We could say that “behind every successful person is a substantial amount of coffee” and a solid dose of energy drinks that keep them fueled and ready to take over the world.
But how to make the right choice when there are so many brands that offer “flawless” products? Here’s what you should always check.
Caffeine Content
While the most powerful energy drink can contain 200–400 mg of caffeine, according to the FDA, healthy adults should take in a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day (4–5 cups of coffee). Therefore, you should avoid consuming more than one energy drink per day (max two).
The best option is to go with a product that contains an average amount of caffeine (100–150 mg) to steer clear of the side effects like dehydration, anxiety, and insomnia.
People who are sensitive to caffeine should also avoid energy drinks.
Ingredients
If you ever made energy drinks comparisons, you probably noticed that various products use different formulas and ingredients.
For example, products advertised as energy boosters will contain ingredients like taurine and B vitamins, while energy drinks for weight loss will contain zero sugar and zero calories.
Flavors
Most energy drinks come in different flavors, mainly fruity ones. However, since you won’t be able to taste the product before you buy it, you should know that there will be less flavor in the drink if it’s carbonated. On that note, zero-calorie energy drinks are usually not carbonated.
Sugar Levels
We all know that sugar is overall bad for our health. Thus, many brands don’t use it in their products (or they use small dosages of sugar). Instead, the brands use stevia, aspartame, or other leading artificial sweeteners to give the drink a sweet taste.
Benefits of Energy Drinks
Obviously, the main goal of the best energy drinks is to increase your energy and keep you focused.
They can also be an excellent alternative to coffee. Since you consume them faster, the caffeine will get into your bloodstream much quicker.
Another thing that sets them apart from other beverages that contain caffeine is the flavor. In other words, you don’t have to add sugar or honey to your drink (like you might do with coffee or tea). Energy drinks usually have a fruity taste and are sweet enough.
Besides caffeine, good energy drinks contain additional supplements like vitamins, amino acids, electrolytes, and antioxidants. When mixed, these ingredients can enhance the overall effect of the beverage.
Finally, energy drinks are served cold, so they will provide you with the much-needed refreshment after a hard day at the gym, helping you recover faster.
Side Effects of Energy Drinks
Potential side effects can include caffeine overdose; in other words, the side effects can be the following:
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
Please note that you should never mix energy drinks with alcohol.