It is possible that some of the ingredients in your favorite drink could harm you. It may not be apparent right away but in the long term there could be some detrimental effect. The best thing is for you to be aware of the drawbacks and side effects of all common energy drink ingredients then take a call on whether you need to give up stamina drinks completely. Or just switch to a brand that is less risky.
These drinks generally are made up of a combination of sugar, amino acids, antioxidants and other such ingredients. Each brand uses its own combination and has a formula that decides the quantities of the substances used.
Stimulants: Caffeine falls into this category. Caffeine excites the senses and makes you feel alive. That is why coffee is such a popular wake up drink in the morning. Caffeine is present in quantities between 70 to 200 mg in coffee, coca cola, Red Bull and several other drinks. In moderation, it is fine but excessive amounts can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause excessive loss of fluids by the body.
Guarana is Energy nutritionsourced from South America and it also makes you feel more energetic based on account of the theobromine and theophylline it contains. Yerba mate from the holly family is also a well-known natural stimulant.
Sweeteners: Both natural sweeteners such as glucose and sucrose and artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Splenda, otherwise referred to as Sucralose and Acesulfame potassium are commonly used. Excessive sugar intake can lead to diabetes. The potential damage causing effects of artificial sweeteners has not been clearly established.
Amino Acids: They build proteins. Both Taurine and L-Carnitine is produced by the human body and are required for the digestion. B vitamins give you energy from food with vitamins B-6, B-1, B-2 in particular being able to enhance your energy. Anti-oxidants protect you from the dangers posed by free radicals. Vitamins C and E, Vitamin A, Acai berry and selenium are all anti-oxidants.
Many other natural or herbal ingredients can be used such as ginseng and ginkgo bilboa. Both these products give you energy and remove feelings of tiredness and stress. Both are also said to improve the memory and help you focus.
Glucuronolactone DGL produced by your body detoxifies while Creatine supplies energy to the muscles. Milk Thistle which is found in products like Rockstar does nothing for your stamina level but instead counters the effect of alcohol if mixed with the drink.
Crave Energy which hit the scene recently is said to have the ideal combination that can deliver stamina with safety. Its ingredients include caffeine but in very small quantities, less than that in a cup of coffee. It uses a natural sweetener but only less than 1 gram is ingested per serving. Its calorie count is just 9.
To conclude, not all stamina drinks should be clubbed as being harmful. But it helps to discriminate and take a decision based on knowledge of the contents. Read everything you can about these energy drink ingredients and then decide for yourself.
Get inside info on different energy drink ingredients now in our complete guide to all you need to know about how and where to get the best energy drink
