Saturday, January 7, 2012

Things You Should Know About Energy Drinks

Athletes, young adults, and even students studying for exams rave about energy drinks. The brands and varieties that are currently available in the market are countless, including Red Bull, Pimp Juice, Rage, Monster, etc. These drinks claim to boost your sports performance or make you more alert – or both.

So, where lies the danger? What makes the energy drink kick are the stimulants in it, such as caffeine, ginseng, guarana, ginko biloba, and taurine. According to Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LH, a nutrition expert, some energy drinks have as much caffeine as five cups of coffee—or ten times as much as a can of cola. Sugar in large amounts is a definite ingredient in many of these drinks.

It is no doubt that stimulants may give you a boost while working out or just plain working. But there are side effects from too much consumption of these substances. Some of the common side effects are sleep problems, vomiting, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, seizures, and heart palpitations. Your perception of fatigue and pain can be altered by these stimulants. When that happens, you have a high tendency to push yourself past your body’s natural limits.

It is good to know that the best energy drink could be the cheapest of all—water. Staying hydrated helps you think more clearly, exercise well, and in the long run, remain healthier.

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