Healthy Energy Drinks
By: Dr Michelle Honda Ph.D. 
A new trend is fast tracking in the world of energy drinks. An outcry of public concern has prompted proactive companies to develop naturally healthy energy drinks, chemically free and nutritionally supportive while promoting sustained energy for increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
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Who Consumes Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are typically attractive to drinkers between the ages of 13 to 35, with males consuming 65% of the share. Also, consumers of various ages and occupations are drinking these beverages with regularity, such as long distant drivers, dieters, shift workers, athletes, students and your everyday person trying to pick themselves up to get through the day or evening.
Current Energy Drink Concerns
Most energy drinks are loaded with synthetic caffeine and fructose corn syrup. These ingredients with other harmful properties adversely impacts a healthy individual let alone those already over stressed and in a declined state of health. Energy drinks have short and long term effects – addiction being one, plus the stress on our organs, glands, nervous and other systems. Symptoms reported include anxiety, dehydration, interrupted sleep, high blood pressure, headaches, fatigue, depression, difficulty concentrating, irritability, nervousness, stomach upset and arrhythmia. Another major concern is the effects from mixing popular energy drinks with alcohol. Unhealthy Energy Source
There are a significant number of drinks available in low carbohydrate and sugar free forms. A formula containing this base presents a problem being that energy primarily comes from calories, of which these types of products provide very little. In order to compensate, companies typically inject a very high dose of synthetic caffeine and other ingredients into their product to create the desired sensation normally felt from a healthy carbohydrate source. Hypertension and Heart disease:
Published in Science Daily (Mar.26,2009); Henry Ford Hospital conducted a study which recommended people who have high blood pressure or heart disease to avoid consuming the popular current energy drinks. Additionally, scientists at Wayne State University in Detroit stated, consuming 2 cans a day of any energy drink can raise you blood pressure by at least 10 points or more and raise your heart rate by up to 7 beats per minute which can have lasting damage over time. Healthy Energy Drinks Provide Desired Effects
A healthy formula provides great taste while enhancing performance, boosts endurance, fights fatigue, increases alertness and concentration by elevating your energy level and keeping it there, minus the high sugar stimulant and subsequent crash. Healthy Energy Drinks May Include a Natural Blend Palatinose: Isomaltulose
Isomaltulose is the generic name of a natural carbohydrate energy source which metabolizes more slowly compared to sucrose (table sugar) or maltose (malt sugar). Being as how Isomaltulose is not metabolized as quickly, energy levels are longer and more sustained. This form of carbohydrate also leads to lower blood glucose and lower insulin responses when compared with glucose and sucrose consumption. Guarana
The herb Guarana` contains caffeine or caffeine like substances that stimulate the central nervous system to increase ones metabolic rate, promoting enhanced performance physically and mentally. Guarana` holds a GRAS-Status (Generally regarded as Safe). Green tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols (antioxidants) and due to its natural caffeine content has shown to boost metabolism and increase alertness. Maca
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, has been used since ancient times for its medicinal benefits whereas today, studies indicate that maca may have considerable promise as an energizing plant.
Yerba mate
The herb yerba mate has very similar effects to those experienced by drinking conventional beverages like coffee and tea. Consumers report a physiological state of wakefulness, clearer focus and alertness. A Few Examples of Healthy Ingredients Currently Available in Energy Drinks Acai
Researchers have referred to this small, round, dark purple berry as the most nutritious and powerful food in the world. The acai berry has the highest antioxidant content of any food tested to date, plus plant sterols and all non and essential amino acids. Acerola
This berry that looks similar to cherries is a high source of vitamin C as well as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals phytonutrients like quercetin and appears to be a good source of B vitamins. Camu Camu
The camu camu is another gift from the Amazon like the acai berry known as the world’s
richest natural source of vitamin C, plus it also contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and many flavonoids. Cupuacu
This fruit from the Amazon is known for its volatile aroma and antioxidant content. In addition, the Theo bromides in capuacu act like caffeine to provide energy and alertness. Pear
The pear is quite sweet providing vitamins and phytonutrients, including flavonoids (quercetin) and carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin). Purple grapes
Another sweet tasting fruit that is literally loaded with phytonutrients to include polyphenols (anthocyanins, resveratrol) and glutathione. D-Ribose
Ribose is a carbohydrate vital for the manufacturing of ATP, the body’s main form of energy. The goal in taking ribose is to maximize ATP stores whereby then increasing cellular energy stores. L-tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that when taken in therapeutic doses have been used to enhance the action of its derivatives such as dopa, dopamine, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. When examining its role in the body, tyrosine may be involved with helping the body cope with stress and energy levels. B-complex vitamins
B-complex vitamins are a welcome ingredient to an energy drink. These vitamins are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat into energy. Key Features to Look for in Energy Drinks
• Proprietary energy blend from botanicals
• High percentage of fruit juice
• Provides natural energy source ingredients
• Additional nutrients like vitamins and amino acids
• No preservatives
• No artificial flavours
• No artificial sweeteners
• No artificial colours
Michelle Honda PhD is a holistic doctor practicing at Renew You Holistic Health located in Ancaster Meadowlands. In addition to her doctorate, she holds an advanced degree in nutrition (RNCP), is a Master Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. Visit her website at: www.renewyou.ca and www.michellehonda.com Call: (905) 304-0111 |
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