The global energy drink market has seen tremendous growth in recent years, making it the fastest-growing beverage category. Despite a prominent global trend towards healthier lifestyles, energy drinks still have their own playing field among younger audiences.
Here we will analyze ten common ingredients in energy drinks and clarify what they are and what you need to know. With the information we provided, you indeed will figure out the answers to all your questions.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most common components in the F&B industry. Caffeine is derived from over 700 different drinks, including coffees, energy drinks, sodas, and even teas.
According to the National Cancer Institute, caffeine’s advantages include increasing brain activity, alertness, attention, and wakefulness. It may also increase respiration rate, body dehydration from urination, improving heart rate and blood pressure stabilization.
Caffeine’s Benefits
A small intake of caffeine from energy drinks can help you stay awake all day long. Despite its health benefits, many nutritionists recommended only 400 mg of caffeine per day as a safe restriction for adults’ well-being.
That said, you must take into account the daily caffeine you consume from each beverage.
2. Taurine
Scientifically, taurine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the human body. Besides, it is the most abundant intracellular amino acid in humans and a normal constituent of the human diet. It helps with muscle contractions, regulates heartbeat and energy levels. Hence, taurine is vital for one’s overall health.
Healthy effects from Taurine
An amino acid may boost athletic performance and metabolism. Besides, taurine is considered a major ingredient in mainstream “power drinks.” The daily limit amount of taurine generally regarded as safe is up to 3,000 mg.
3. B vitamins
Vitamins B is one of the three main components of an energy drink. The main reason is that it plays a crucial part in energy metabolism. Any excess of these nutrients such as B6, B12, niacin, folic acid is quickly flushed out of your body, so they’re relatively safe.
Vitamins B in energy drinks
Energy drinks usually contain a large amount of Vitamin B that is well beyond the recommended daily allowance. Though not harmful, they’re unlikely to pep you up, despite what the beverage companies tout.
4. Guarana
Guarana comes from a plant that originated in Brazil, which is also known as the Paullinia cupana.
Guarana benefits
According to Healthline, guarana stimulates weight loss and fatigue and even helps you learn better. Amazonian tribes have since you guarana because of its therapeutic properties. Some reported that guarana provides more vigilance and heedfulness, while others perceive it does not have as good of a stimulating effect.
5. Ginseng
For centuries, Ginseng has been used as a medicinal herb. It is believed to have some anti-fatigue properties, boost vitality, relieve stress, and improve memory.
However, there’s no evidence that this Eastern Asian herb boosts energy levels; but rather, it has been shown to diminish exercise endurance. Avoid using it if you are undertaking diabetic medication.
The components in Ginseng are nothing that’s naturally produced by the human body, so having this in a beverage could be risky for some who could be sensitive to this substance.
6. L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a typical amino acid generated by the liver and kidneys. This acid promotes metabolism and increases energy levels.
Its mechanism is considered thermogenic, which assists in extending endurance during exercise. Whether you need an L-carnitine supplement or not, most people should only take 2-6 grams per day.
7. Sugars
Glucose is widely recognized in various beverages, not just limited to energy drinks, because of its sweetness that appeals to all types of people. No matter your age, you should love the sugary sweetness.
The effects of sugar: Pros and Cons
In contrast, too much sugar consumption raises the risk of various diseases, most famously are diabetes and obesity. Besides, an excessive amount of sugar can accelerate insulin levels, leading to a “crash-like” feeling after about an hour or so.
According to the WHO, the number of victims with diabetes increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014 worldwide. The NCBI stated that the prevalence of diabetes (type-2 diabetes and type-1 diabetes) would increase by 54% to more than 54.9 million Americans between 2015 and 2030.
Therefore, standard sugar intake must be taken into account carefully. Based on AHA (American Heart Association), here are the recommendations for sugar intake.
Women are highly recommended the maximum sugar added is 25 grams (approximately six teaspoons or 100 calories) per day. In comparison, men should consume no more than 36 grams (nine teaspoons or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.
8. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help the body retrieve and prevent damage from free radicals. Such nutrients as Vitamins C, A, E and selenium are all antioxidants in which Vitamin C is probably the most common substance in energy drinks.
The healthy benefits from Antioxidants
They help to eliminate stress, illnesses, improve eye health and prevent cellular damage. However, you should not depend on energy drinks for a “healthy lifestyle.” Instead, using natural fruits such as raspberry would be a way more nutritious option.
Most nutrients are flushed out from the body when taken in excessively. However, Vitamin A can build up in body tissues and cause liver damage when consumed without consideration.
9. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair is a native Chinese herb that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Since it is the only survivor of an ancient plant species, it has also been recognized as a living fossil.
Ancient Chinese ginkgo tree – Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba can boost circulation and has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Together, those features can influence multiple body systems and diseases, but there is still some catching up from the science side of things.
10. Glucuronolactone
All connective tissue contains this compound, Glucuronolactone (DGL for short). DGL occurs naturally in the human body when the liver breaks down glucose. This substance is believed to aid in freeing hormones, detoxification, the biosynthesis of vitamin C and other chemicals.
It is placed in energy drinks because it helps prevent glycogen depletion by preventing other substances from depleting glycogen supplies in the muscles.
Final Thought
Despite an emerging controversy about energy drinks’ health effects, it is still welcomed by the millennial generation. We know that neither excessive nor insufficient amounts of anything are good for any individual. Moderation is the key here.
Find this article about energy drink ingredients interesting? How about reading other posts that we have written right here.
Tan Do is a global beverage ODM/OEM manufacturer and supplier located in Vietnam. Since 1996, we have built trust and credibility not only throughout Vietnam but also in many parts of the world. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, we have crafted thousands of products that align with ISO, HACCP, HALAL, FDA, and many other standards.
