Mornings can be rough, so I can see why you would think it's totally rational to grab an energy drink for a 'road runner' like zap. In fact, at just around 120 empty calories you may think it's just the thing you need.
Player # 1 Ginseng. Reputation: immune system booster. While low doses seem safe, there is little long-term data to really set our minds at ease.
Player # 2 Taurine. Reputation: amino acid that causes you to be more alert. Guess what?! Taurine is found in meat & fish. There is also no scientific evidence that supports increased alertness.
Player # 3 Glucuronolactone. Reputation: naturally occurring chemical produced by the metabolism of glucose in your liver. That's all I got on this bad boy. Go ahead, stick that in your back pocket & dominate in your next 'Words with Friends' game. You're welcome.
Player # 4 Caffeine. Reputation: stimulant. Sorry to be the cloud in your blue sky, but if energy drinks are your go to for caffeine you may be going down the wrong path. Yes, typically the actual amount of caffeine you are drinking is not listed on your aluminum bottle of power, but coffee may actually be the way to go. An article from Science-Based Medicine nicely provided this little comparison:
A grande coffee @ Starbucks has 320mg of caffeine
Red Bull has ~150mg
Monster Khaos has ~150mg
& Rockstar Punched ~160mg.
The amount of caffeine in most 8 oz energy drinks is less than 1 cup of coffee. You my friend, just got served.
Player # 5 Vitamins. Reputation: "it has vitamins so it must be good for me." Please don't fall for this scam because the actual vitamin content that is added to these drinks are small. Sorry Charlie, the word vitamin is kinda meant to trick your brain into thinking this is a healthy option. Good thing you weren't born yesterday. ENTRAPMENT detected & avoided.
Player # 6 Sugar. Reputation: sweetness. This, my friends, is what sweetens your drink. Betcha didn't see that one coming. Yes, sugar free versions of energy drinks do exist, but those nonsugarfreeenergydrinks can contain similar amounts of sugar as you would see in pop. YIKES!
NOT FINISHED...
All you Red Bull & Vodka drinkers, guess what!? The caffeine in the energy drink is dehydrating - which can slow the metabolism of alcohol - which can make you feel less drunk than you actually are - which can cause you to drink larger amounts of alcohol - which can lead to....well just about anything. This is one situation where "the sky is the limit" approach may want to be avoided.
Energy drinks for your workout? JUST SAY NO! Like I said, the caffeine acts like a diuretic (big word for 'makes you have to go to the bathroom') which promotes dehydration. Energy drinks do not = sports drinks. They are actually higher in sugar than a sports drink making them harder to absorb during your workout. This could cause an upset stomach . Unless your looking for reason #1,209,809,580 to avoid the gym, skip this as a pre-workout thirst quencher.
Other noteworthy information: It is recommended that no more than 500mL of energy drinks be consumed each day. That boils down to two 8 oz glasses.
Don't worry, I will refrain from going all Jason Taylor on you if I would happen to see you with a sugar laden beverage in tow that promises a power surge that leaves the energizer bunny looking tired. Like all foods, moderation is key. So go ahead & guzzle down your bottle of energy if that is what makes you happy. I prefer sugar from chocolate & energy from a nap. J
Something about that dog looks extremely uncomfortable...ouch.
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