The first commercial energy drink was created by the Japanese in the 1960’s. This drink contained a mixture of B vitamins and grew in popularity fueled by the night club movement. Over the next 10 years, the energy tonic craze had moved across Asia and a new drink became popular with rickshaw drivers in Thailand. This drink contained taurine, an amino acid first extracted from Bulls. In 1987, Red Bull picked up the taurine idea and developed an energy boosting beverage which immediately became popular in Europe. CocaCola tried marketing a soda made with Guarana in Brazil called Jolta. This was the first to debut in the US during the late 1990s. That original soda is no longer available, but the brand exists as a "shot" in a battery shaped can. Red Bull came not long after and has been increasing in popularity ever since.
Now there are numerous energy drinks and some people are concerned about their ingredients and particularly their caffeine content. Caffeine is the most common stimulant in energy drinks. We have consumed caffeine in our culture for decades but in the form of coffee and tea.
Physiologically, caffeine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood stream and spreads evenly throughout the body. At usual doses it creates a stimulant effect. Because it also causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict, it is used in common headache medications. It will increase blood pressure and may have an effect on heart rate. And it acts as a diuretic, causing an increase in urine which may promote a tendency to dehydration. People with normal sleep patterns may not be able to sleep after caffeine use.
Most of us believe that the caffeine level of energy drinks is much higher than that of more long-standing beverages, like coffee and tea. However you might be surprised to find that energy drinks contain about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of strong coffee.
Another ingredient often found in energy drinks is Taurine. An amino acid, it is found naturally in meat and fish and is sold as a dietary supplement. It is produced in the human liver and brain from the essential amino acid Methionine. It is also a component of bile and helps us to absorb fats.
Taurine is thought to improve athletic performance, support neurological development and regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood. During extreme physical exertion the body does not produce as much taurine as the muscles use. Toxicity is unlikely. As much as 3 grams is considered safe, and because taurine is water soluble, excess is excreted through the kidneys.
B-Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12 are often added to energy drinks. B12 aids in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is water soluble, so we need to get a steady supply. It supports neurological function and has recently been linked to a reduction in risk of heart disease by lowering homo-cysteine levels. B12 may be listed in the ingredients as cyanocobalomin.
The primary active ingredient in Guarana is Guaranine which is chemically identical to caffeine. For the plant, this is a strong deterrent to pathogens. But for humans, it is a stimulant which increases alertness and concentration, inhibits sleep, increases endurance, and diminishes appetite. Like other forms of caffeine, it may also increase urinary frequency, and blood pressure and make you feel jittery, anxious, or have an upset stomach. The extract also contains tannins and alkaloids. Tannis are the compounds that give red wine, tea and other foods antioxidant effects.
Guarana has become popular for weight loss and body building because of its ability to increase endurance, appetite suppression and fat-burning stimulation. It is now included in many sports nutrition products as a supplement to build muscle mass while keeping percent body fat low. One reason Guarana is popular for weight loss is because it is an adaptogen, tailoring its physiological response to the needs of the body. Be careful not to take any supplements which mix Guarana with Ma Huang or Ephedra.
Like caffeine, people with heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, hyperthyroid, anxiety, insomnia, and kidney disease should only use Guarana under the supervision of their health care practitioner. Guarana should not be used by people who are sensitive to caffeine or xanthenes. It also should not be used by children, or pregnant and lactating women.
Energy drinks can give you a boost when you need one. Drink responsibly. Remember to rest, as well.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases. You should consult your physician if you are experiencing a medical problem.
Author Resource:-
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