Energy drink ingredients

Energy drink ingredients are the subject of much interest and concern these days. Let's clear up some of the incomprehension and distrust that has been thrown around by those who love and those who hate energy drinks.

These drinks typically contain stimulants, sweeteners, amino acids, antioxidants and other ingredients. The main factor is which ones are used for stamina, the quantity in which these are used and whether there are safe natural alternatives.

Stimulants: The common ones are caffeine, guarana, and yerba mate. Caffeine stimulates and wakes up the senses. It is present in quantities between 70 to 200 mg in coffee, Coke, Mountain Dew and most cola drinks. Too much of the stuff can impact the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause dehydration.

Caffeine

This ingredient is obviously effective when you need a quick burst of energy. In fact, caffeine is arguably the most prolific ingredient found in energy drinks. While it's also a common ingredient in various sodas, the amount is significantly higher in energy drinks! In fact, it's common for them to contain 100-200 milligrams of caffeine. We already know that consuming moderate-to-high levels of caffeine can cause a wide array of health problems, so obviously drinking a few of these drinks per day can cause your body to go into overdrive.

Ginkgo Biloba

This is another of the super plants that have become more common in energy drinks. It is believed that the herb can provide benefits such as improved memory and concentration, and better blood circulation.

Ginseng

Many energy drink manufacturers have been touting this ingredient as some sort of "super plant". Clinical studies do show that ginseng can help to reduce stress, and increase energy levels. But like the other ingredients, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Drinking a moderate-to-high amount of energy drinks with ginseng can produce some unwanted side effects.

Sugars

A sugar overload can cause several health problems. It's advisable that you get your sugars through foods such as bananas and grapes.

Taurine

Interestingly, taurine actually occurs naturally in the body, and functions in regulating the body's energy levels. And furthermore, typically our bodies themselves produce enough of the stuff. But energy drink companies fail to mention that fact, often making it a selling point for their products.

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