There
are all kinds of drinks claiming their promise of higher energy
levels. Below is a list of the types of drinks on the market and
what it is, exactly, that you are taking.
Caffeine
The alert feeling you get in mose energy drinks is merely a 'caffeine
hit'. And a big one at that, with some drinks containingup to
80 milligrams (329mg per liter) of caffeine, which is much stronger
than any soft drink. Equal to strong coffee. High levels of caffeine
have a dehydrating effect, which means you should not drink when
exercising. In addition, caffeine is addictive and can cause insomnia
and anxiety.
Guarana
Guarana is made from the crushed seeds of a native Brazillian
plant. Although most people are unware of this, its active ingredient
is caffeine -- one gram of guarana contains about as much caffeine
as a medium-strength cup of coffee (about 60mg).
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid, but it is not essential to humans. There
is no evidence to suggest that taurine is a source of energy.
Ginseng
Extract
In substantial amounts, ginsend can have advesrse effects on blood
pressure, but the small amounts present in energy drinks are not
cause for concern.
GIngko
Bilboa
Gingko is reputed to improve brain function and a study published
in the British Medical Journal showed that it may have some mild
effects on memory. Small doses of gingko aren't harmful.
Glucoronolactone
Glucoronolactone is a human metabolite formed from glucose and
in small doeses is unlikely to cause any harm. However, according
to the European Commission's 1999 food safety report,, the dose
present in some of these drinks is up to twice the amount we'd
normally get from our diet. There is little information available
on the effects of glucoronolactate at this level.
