They’re our choice of drink to wake us up or to keep us up when we’re planning for all nighters- but are energy drinks safe?
Here’s what Shape found out:
Common Ingredients
1. Taurine
This naturally found amino acid is typically offered as a dietary supplement, but it’s also found in fish and meat. Some sources suggest that you can take up to 3,000 milligrams of this supplement a day, however you should always be weary of consuming high doses. So far, the attitudes towards this acid are inconclusive, yet positive. “Taurine’s effective role in energy drinks alone requires more study, as it’s usually one of several ingredients that commonly tout a variety of claims, from decreasing sleepiness to improving concentration, mood and memory,” says Marisa Moore, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
2. Caffeine
This stimulant has been at the center of heated debates for years. The results are always mixed: Caffeine may protect against ovarian cancer, but it also raises the risk of a miscarriage. A study of energy drinks conducted at the University of Vienna, Austria, found that combining caffeine and taurine improves mental performance of drinkers. That being said, caffeine can become addictive when taken regularly and should be consumed cautiously.
Are They Safe?
Energy drinks contain so many different herbs and supplements that they create a murky broth with unknown effects. Ginseng and ginkgo biloba, which are also common ingredients, can affect other medications you’re taking. “Gingko biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, which is a real caution for those who take blood thinners or who have a surgery or dental procedure scheduled,” says Moore.
The best thing to do is limit your consumption of these drinks, or even better, go au naturel. “If you feel the need for energy to fuel a workout or something during snack time, try a banana, granola bar or other whole grain energy bar,” adds Moore.
Digg this Blog
Share on Facebook
WatchMojo on Twitter
WatchMojo on YouTube
Add to Favorites
WatchMojo Newsletter
Pelleres weighted arm-sleeves are the secret to getting fit fast!These biomechanically designed weighted arm-sleeves are proven to strengthening your core, burning more calories and it events prevents injuries!
This is a great solution for athletes who want to train at an advanced level, but it’s also great for busy mothers who want to lose weight while working around the house.
Here’s how it works:
“By applying weights to the forearms an imbalance is instantly created in the upper body which overloads the body and engages your core. As the core muscles work harder to compensate for the imbalance, the core is simultaneously strengthened and stabilised. When the body is overloaded with weight it is forced to adapt and become more powerful.”
Be sure to start with a weight that’s right for you and to check out the website Here.
Discover other great solutions like this one, or offer your own, at findsolve.
findsolve
This is not new information for most of us, but it’s always nice to be reminded of the benefits of our healthy habits or a reminder of why we should develop these habits.
Celebrity trainer and former body builder Rich Barretta shares the four healthy-eating rules his clients swear by, which you too can easily adopt with Shape Magazine.
1. Cut back on booze
If drinking is a big part of your social life, your waistline may suffer. Not only is alcohol loaded with carbs and empty calories, but people tend to make bad food choices when they’re buzzed. A couple sugary cocktails can easily add up to a thousand calories (half of the average person’s daily need), so Barretta advises avoiding alcohol altogether. If you are going to indulge, opt for a glass of wine or slim down your drink with smart swaps like trading tonic for club soda.2. Just say “no” to fried food
“Grill it, bake it, broil it, steam it, just don’t fry it,” says Barretta. Frying something perfectly healthy, such as chicken, takes away nutrients, while adding fat and calories. Plus, by eating fried foods at restaurants that still use trans fats, you run the risk of raising artery-clogging bad cholesterol and lowering fat-clearing good cholesterol3. Avoid carbs at night
There’s no need to deprive yourself of carbs, but you should be conscious of when you eat them. By consuming high-carb foods (potatoes, rice, pastas and breads) early in the day, you have more time to burn them off. At night, carbs are more likely to go unused and be stored as fat. Barretta’s rule of thumb: Stick to lean protein and veggies after 6pm.4. Pass up processed foods
We all know that fresh foods are better for us, but often reach for processed products out of convenience. While it’s challenging to cut out processed foods entirely, there are certain ingredients Barretta suggests you steer clear of, including high-fructose corn syrup, MSG, white flour and processed sugar. Your best bet is to shop around the perimeter of the grocery store, where you’ll find fresh meats and produce.
