Energy drinks can be found almost everywhere and in every flavor. What started out as a boost for athletes has turned into a million dollar business. They are called energy drinks because they have the necessary ingredients needed to boost the body's energy levels in preparation for work. They have amino acids, such as glutamin, taurine and arginine. Many also contain caffeine. Most of some form of sugar whether it is corn syrup or fructose. Others use artificial sweeteners to lower the calorie content.
There are several brands on the market that include creatine. Creatine is used to assist the body in the production of energy and to create muscle mass. Energy drinks are meant to boost energy levels while the body is at work. They are not meant to be consumed on a constant basis.
What to Look for
If you are looking for a drink to boost your energy level throughout the day, choose an herbal tea with ginseng and honey. These drinks will give you energy without a lot of the extra ingredients you probably don't need. They come in sweetened and unsweetened formulas and can be consumed on a regular basis without side effects.
Lots of physical activity or highly stressful work may call for a stronger energy drink. Look for drinks that have a good dose of B vitamins with an assortment of amino acids. Amino acids are better assimilated into the body if they are accompanied by a few of the B-complex line.
Find out what kind of sweetener is used in the energy drink you are considering. Choose natural sweeteners if at all possible. There will be a few more calories, but if you are looking to increase energy levels, you will need them as fuel.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid artificial sweeteners. Some researchers believe that they are not as healthy as they are being made out to be. They may reduce the calorie content of a drink or food, but they can cause problems with the body's ability to assimilate insulin.
Make sure you are drinking an energy drink that suits your activity level. If you are sitting in an office or car all day, you don't need a drink with lots of creatine or amino acids. Those are geared more for people looking to build muscle mass or for those who need the extra energy to increase their endurance levels.
Don't overuse energy drinks. Their purpose is to provide energy for the body while it is working above normal means. They were created to give athletes a quick pick me up before their daily workouts. If you start to feel shaky, or you can feel your heart racing after consuming energy drinks, speak to your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Member Comments