A new breed of energy drink is coming out that promises to provide the ‘smarts’ and ‘stronger’ benefits of both coffee and caffeine. But is this energy drinks list worth the hype?
Energy drinks and caffeine
A typical energy drink, like Red Bull, contains 80mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to an average cup of coffee; a large will contain twice the amount. So far, so good. But as you can imagine, energy drinks are extremely high in other stimulants, such as taurine and guarana, which put the drink higher up on the scale of ‘energy’ drugs. This is good for those who like to drink on an empty stomach. But for those who find coffee too stimulating, the side effects can be noticeable.
Cleaner, Smarter and Stronger
The flavour profiles of energy drinks are carefully constructed to create a feeling of ‘clean’, whilst simultaneously reinforcing confidence in you. The original Red Bull is renowned for its unique taste which is considered ‘clean’ by the American caffeine-lovers. Like coffee, the energy drink can be a vital decision maker for some; it can be used to make otherwise boring tasks more exciting and stimulating.
The Science of Caffeine
Caffeine is known to affect neurons, which the body uses to distribute and store information. This has been shown to improve short-term memory, but at the risk of making it worse in the long run. Like other stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamine, caffeine can alter moods and feelings of well being.
The Science of Energy
Energy drinks contain numerous stimulants, including caffeine, as well as taurine and guarana. These all stimulate the body’s adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, which gives the drink its kick. This is good for mental stimulation and physical stamina, but can also give people a ‘rush’ that is followed by sleepiness and yawning.