Whether you are planning to spend your days running around or you are looking for an energy drink to keep you active during your workouts, there are many types of healthy energy drinks out there that can be used to meet your needs. These types of drinks are packed with ingredients that will help you stay energized throughout the day. These include B vitamins, taurine, and guarana.
Caffeine
Typically, energy drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine. Some contain beneficial vitamins and minerals. Those with health concerns should choose products that don’t have a lot of added sugar.
The short-term effects of caffeine include increased heart rate, breathing, and mental alertness. However, caffeine can also cause irritability, tremors, and palpitations. In the long run, it can affect your heart, blood pressure, and sleep.
Studies have shown that excessive consumption of energy drinks can lead to a variety of health issues. They may disrupt a person’s sleep patterns, cause headaches, and increase the risk of alcohol-related injuries. In addition, they can increase the risk of developing other addictive behaviors.
Guarana
Several different energy drinks contain guarana. The benefits of this herb include increasing energy levels, improving mood, and promoting weight loss. There is also some evidence that guarana may help fight cancer.
Although guarana has many benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation. High doses can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, and upset stomach. It is therefore recommended to use guarana in supplement form.
One of the health benefits of guarana is its ability to reduce free radicals in the body. These free radicals are harmful molecules that can damage cells and cause aging and disease.
The antioxidants in guarana are similar to those in green tea, and they work to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to cancer and age-related eye disorders.
Taurine
Taking taurine has been known to improve muscle strength and endurance. Some studies have shown that it may reduce muscle damage after high-intensity exercise. It also helps remove waste products that cause muscle fatigue.
Many people prefer to consume energy drinks with taurine. However, these drinks are often high in sugar and other ingredients, which could have unwanted side effects.
Some studies have shown that energy drinks containing taurine may increase blood pressure. This could result in palpitations or arrhythmias, which are dangerous for some people. It also increases the risk of blood clotting.
If you are taking medications for heart conditions, consult your doctor before consuming taurine. It may interfere with antidepressants, statins, and warfarin.
B-vitamins
Several energy drinks claim to contain high amounts of B-vitamins. These vitamins help your body convert food into energy. In addition, they serve as enzymatic co-factors in metabolic pathways.
The range of vitamin B12 content in energy drinks is so wide that determining the safety of these products is often impossible. This means that policy decisions are difficult.
In some cases, taking more than the recommended dietary allowance of B-vitamins can cause adverse events. Common effects include gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, and tingling sensations. The Institute of Medicine warns against consuming excessive amounts of B-6.
Caffeine ingestion has been associated with a number of positive effects, including an increase in alertness, enhanced mood, and reduced fatigue. It has also been found to provide a variety of performance benefits for aerobic and anaerobic activities.
Zero-sugar options
Using a zero-sugar energy drink can help you to cut down on the added sugar you consume every day. It can also help you to get a boost of energy without having to resort to junk food or caffeine-rich beverages.
Most zero-sugar energy drinks will be sweetened with an artificial sweetener. This is similar to table sugar, but it does not linger in the body like it would if it were real.
The best zero-sugar energy drink is one that is not only delicious but is also nutritious. Some will even contain a healthy dose of caffeine. It is also a good idea to look for organic versions of these beverages as opposed to those that are packed with chemicals.
Flavors
Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to a sugar bomb or just an all natural way to get your daily caffeine fix, there are many options out there. You’ll want to read the nutrition labels to find out exactly what’s in each drink and make sure you choose one that’s a good fit for you.
The first thing to consider is how much caffeine is in each drink. You’ll need to steer clear of energy drinks with more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Luckily, there are many energy drinks out there that contain less than that amount.