Between long work days and high stress levels, many people depend on short-term energy boosters to get them through exhaustion and increase their productivity. When you haven’t slept well and the day is dragging on, have you ever felt like falling asleep mid-way through? Sometimes a cup of tea or coffee isn’t enough to give you the pick-up you need. These are the reasons energy drinks were developed. And with so many of these popular beverages on the market, like 3D Energy Drink, you only have to open a refrigerator door or order online to find one.
So, what do energy drinks consist of and how do you know which is best for you? By definition, an energy drink is simply a beverage that contains components that provide stimulation to both the physical and mental parts of the body. They generally contain caffeine, sugar, other sweeteners, extracts, amino acids, and minerals. When choosing a good energy drink, there are really only two major qualities that need to be considered: content and taste. It’s simply a matter of what you want from your energy drink and your favorite flavor. However, it’s important you consume them in moderation.
Ingredients
What is so special about energy drinks? There are plenty of other beverages, like coffee, tea, or soda that contain sugar and caffeine, so why choose an energy drink? It’s the actual ingredients in the mixture that awaken the body to increase mental performance. Many energy drinks are essentially like sodas, but with added stimulants. And, just like soda, some contain high quantities of sugar and calories, while others are low-calorie or sugar free.
So, what exactly are the ingredients in most energy drinks? What makes one better than another? The answer lies in the determination of the following ingredients:
- Caffeine
- Electrolytes
- Sugar
Although there are other components ina good energy drink, such as ephedrine, taurine, ginseng, carnitine, and creatine, these elements are considered minor and are typically smaller in dosage than caffeine or glucose.
1. Caffeine: Caffeine, of course, is the main ingredient in almost all energy drinks. Generally speaking, the more caffeine in the drink, the higher the energy boost produced. Caffeine causes the brain chemical, adenosine, to be significantly blocked. This then leads the nerve cells in the brain to fire off signals and release adrenaline. The heart then beats faster and the eyes begin to dilate more. This also causes extra sugar to be released into the bloodstream. Therefore, depending on how much of a boost you need, the amount of caffeine in the beverage is important. Each brand on the market contains varying levels, depending on the purpose it was created for. For example, if you decide on inhalable caffeine, you will need only ten puffs to get the effect of one coffee or energy drink. Inhaling is much more efficient than ingesting caffeine. If you usually feel shaky after one coffee, it’s best to start with an energy drink lower in caffeine, whereas if you can consume several cups of coffee a day, you likely have a higher caffeine tolerance.
2. Electrolytes: The number of electrolytes in the average energy drink also varies. These minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium—common in supplements—are important for keeping the body’s fluids balanced properly. Caffeine can easily increase sweat and urine, so electrolytes are necessary to provide stability for the body to function correctly. It’s important to remember to check for the ingredients on any specified drink to measure the number of minerals being consumed per serving size. People respond differently to various ingredients in an energy drink, so it’s vital to understand how your body will react. Sodium and potassium, for example, are vital for metabolizing carbohydrates. They help the muscles to function appropriately and assist in keeping the body hydrated. However, too high a dosage of certain minerals in the body’s system can produce unwanted effects, as well. It’s best to be careful.
3. Sugar: Sugar is the last major ingredient that effects the popularity of a specific energy drink. The amount of sugar added can affect the taste and sweetness of any beverage; some people love sugary drinks, while others prefer milder flavors. Depending on your personal diet, it must be noted that sugar is also responsible for both the calorie count and the number of carbohydrates listed in an energy drink. Although the body naturally prefers glucose for its added fuel, too much of it can be detrimental and harsh to the body. Sugar stimulates insulin levels, which can produce an intense crash in energy within an hour or so after ingesting. High sugar consumption can also lead to obesity and diabetes. So, while the amount of sugar in any food must always be monitored, this is especially true in energy drinks.
Flavor
The second quality you need to consider when choosing an energy drink is flavor. What’s your favorite flavor? Do you prefer citrus, berry, lemon, or green tea? Something sweeter or something more refreshing? The selection of energy drinks is endless, depending on the company that makes them. More and more creative flavor combinations are released all the time, so there’s bound to be something to your liking.
Orange is the most popular for many brands, followed closely by strawberry, blueberry, and lime. Some companies have even started to list their range by color, such as red, blue, green, and purple, rather than flavor. Just pick one and enjoy it. It all depends on you and your personal preference. Does something sweet sound delicious? Is red going to refresh you more than blue, or do you prefer a more neutral, lightly-sweetened beverage? Only you can determine this.
Conclusion
When you need a pick-me-up that tastes great, there are two main qualities to consider in a good energy drink: the ingredients and the flavor. Caffeine, electrolytes, and sugar are the most significant contents to be aware of. The reasons we buy energy drinks are endless, but the contents we seek and the taste we prefer is personal. Whichever drink you choose, just ensure you’re consuming it responsibility.
You must be logged in to post a comment.