Do Energy Drinks Really Increase Your Energy?

Do you use energy drinks to pick up your energy during the day? Maybe before your workout? Most of these drinks contain caffeine in combination with other ingredients that are similar to caffeine, like guarana, taurine, ginseng and green coffee extract. Actually all of these substances contain caffeine too, so you can't even tell what your total caffeine intake is because the manufacturers are not required to tell you how much caffeine is contained in any of the other ingredients. Now it's correct that small amounts of caffeine, for example 100mg, may increase your energy, keep you alert and even improve athletic performance. I often see school kids drinking energy drinks though. Do you think 10 to 18 year olds need to increase their energy? Energy drinks have high levels of sugar combined with high doses of caffeine. And I didn't even mention the artificial flavors and colors. Their side effects can include heart problems, liver damage, irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure. Yet we keep buying them, In the US alone the sales reached more than $10 billion in 2012. Yes, you may see an increase in energy after you drink, but you'll also see that energy disappear again so quickly. And as the effects wear off you may notice a loss of concentration and a feeling of mental fatigue. So you'll find yourself quickly reaching for a second one, or looking for another option to pick up your energy. Do you know how much sugar and caffeine is in some of the most popular energy drinks?

• Red Bull: 27g sugar, 80mg caffeine.
• Rockstar: 60g sugar, 160mg caffeine.
• Monster Energy Assault: 54g sugar, 160mg caffeine.
• Monster Energy XXL: 81g sugar, 240mg caffeine.
• 5 Hours Energy: 200mg caffeine.
• AMP: 29g sugar, 74mg caffeine.
• Gatorade Perform: 21g sugar.
• Gatorade Fruit Punch: 34g sugar (and it contains no fruit!).

Maybe you remember from my previous articles what the recommended daily sugar intake for adults is? For men it's 34g, for women 25g. Also, if you're thinking you're ok because you're buying the sugar-free alternatives then unfortunately think again, the artificial sweeteners in them, especially aspartame, are often worse for you than the sugars. So what are the alternatives for increasing energy?

1. Coconut water
2. Plain greek yoghurt with Molokai honey
3. Coffee with full fat coconut milk
4. Chia seeds
5. A cup of tea or coffee with coconut oil added

Remember, you just have one place to live, your body. Take care of it well!