With a wide array of energy drink choices nowadays it can be hard to pick which one. Let alone understand why each one is so different. Here we are going to break down what the most common ingredients are, what they do, and which is right for you.
15 Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks and Why They are in There
Taurine
Taurine has been shown to have several health benefits, such as a lower risk of disease and improved sports performance. Most Taurine in energy drinks is synthetically produced. Taurine may help reduce high blood pressure by decreasing the resistance to blood flow in your blood vessel walls.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is used to deliver a kick without the jolt and delivers small amounts of caffeine. Plus, studies confirm it’s a top source of cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Guarana
Guarana, commonly found as an extract is from the seeds of the South American guarana plant. It delivers twice the caffeine of coffee per weight. Although a lot of companies claim it stimulates weight loss and fights fatigue, studies don’t seem to back this up.
L-carnitine
Carnitine, an amino acid is known to pump up endurance and promote fat burning. Less than 3 grams a day is generally considered to be safe; more can lead to stomach upset and possibly seizures.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins are one of the three main components of an energy drink. The main reason is that it plays a crucial part in energy metabolism. Any excess of these nutrients such as B6, B12, niacin, folic acid is quickly flushed out of your body, so they’re relatively safe.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help the body retrieve and prevent damage from free radicals. Such nutrients as Vitamins C, A, E, and selenium are all antioxidants common in energy drinks.
Glucuronolactone
Glucuronolactone, DGL for short occurs naturally in the human body when the liver breaks down glucose. This substance is believed to aid in freeing hormones, detoxification, the biosynthesis of vitamin C and other chemicals. It is common in energy drinks because it helps prevent glycogen depletion.
L-theanine
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea, that can be found in energy drinks. Several studies have shown that taking 200 mg of L-theanine has a calming effect, without causing drowsiness. Plus, it is even better paired with caffeine.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is one of the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The body makes tyrosine from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It has been shown that tyrosine improves mental performance under stressful conditions, improves alertness following the loss of sleep, and is shown to help with mental alertness.
Green Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are actually naturally green. They have a rich chemical structure filled with healthy nutrients and minerals, which is why they are highly sought-after ingredients in the making of energy drinks.
Ginseng Root
Ginseng has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and is believed to increase energy, have some anti-fatigue properties, relieve stress, and promote memory.
Chromium
Chromium is a popular supplement for those that want to build muscle or lose weight. It can be taken to enhance performance and increase energy. Early studies suggested that supplemental chromium may contribute to weight loss and help increase muscle mass.
Sugar
Energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar to aid their energy-boosting effects but we all know that too much sugar is not good for you.
Caffeine
A popular form of caffeine used in energy drinks is synthetic caffeine. Synthetic caffeine is combined with different chemicals such as methyl chloride and ethyl acetate. When caffeine is made synthetically, it is produced with a much higher concentration and is absorbed much faster by the body.
Creatine
Creatine helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or a high-intensity workout. It can lead to stroke. When caffeine and creatine are mixed, and when combined with other weight loss supplements, it can lead to deadly results.
Not all energy drinks contain bad ingredients. In fact, we wanted an energy drink we could feel good about drinking so we created one ourselves, SUPER FUEL. SUPER FUEL works when you do. A boost of natural energy and essential vitamins to keep you going and going (and going), whether it is training for the big race or an afternoon pick me up. SUPER FUEL is an energy drink you can feel good about drinking.
