What effects do energy drinks have on your health? You decide.

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An array of positive as well as negative psychological and physiological effects have been attributed to energy drinks and their ingredients. The most effective and popular energy drinks contain what the manufactures call a "performance blend" or "energy blend". This mixture of vitamins, amino acids and herbs are what give the drinks their energizing effect on the mind and body.  In this article I will examine the effect that each individual "performance blend" ingredient has on the user.

B Vitamin complex. Included in almost all energy drinks

Because B vitamins increase the rate of metabolism they are included in almost all energy drinks. In addition B vitamins may be necessary in order to:

• Support and increase the rate of metabolism
•  Maintain healthy skin and muscle tone
• Enhance immune and nervous system function
• Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
• Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer - one of the most lethal forms of cancer - when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form.

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All B vitamins are water-soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body. Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any excess is excreted in the urine

TAURINE

The ingredient found in the greatest abundance is usually Taurine. The amount of Taurine is usually between 300 and 1000 mg. per serving. Taurine is an amino acid and is also known as L-Taurine. Taurine is a conditional amino acid. This means is it made by the body itself. Taurine can be found in the body in large amounts in the brain, heart, blood palets and retina. It is required for building of proteins in the body. Taurine plays a supportive role in the condition of photoreceptors of the eye. It also helps in sperm motility, blood platelet activity and insulin activity. Taurine is needed by the body for nervous system regulation, bile formation, and blood pressure lowering. It is used in the treatment of hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Taurine is used to boost mental performance, help treat seizure disorders, autism and adult attention deficit disorder. For most people, adequate amount of taurine is created by the body itself. A person requires extra taurine during times of physical exertion, illness or injury.

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Taurine is helpful to bodybuilding enthusiasts, as it increases nitric oxide production. Taurine generally is the second most abundant amino acid in muscle. Taurine helps widen the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow to the muscle cells. It increases the efficiency of rigorous workout sessions and ameliorates the overall performance. Taurine acts as a metabolic transmitter and is important for brain metabolism. It stabilizes the heartbeat as it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter; which helps to improve focus during training. It may also help to stabilize the cell membranes in the brain and heart.

Taurine dosage amounts recommended by doctors are usually around 1.5g to 6g on a daily basis. Taurine is safe when taken in appropriate amounts. In studies, lasting up to one year on adults, no negative effects of taurine were revealed. It is essential to make a note of the body weight, body type and body ailments such as asthma, heart diseases, arthritis, etc. before starting the use of any supplements.

Taurine is not an "upper" and has no known stimulatory effect on the body. It is unclear why taurine is added to energy drinks but the inhibitory effect on neurotransmission might reduce the jittery effect of high amounts of caffeine that are found in this drink. Taurine has also been known to improve mental focus in some individuals but no conclusive studies have been done on Taurine.

GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT

Ginkgo is commonly added to energy drinks, but in many of the drinks the amount is typically so low that the true benefits of ginkgo biloba may not be reaped. Ginkgo biloba supplements are usually taken in the range of 40-200 mg per day. Some of the more effective energy drinks actually do contain dosages within this range.

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Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo biloba extract is believed to have three major effects on the human body: it improves blood flow (including micro circulation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and it blocks many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders. Ginkgo biloba can be used for intermittent claudication.

According to some studies, in a few cases, Ginkgo biloba can significantly improve attention in healthy people. For this reason it is included in energy drinks. The effect is almost immediate and reaches its peak in 2.5 hours after the intake.

CAFFINE

The next most abundant ingredient in energy drinks is caffine. The amount of caffine is usually between 50 and 100 mg. per serving. Everyone is familiar with this common chemical and its effects. Caffeine is addictive and alters the brain's natural state. It stimulates the brain in a manner similar to amphetamines and cocaine.

The mechanisms employed by caffeine, amphetamines and cocaine are to close blood vessels in the brain. This makes it difficult for the brain to sleep. Caffeine causes a small release of adrenaline into the body, which keeps the body active and alert. Caffine also manipulates dopamine production in the brain, so the person experiences a temporary "high."

Most people are unaware of caffeine's addictive properties. Those who consume 300 mg. or more per day, suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly cut off their caffeine supply. Most users will suffer from symptoms of fatigue and depression, irritability, tremors, jumpiness, deprivation of deep sleep, and vascular headaches, as the blood vessels in the brain dilate. Caffeine, however, can be medically useful as a cardiac stimulant, and also as a mild diuretic used to flush the system.

