Energy drinks, as the name suggests, refer to beverages that have energy-boosting properties. Typically, people, especially teenagers, young adults, and athletes consume them when they need more energy.

Energy drinks were first introduced in the 1960s in Europe and Asia. Sponsorship of sporting events has added to the popularity and fame of energy drinks.

In this article, we will try to familiarize you with various aspects of this special and popular beverage.

Types of Energy Drinks

Each of the beverage companies usually produces energy drinks alongside their products.

Energy drinks can be divided into two types: calorie-rich and low-calorie based on the use of sugar or its absence in the formulation of the drink.

The Best Energy Drink

One of the features of the best energy drinks is that their ingredients should be present in appropriate amounts to provide sufficient energy to the body.

The main ingredients of energy drinks include sugars, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, taurine, and glucuronolactone. If an appropriate amount of each is present in energy drinks, you will quickly see results after consumption.

Ingredients of Energy Drinks

1-Caffeine: Caffeine is an inseparable part of energy drinks. Usually, the amount of caffeine is indicated on the product label so that those drinks with high caffeine content are consumed with more caution.

2-Sugar and Natural Sweeteners: Typically, glucose and sucrose are used to sweeten and provide energy in energy drinks. However, in low-calorie energy drinks, natural sweeteners like stevia are used instead of sugar.

3-Extracts of Herbal Plants: Guarana, ginseng, and yerba mate are types of herbal plants used in energy drinks. These plants, due to their caffeine content, amino acids, and therapeutic effects, add to the properties of energy drinks.

4-B Vitamins: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 are used in the formulation of energy drinks. These vitamins are water-soluble, and any excess is excreted from the body.

5-Amino Acids: Taurine and L-carnitine are also components of energy drinks, each having its own benefits.

6-Preservatives and Organic Acids: Preservatives used in energy drinks include benzoic acid and organic acids like citric acid.

7-Other Compounds: Gluconodeltalactone and synephrine are also among the other components of energy drinks.

In fact, these compounds should enhance physiological and cognitive performance. Improving memory and concentration, preventing fatigue, and increasing productivity can be considered effects of consuming energy drinks. Researchers usually attribute the enhancement of brain performance to the presence of caffeine and sugar in these drinks.

This beverage, like other drinks, should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Uses of Energy Drinks

Research shows that drinking 500 milliliters of energy drink can increase concentration by about 24 percent. Therefore, one reason for consumption is that when people are tired or sleep-deprived, they drink energy drinks. You may need to stay awake to study or work; energy drinks are the best solution.

Night shift workers, doctors, or nurses are among those who can work with more focus by drinking energy drinks. Those who drive long distances between cities and need to stay awake can drink energy drinks. Research shows that drinking them affects the quality of their driving.

Students and learners usually tend to drink energy drinks the night before exams or national entrance exams. In one study, it was found that 31 percent of children consume energy drinks. Excessive consumption of this beverage by children and teenagers may lead to addiction, consequently exposing them to heart disease and diabetes with prolonged use.

Benefits of Energy Drinks

There are differing opinions about the benefits of energy drinks and their side effects, but considering the components of this beverage, here are some of the properties of energy drinks:

The presence of caffeine in energy drinks increases physical ability and creates a state of alertness.

Herbal extracts, due to their antioxidant properties, have beneficial effects on human health.

The various B vitamins in energy drinks are another benefit of this beverage. The amino acids present in energy drinks have antioxidant roles, are effective in protecting the immune system, and increase the body's metabolism.

Price of Energy Drinks

Sometimes your body feels such a need for an energy drink that the price of the product no longer matters to you, and you try to choose a quality brand.

The price of energy drinks varies among different brands. Although the price of energy drinks is higher than other beverages, young people and athletes still prefer this drink.

The Best Time to Consume Energy Drinks

Typically, energy drinks are consumed to enhance the ability to perform daily activities. The energy required by the body is provided by two substances: sugar and caffeine. If energy drinks are consumed at the right time, they will be very effective.

The best time to drink energy drinks depends on the body's responsiveness. Usually, mid-morning, afternoon, and before exercise are when the body is most responsive. Mid-morning or before noon is beneficial for drinking energy drinks to have enough energy for daily tasks.

Usually, after lunch, you feel sluggish and do not have enough energy to complete pending tasks; energy drinks significantly help restore initial energy.

Also, before exercising, consuming this beverage is very useful so that you can exercise with more strength and cope with strenuous activities. In fact, by drinking energy drinks, you raise your body's immunity and stay away from injuries caused by exercise.

Recommendations Regarding Energy Drink Consumption

As mentioned above, this beverage is rich in sugar and caffeine. Excessive consumption is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart disease or diabetes. However, if consumed in moderation, its benefits can be useful for alleviating fatigue and increasing energy.

Our suggestion is to opt for energy drinks that are products of reputable factories and brands. The quality of this beverage significantly affects its performance.

It is worth noting that the daily caffeine intake for an adult should not exceed 400 milligrams. This is why drinking energy drinks more than one glass a day is not recommended. A teenager aged 12 to 14 years who weighs between 35 to 40 kilograms should not consume more than 85 milligrams of energy drink per day.

Final Words

Energy drinks are among those beverages that increase cognitive and physical performance. Therefore, they have gained many fans among teenagers, young adults, and athletes.

Caffeine, sugar, herbal extracts such as guarana, ginseng, and yerba mate, B vitamins, amino acids, benzoic acid, and organic acids like citric acid, gluconodeltalactone, and synephrine make up the components of energy drinks.

The energizing effects of this beverage have been proven due to its sugar and caffeine content, but caution and balance should be maintained in its consumption.

Get to know energy drinks better.

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