Are Energy Drinks and Bars Good for You?

Energy Drinks and Energy Bars - Are They a Good Idea for You?

by Nicky Pilkington

Are you trying to live a healthy lifestyle? Do you hope that using energy drinks and energy bars will help you stay alert, keep active and loose weight? While the claims made by advertisers can be convincing it is important for you to understand the differences between products and how that affects your health. ENERGY DRINKS, SPORTS DRINKS and MEAL REPLACEMENTS Energy drinks have become a three billion dollar business in the US. However, the popularity of these drinks does not mean that they are all created equal. Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are created for athletes to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes. Water alone cannot provide these nutrients to hard working bodies. These additions, along with flavor enhancement which encourages more drinking, can help with rehydration which will increase energy if lack of hydration is the cause of fatigue. Energy drinks that are advertising a herbal energizer are not always using enough of the herb to create any noticeable effect. On the contrary, if too much of the potent herb is present it could even cause adverse reactions with other medications. Many of the marketed energy drinks rely on caffeine as a stimulant. They are also very high in sugar. While this may give you an initial boost it will also lead to sharp drops in sugar levels which will create a cycle of dependency. The caffeine can also lead to addiction - a special danger to children who may regularly choose energy drinks without understanding the health risks of caffeine. Meal replacement drinks can also improve energy in that they provide optimum nutrients which may otherwise be lacking in the diet and causing fatigue. However, meal replacement drinks are high in calories and will actually increase your calorie intake per day if added to a regular diet instead of used in place of a meal. ENERGY BARS and MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS Energy bars seem like a smart choice when a hungry guy or girl just doesn't have time for a meal. However, choosing wisely will prevent you from making unhealthy selections or adding unwanted calories to your diet. Energy bars have the same precautions as energy drinks. While some may provide you with a quick lift they may also be high in things which are very good for you - like sugar and hydrogenated oils. Soft textured bars are more likely to have high levels of hydrogenated oils. Choosing a bar with whole grains and fruits that is harder in texture is more likely to give you the proper source of energy producing carbs that you want without the less desirable additions. Again, meal replacement bars are just that - designed as a full meal replacement for weight loss or calorie restriction. Eating a meal replacement bar in addition to your regular diet will only increase the amount of calories you take in which will not provide you with the energy you desire. Adding the appropriate choice of energy bars or drinks to a balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy diet even when you are on the go. Including them as a part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle will provide you the most health benefits and greatest energy.

About the author:

More information on health issues is available at http://www.healthandfinesse. com

Are All Energy Drinks the same?

Veronica Vamosi

Last week, I had a doctor's appointment. I dropped by a coffee shop on my way. While I drank my coffee, the line grew to 20 good-looking Canadians appearing to be stressed out. It made me think about the way we cope with our energy crisis. So I looked for other "fixes." The internet revealed 12 energy drinks with caffeine derived from decaffeination. All of them contain Guarana. I tried three drinks that I will not identify because I want to focus on their contents.
Brand A contains Guarana and Juniperberry. Guarana is a small tree native to Venezuela and Brazil whose seed is a central nervous system stimulant that produces heat within the body. It increases memory retention while reducing stress. Juniperberry helps clear the mind. This brand has 100% Vitamin C and 130 calories. I sensed a gradual rise in my energy level that was calming. Guarana is not to be mixed with ephedrine. Juniperberry is not to be taken by people with kidney disease and may cause skin irritation.
Brand B contains Guarana, Taurine and Ginseng. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid in the body that helps people deal with anxiety. Ginseng is a root native to Asia and North America which promotes relaxation. Although it made me uptight(since nervousness is a side effect), I slept well. Ginseng is not recommended for women with breast cancer or people who have chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Taurine is manufactured within the body and can also be found in meat and fish. Taurine is not be mixed with high intake of alcohol because the body may not be able to use it fully.
Brand C contains Guarana, Taurine and Gingko Biloba. The gingko tree is the sole survivor of the oldest species of the world's living trees and increases circulation to the brain. I had unusual stamina within two hours of taking it. Although I was able to focus better on my work, it was hard to get to sleep. Brand C should not be used by people taking blood lowering medications or aspiring daily. All three brands are not recommended for children, preganant women or nursing mothers, those who are caffeine sensitive or drink alcohol. Beer drinkers should check: http://en.wikepedia.org/wiki/Guarana to find out which two beers contain Guarana.
On this cheerful note, I realize that the brand that works best for another person may not necessarily work as well for me. The reason is that the benefits and cautions that go with each one are not the same. My body is the one that I need to listen to and it has sent me a clear message. No matter how dynamic the packaging is, the way a product makes you feel counts more! The smell of a yellow rose is as fragrant as a red one.

About The Author

Veronica Vamosi is a Market Research Interviewer and new Independent Distributor for nutritional products which enhance energy and help people to lose or gain weight. To read additional articles, visit http://www.herbal-nutrition.net/members/veronicavamosi

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