One of the mechanisms that caffeine addiction, cocaine addiction, and amphetamine addiction share, is that they block an adenosine's ability to slow the nerve cells' activity in preparation for sleep, and instead increase the speed of their activity and of the neuron firing in the brain. The caffeine causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict, because it has blocked the adenosine's ability to open them to allow sleep. The ability of caffeine to close the blood vessels is why many pain relievers contain caffeine. If a person has a vascular headache, the caffeine in the medicine will shut down the blood vessels, thus easing the pain.

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The increased neuron firing in the brain triggers the pituitary glands to release hormones that tell the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Adrenaline, the "fight-or-flight" hormone, gives the user's body a boost, and heightens the person's alertness. For this reason it is included as one of the most abundant ingredients in energy drinks.

One final mechanism caffeine, cocaine, and heroin share, is their ability to manipulate dopamine production. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, activates the "pleasure centers" in certain parts of the brain, and simply makes a person feel good. Naturally, the pleasurable effect produced by dopamine manipulation plays a prominent role in caffeine addiction.

The short-term effects resulting from caffeine consumption, such as alertness, renewed energy, and pleasure, may not necessarily outweigh the longer-term effects of caffeine addiction. Caffeine, despite its similarities to amphetamines, has side effects that are not nearly as severe, and withdrawal symptoms that are, generally, not life-threatening.

L-CARNITINE

L-Carnitine is an essential amino acid that the body uses to move fatty acids into the cell's mitochondria, which is the cells power plant. In a study of 18 overweight subjects, l-carnitine greatly increased weight loss. The subjects were split into two groups of 9. For 12 weeks, both groups ate a healthy diet and performed moderate exercise. One group was given 2000 mg of l-carnitine, and the other a placebo. In the placebo group, the average weight loss after 12 weeks was one pound. In the l-carnitine group, weight loss averaged 11 pounds. That’s an eleven-fold increase in weight loss, simply by increasing l-carnitine levels. Body fat percentage levels also decreased markedly in the licarnitine group.

L-carnitine can be synthesized within the body from the amino acids lysine or methionine with a little help from Vitamin C. It is essential to help convert food into energy, hence the reason it is included in many energy drinks. l-Carnitine also has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and helps improve resistance to muscle fatigue.

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Several studies have been done to discover the impact that L-carnitine has on the body following exercise.. Researchers have tested people at all athletic levels, with and without adequate L-Carnitine, for indicators of recovery. They found that people had significantly less post-workout pain and tenderness and less post-exercise muscle damage with L-Carnitine supplementation than with placebo. In one study, 75 percent of participants saw a 20 percent improved ability to exert energy within the 25-minutes after exercising.

Scientists suggest that L-Carnitine may help deliver more blood and more oxygen to muscle during exercise, which helps improve energy generation, wash out substances that produce painful symptoms and repair damaged muscle.

L-Carnitine is produced in small amounts in the human body (approximately 20 milligrams daily), but this is only 10 percent of the nutrient used daily by the average person and about one percent of the amount needed for enhanced exercise recovery. A 16 ounce can of energy drink usually contains about 50 mg of l-carnitine.

INOSITOL

Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that is usually classified as a carbocyclic polyol. The most common form of inositol is sometimes referred to as myo-inositol. In the human body, inositol plays a major role in preventing the collection of fats in the liver, as well as promoting healthy hair growth. The presence of the nutrient also aids in efficient processing of nutrients into the conversion of energy, which in turn helps the body to maintain a healthy metabolism. Inositol also can be considered brain food, as the nutrient is necessary to properly nourish the brain.

Some studies indicate that inositol may impact illnesses like depression. Those who suffer from clinical depression have been shown to have decreased levels of inositol in their cerebrospinal fluid.

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Inositol, unofficially referred to as "vitamin B8," is present in all animal tissues, with the highest levels in the heart and brain. It is part of the membranes (outer coverings) of all cells, and plays a role in helping the liver process fats as well as contributing to the function of muscles and nerves.

Inositol, also part of the B vitamin complex, is closely associated with choline. Like choline, inositol (as phosphatidylinositol) is also found in lecithin, though in lesser amounts than choline, and acts as a lipotropic agent (milder than choline) in the body, helping to emulsify fats. The body can produce its own inositol from glucose, so it is not really essential. We have high stores of inositol; its concentration in the body is second highest of the B vitamins, surpassed only by niacin.

