Sugar Sugar can provide a quick restoration of energy to your system. It also provides flavour to energy beverages, along with sucrose and glucose. One 250ml can contains approximately 27mg of sugar, which is slightly less than your average can of soda.

Although sugar is a quick pick-me-up, the effects are short felt and temporary. You will be feeling high on the sugar rush, but you will soon crash and feel even worse and more tired than before. Sugar adds empty calories, which can lead to weight gain. It is also the cause of a bevy of other health problems, including type-two diabetes and tooth decay.

Caffeine

The biggest kick from energy drinks comes from the high does of caffeine. Most energy drinks contain at least 80mg of caffeine per can, which is approximately the same amount as a cup of coffee. However, the levels listed on the labels don’t include the caffeine that is also found in guarana and yerba mate (plant ingredients that are found in these beverages).

Caffeine is known for its ability to improve mental and physical alertness. However, it is also notorious for being highly addictive in large amounts and over an extended period of time. A study from the John Hopkins University found that one cup of coffee a day is enough to cause an addiction. Caffeine dependency can lead to irritability, anxiety, muscle twitching, insomnia and headaches. Caffeine can also have a dehydrating effect. So, do not down an energy drink to quench your thirst

Other Added Stimulants

Many energy drinks are proud to display ingredients such as vitamins and herbal supplements on their labels. Red Bull contains B-group vitamins, which play an important role in energy metabolism. B vitamins are also shown to support mental and physical performance. The beverages may also contain ginseng, a stimulant that fends off the energy lag that follows a sugar high. Other herbal stimulants, such as guarana, yerba mate and ginkgo biloba are also common ingredients. Some labels also include taurine, an amino acid that helps detoxify the body and may improve endurance and stamina. It’s a pretty impressive list of ingredients. However, some health professionals say that people only benefit from these supplements if they are deficient in a specific nutrient. As well, health professionals have not conducted enough studies to gather conclusive evidence about the effects of the herbal supplements in energy drinks.

Fruit Juices

It means pure fruit juices, which don’t have all the added sugar. Natural sugars from the fruits will raise your blood glucose level to give you a rush of energy without the crash that comes from sugary drinks.

Green Tea

There is less caffeine content in green tea compared to the regular pekoe or earl grey varieties. The caffeine is also balanced by an amino acid called theanine, which can have a calming effect and prevents the jitters.

Herbal Teas

This tea is all natural and has no caffeine content at all. Depending on the kind, the teas contain gentle stimulants like ginseng, ashwaganda and relora. A warm cup of herbal tea can improve your mood and concentration.