Energy drink consumption has been linked with numerous adverse health outcomes, ranging from mild adverse events like anxiety and digestive discomfort, dehydration and nervousness to more serious health effects like rhabdomyolysis, ventricular fibrillation, renal failure, hepatotoxicity and even death. Energy drinks contain high quantities of caffeine, taurine, sugar and ginseng – each potentially dangerous ingredient that should not be underestimated when making decisions regarding our bodies’ wellbeing.
Guarana
Paullinia cupana (commonly referred to as guarana) seeds are an increasingly popular ingredient in energy drinks, providing caffeine, theophylline and other xanthine compounds which give energy drinks their signature boost. Furthermore, Guarana may offer numerous medicinal effects; including antioxidative and cognition enhancing benefits as well as supporting heart health benefits; it may even help with relieving side effects associated with cancer treatments but further research needs to be completed in this regard.
Guarana, a staple in many popular energy drinks, is believed to increase both physical energy levels and mental performance. Guarana seeds are harvested, dried and crushed before their caffeine is released from their inner tissues. Caffeine is combined with sugar and other ingredients to form energy drinks, while many use guarana as an herbal remedy to address fatigue, anxiety and digestive issues. Guarana supplements come in both capsule and powder forms. Guarana can be easily added to smoothies and other beverages, though its usage should be carefully considered, as its side effects could include jitteriness, headache and rapid heartbeat. Furthermore, certain medications including anticoagulants and stimulants could interact negatively with this herb; so before taking it it would be wise to consult a medical professional first.
Guarana has long been utilized by Amazonian tribes as a natural energy and medicine source. Guarana seeds contain caffeine as well as beneficial chemicals like xanthine compounds and alkaloids, along with plenty of antioxidants which are believed to protect cells against oxidative stress while simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress levels in your body. Guarana may even help prevent cardiovascular disease, inflammation diseases, as well as promote healthy aging processes.
Guarana may help promote weight loss and digestion. The seeds of the guarana plant may stimulate contractions in your colon and intestine, helping alleviate constipation symptoms. Furthermore, this natural remedy contains compounds which have been known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Guarana appears to be safe for most adults when taken in small doses for short duration. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider before taking guarana as this may interact with certain drugs; additionally, all of your medications, herbal supplements and other supplements should be disclosed when discussing their use with their healthcare practitioner.
Ginseng
Ginseng, an herb from the Panax genus, has long been utilized as a medicinal plant across China, Korea, Japan and North America for thousands of years. Ginseng acts as an adaptogen, increasing resistance to physical and chemical stress as well as building general vitality. Furthermore, this plant is widely known for its psychological benefits including strengthening immunity systems and cognitive performance while supporting sexual wellbeing.
Ginseng contains active compounds known as ginsenosides that produce its effects, with levels and composition depending on species, age of plants harvested for harvesting methods, harvesting practices, processing procedures as well as processing methods used on them. While roots contain the highest concentration of ginsenosides for use as herbal remedies.
Studies have demonstrated the many positive benefits of Ginseng for energy levels and stress reduction. Furthermore, studies have discovered its ability to enhance athletes’ performances and facilitate maximum oxygen uptake during exercise sessions. Furthermore, research indicates this herb’s ability to inhibit fat tissue formation while simultaneously stimulating energy expenditure and lipid oxidation within cultured cells and animals.
Over the past several years, significant research has been done into the antiobesity properties of ginseng; however, its effect has often been mixed and inconsistent due to most studies using Asian ginseng products that differ significantly in terms of their ginsenoside profiles.
One reason for the mixed results in ginseng cultivation may be its long growth cycle and need for extra care in harvesting it at its prime, leading to premature harvesting or overharvesting by unscrupulous hunters. Ginseng grows slowly; as such it often needs harvesting before it has had enough time to mature fully resulting in overharvesting or poaching by unscrupulous harvesters.
Ginseng remains one of the world’s most beloved herbs, known for stimulating brain adrenocorticotropic hormone activity without stimulating adrenal glands, producing feelings of mental arousal. Furthermore, research indicates it may inhibit cancer cell development while improving insulin sensitivity in people living with type 2 diabetes.
L-Taurine
Taurine is a non-protein sulphurated amino acid found in large concentrations in the brain, retina and muscle tissue of animals and humans alike, while small quantities may also be found in algae, fungi and bacteria. You can get taurine through eating eggs, meat or fish or supplements; its main sources are usually eggs, meat and fish as well as supplements containing taurine; it also has antioxidant and blood pressure-reducing properties and may help regulate cholesterol levels within the body; it may promote muscle health while improving athletic performance while delaying fatigue recovery times further; more research needs to be conducted in order to confirm these potential benefits of taurine’s use!
Taurine can also regulate your immune system and has been found effective in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s, mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. Studies have also discovered anti-ageing effects and balance electrolyte levels when used at adequate levels; furthermore it protects rats’ hippocampi from damage during closed head injury, suggesting it might play a key role in cognitive function.
Taurine can help to reduce high blood pressure by decreasing resistance of blood flow in your arteries and veins, acting as an energy booster and improving overall cardiovascular health by decreasing cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and diabetes risks. Furthermore, taurine is beneficial to eye, hearing and liver health; athletes and bodybuilders frequently use taurine supplements to increase performance as well as strength and power gains. Some individuals have reported experiencing adverse reactions when drinking taurine-containing beverages with caffeine or in large amounts – this may cause palpitations or arrhythmias – problems which could arise when combined with caffeine or in large quantities – these issues could occur when consumed in large doses or mixed with caffeine; such problems could arise when combined with caffeine or when taken in large amounts.
Since supplements are not regulated as heavily by the FDA as prescription drugs are, it’s essential that you choose an independently-tested brand and adhere to any recommended dosage instructions – for instance, not exceeding more than 1/4 level teaspoon of taurine per day when taken alongside other supplements or medication. Be sure to speak to a registered dietitian nutritionist or healthcare provider prior to beginning any supplement regimens.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid commonly found in foods like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, oats, beans and nuts. When taken orally it converts into nitric oxide which relaxes and widens blood vessels to increase circulation while stimulating growth hormone and insulin release – two hormones used by athletes for improved exercise capacity and recovery. Research studies suggest arginine supplementation increases oxygen consumption as well as exercise performance but results have been inconsistent.
The amino acid arginine is converted to citrulline by the liver through a process known as first-pass metabolism, providing similar benefits without risk of liver damage. Studies indicate that combined doses of both supplements may help alleviate cardiovascular symptoms like low nitric oxide levels and inflammation.
Arginine is an essential amino acid for building protein and improving circulation, and can also support immune function by increasing cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. Recent research has demonstrated that it may reduce duration and severity of infection in hospitalized patients; although results vary depending on which studies were used as benchmarks.
Ben-Asher attributes arginine’s popularity among athletes to its ability to improve oxygen delivery to muscles during intensive exercise, says that taking an arginine supplement increased maximum oxygen consumption during physical exertion (referred to as “VO2 max”). A 2021 study confirmed this.
Arginine may help reduce muscle atrophy with age by stimulating protein synthesis and collagen production, and may prevent diabetes by blocking enzymes that breakdown glycogen, thus decreasing glucose production and decreasing blood sugar levels.
While arginine may be safe in moderate doses, it should be used with caution by individuals suffering from cold sores or genital herpes and those taking medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin or clopidogrel (Plavix). Furthermore, fibrates and statins could potentially interfere with it and it’s advised that you consult your physician or dietician prior to choosing any arginine-containing supplements as they could interfere with them. For best results consult both.
