Unhealthy Energy Drinks
Over the last few years there has been a new marketing product that is appearing everywhere. I am talking about energy drinks and the amazing promises of super energy they are claiming. So just what are energy drinks and are they healthy?
First, let’s talk about the ingredients that most of these have in them. The majority of them are just carbonated water that is loaded with belly-fattening high fructose corn syrup, taurine, caffeine, and a few B-vitamins. The addition of the B vitamins is a great trick to have you believing that this product must be OK because it has vitamins in it.
Energy Drinks – Ingredients
When we talk about high fructose corn syrup, we are really talking about empty worthless calories. The calories from high fructose corn syrup are belly fattening and are even worse than refined sugar.
How about the so called sugar-free or low-sugar varieties of energy drinks. You would think these are much better because they do not contain the high fructose corn syrup like the others do. That is true but with these energy drink varieties, you have to worry about the chemicals in the artificial sweetners they contain.
Many researches have proven that with artificial sweetners, many people will actually consume more calories wich will lead to more weight gain. There are many theories about artificial sweetners but what you can’t deny is that artificial sweetners and artificial chemicals are all things we should not be putting in our bodies because of the chemicals that are used to make these artificial products.
The next ingredient to discuss is caffeine. The good ole morning wake up drink that many rely on every day to start or get through their day. Caffeine in general does not give you energy but will stimulate the central nervous system giving many the wake up they need every morning. If you are an avid coffee drinker than the caffeine contained in these energy drinks are not really going to give you that pick me up that you may expect.
Lastly, many of these energy drinks claim to have the amino acid taurine and B-vitamins in them to give the appearance of a healthy energy drink. There really isn’t anything amazing about taurine as it is found in almost any protein source. The B-vitamins in these energy drinks usually can be found in your toilet in your urine as vitamins are best obtained through food, not by getting them artificially added to a carbonated drink. Vitamins that are obtained through natural food sources are readily used compared to fake sources which only a small amount will actually be used.
Energy Drink Alternative
When searching for an answer to getting more energy, the not so healthy energy isn’t really your best choice. many are always searching for that magic potion when often a better diet coald solve many problems.
A natural alternative for an energy drink could be mixing up a homemade potion of iced unsweetened white, green, and oolong teas, a small amount of 100% juice like pure berry or pomegranate, and some non-denatured whey protein. This is just a suggestion but you can come up with your own healthier energy drink.
Conclusion
I hope I may have helped some in answering the question of what are energy drinks. When it comes to getting energy naturally, don’t buy into the hype of energy drinks and stay on the healthy track for a healthier you.
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Twitter: jcavrell
Hi Mike, great blog. I used to be a coffee drinker myself until I decided to take responsibility for my health. I would never think about drinking one of these drinks. Instead I have found a great alternative called “Want More Energy”. All natural and loaded with B-12 and electrolytes. This drink was actually formulated for Evander Holyfield many years ago. Keep up the good work as we must continue to educate as many people as possible.
I completely agree with your assessment of energy drinks. I’ve even tried those small bottles for sale in gas stations for road trip warriors and I presume truckers. Tasted awful and did nothing (not to mention not very good for you … had to try it though).
I confess I’m a fan of the Vitamin Water product, but it’s loaded with sugar (not high fructose variety). It’s not touted as an energy drink, but it tastes good.
Generally I avoid all flavored drinks except coffee in the morning and tea. I like pure juice from a juicer as well on weekends (when I have the time).
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Hi Mike
The vast majority of energy drinks are extremely bad for you and loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. A cardiologist in Australia tested 3 teenagers and showed the damage that they do to the heart. We have also had a death, a teenage boy, attributed to drinking too many of them. Luckily in Australia we don’t have a lot of high fructose corn syrup because we have a thriving sugar industry. At least sucrose is 50% glucose.
Vemma have an excellent energy drink called Verve – it has either no sugar or natural cane sugar and no artificial ingredients. It also has half a shot of Vemma with its 52 vitamins and minerals and the equivalent caffeine of about 1 1/2 cups of coffee. So this is what I have when I need a shot but I still limit them to when I really need them.
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I do much prefer on Gatorade…It supplies the lack of fluids and electrolytes and bring it back.that’s why it is the number one drink for sports.
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This is a great article, people need information like this. I am a great believer in natural products and am amazed at how much garbage we take into our bodies without even thinking. No wonder we are so toxic. I personally use Young Living products that are all 100% pure and natural, even their toothpastes! They also have a great energy drink I love called Ningxia Red which is also a powerful antioxidant and free radical killer. http://www.GetNingxiaRed.com
Twitter: angeksutan
I don’t like energy drinks. This beverage make someone depend on this drink. I like use natural ingredients to boost energy such as drink fresh juice.
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