Inositol may also be involved in depression. People who are depressed may have lower than normal levels of inositol in their spinal fluid. In addition, inositol participates in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to be a factor in depression. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells.) For these two reasons, inositol has been proposed as a treatment for depression, and preliminary evidence suggests that it may be helpful.

Inositol is found in plants, as Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6). It is a phosphorylated form of Inositol commonly found in fiber-rich plant foods. IP6 supports natural cell defense against damaging hydroxyl free radicals by chelating with reactive iron. It boosts the body's natural cellular defenses by increasing the levels of inositol phosphates in the cells; as a result, it dramatically increases natural killer cell activity, which plays a key role in strengthening the body's immune system.

Guarana Seed Extract

Guarana is known for its energy boosting effect. It contains about twice the amount of caffine found in coffee beans. Within the past decade Guarana has gained popularity as an energy supplement and is now included in almost every popular energy drink. Because Guarana is rich in caffine it has an impact on cognitive function. This is another reason that it is added to energy drinks. Studies have found that Guarana has anti-oxidant and anti bacterial benefits. It also reduces mental fatigue, aids memory proformance, improves mood and alertness. Guarana is often combined with Asian and/or American gensing to enhance energy production.

Guarana stimulates the central nervous system, increases metabolism, and has a mild diuretic effect. It has been suggested that in combination with other herbs, guarana may be effective in helping to promote weight loss. This effect is probably due to an appetite suppressing mechanism, an increase in calorie burning, or both.

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Guaranine, a chemical compound found in guaraná, produces many of the same effects as caffeine. Individuals with conditions that may be complicated by high caffeine intake (including insomnia, depression, and pregnancy) should consult with a physician before adding guaraná to their diet.

Guaraná products that provide up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day are considered safe.

Panax Ginseng

It is important not to confuse Panax ginseng with American ginseng, Siberian ginseng, or Panax pseudoginseng. Panax ginseng is used for improving thinking, concentration, memory and work efficiency, physical stamina, and athletic endurance. For these reasons it is included in some of the more effective energy drinks.

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Panax ginseng is also helpful in coping with stress and as a general tonic for improving well-being. Panax ginseng is known as an “adaptogen” when it’s used in this way.



Panax ginseng is also used for depression anxiety, chronic fatigue (CFS), for boosting the immune system, for fighting particular infections and to help treat cyctic fibrosis.

Panax ginseng has been used to treat breast cancer and to prevent ovarian cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer and skin cancer. Other uses include treatment of anemia, diabetes, inflammation of the stomach lining, fever, hangover and asthma.

Some men use Panax ginseng on the skin of the penis as part of a multi-ingredient product for treating premature ejaculation. It is also used to help treat erectile dysfunction. There is some evidence that Panax ginseng is effective for these uses.

In manufacturing, Panax ginseng is used to make soaps, cosmetics, and as a flavoring in beverages.

Ginseng has been used as a medicine for over two thousand years. Today, approximately 6 million Americans use it regularly.

In Western medicine, Panax ginseng is used as a stimulant to make people more active. But, in contrast, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Panax ginseng is used to make people feel calmer. It is also widely used in China for the heart and blood vessels. Higher doses are generally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in Western medicine.

Panax ginseng is often referred to as a general well-being medication, because it affects many different systems of the body.

Milk Thistle

The exact reason why milk thistle is included in energy drinks is unclear. It is believed by some people that certain energy drink ingredients are added simply to make the drink’s ingredient list look more interesting and impressive. The inclusion of milk thistle in energy drink energy blends may fall into this category.

Milk thistle naturally protects the liver from a variety of toxins and from exposure to chemical pollutants and the side effects of prescription drugs. It also protects against the over indulgences of rich food and alcohol. It helps to support the body in regenerating healthy liver cells and in replacing those that have been lost. A second theory is that milk thistle may be included in energy drinks with the intent of counteracting any toxicity created by the high dosages of the other ingredients.

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An in vitro study found that extract of milk thistle protects LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, and is capable of reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by up to 86%. Because it helps keep blood vessels free and clear of unwanted buildup, consuming milk thistle, may be a viable way to maintain heart health.

Milk thistle is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are usually mild and may involve stomach upset and diarrhea. Milk thistle should not be ingested by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast and uterine cancer and prostate cancer, should not ingest milk thistle.