufacturers declare that the energy drinks can easily affect your performance and endurance, something that many health professionals disagree and instead believe that any boost gotten from drinking them is solely from the caffeine and sugar.
For the most part, Energy Drinks consumption should be limited, and it is not advisable to make it part of your regular diet.If you feel like you can’t go without it, try to stick to the recommended amount,”16 ounces” and don’t turn it into a daily habit.Think about better ,healthier options that you can surely have within your reach like starting an exercise program ,sleep for at least seven to eight hours and consume a healthy diet with a variety of foods from natural sources.By combining these simple elements, you’ll feel more energetic and more fit!
