Energy Drinks: Check The Label
Beverages Contain Sugar, Carbohydrates
Dozens of energy drinks on the market claim to be able to quench your thirst while revitalizing your body.
Products with names like Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush and Mad River Energy Hammer lure consumers with promises of a boost.
But how safe are these drinks? They're not designed to be consumed during excercise, and people who buy them for that purpose are making a mistake, experts say.
Labels list an abundance of stimulants like taurine.
"It's an amino acid that's essential for cats for their eyes. It's not essential for us," Dr. Liz Applegate, who teaches nutrition and designs meal plans for elite athletes, said.
Applegate said that the drinks are not likely to supply consumers with extra energy.
"I don't take them. I don't advise athletes I work with or anybody to take them, because they're really not good for your health in the long run," Applegate said.
Many of the drinks contain more than one serving per can and up to 400 calories.
Large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates actually slow the delivery of fluids to your muscles, Applegate said, and stimulants like guarana can increase blood pressure.
Sports drinks like Gatorade and All-Sport are very different from energy drinks, Applegate emphasized. Sports drinks provide electrolytes, sodium and potassium in a healthy balance.
Applegate said, however, that the best way to increase energy levels is to get more sleep, eat healthier and exercise regularly.
Products with names like Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush and Mad River Energy Hammer lure consumers with promises of a boost.
But how safe are these drinks? They're not designed to be consumed during excercise, and people who buy them for that purpose are making a mistake, experts say.
Labels list an abundance of stimulants like taurine.
"It's an amino acid that's essential for cats for their eyes. It's not essential for us," Dr. Liz Applegate, who teaches nutrition and designs meal plans for elite athletes, said.
Applegate said that the drinks are not likely to supply consumers with extra energy.
"I don't take them. I don't advise athletes I work with or anybody to take them, because they're really not good for your health in the long run," Applegate said.
Many of the drinks contain more than one serving per can and up to 400 calories.
Large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates actually slow the delivery of fluids to your muscles, Applegate said, and stimulants like guarana can increase blood pressure.
Sports drinks like Gatorade and All-Sport are very different from energy drinks, Applegate emphasized. Sports drinks provide electrolytes, sodium and potassium in a healthy balance.
Applegate said, however, that the best way to increase energy levels is to get more sleep, eat healthier and exercise regularly.Copyright 2002 by TheKCRAChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
