As you probably know, energy drinks are very popular. They make
companies hundreds of millions of dollars. But are they healthy?
Many of them are not. In fact, it’s one of the greatest marketing
tricks in beverage history…turning a can of sugar water into one of
the coolest products in the supermarket.
So don’t fall hook-line-and-sinker for the marketing hype. Many of
these popular drinks are unhealthy and not worth your time and
money.
Let’s take a look:
The Worst Morning Jolt: 5-Hour Energy
While the company claims that 5-Hour Energy is packed full of
vitamins and other ingredients to promote energy when Consumer
Reports recently asked for a copy of the research to prove those
claims, the company wouldn’t give them anything. The bottom line
is the only proven ingredient is caffeine, and one bottle contains
about as much caffeine as a cup of good old coffee. Plus, coffee
is cheaper and does have antioxidants in it, so stick with the
coffee in the morning.
The Product With The Most Caffeine: Redline Power Rush
Having a shot of this product (2.5 oz bottle) is the equivalent of
gulping down 3 cups of coffee. You know something’s wrong when the
company website tells minors not to drink this product.
The Worst Soda Hybrid: Amp Energy
This product is an offshoot of Mountain Dew, with more caffeine and
a TON of sugar. Drinking a can of Amp Energy puts 14 spoonfuls of
sugar into your stomach. I’d stay away from this one.
The Worst Energy Shot: Clif Razz Energy Gel Shot
Unless you are working out on a regular basis and using gel shots
for energy while you train, just avoid gel products altogether. If
you want a more sustainable and less fattening form of energy,
drink green tea.
The Worst Coffee Boost: Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino
This bottle is LOADED with calories. You would have to pour nearly
two cups of whole milk into a cup of coffee to equal the same
number of calories. Stick with the regular coffee!
The Worst Energy Drink: Vault Red Blitz
This product has the most sugar of any energy drink on the market.
There is more sugar in this drink that in 3 ½ Hershey’s chocolate
bars. If you are looking for an energy drink to give you the best
chance of getting diabetes, this is it.
So there you have it…some of the worst “energy beverages” out
there. If you have children and teenagers, make sure they are not
drinking these drinks. The amount of sugar in these products is
frightening!
As always, email me any questions or comments. I’d love to hear
from you!
Take care and I’ll talk to you soon!
Dr. Justin Trosclair
Source: Yahoo! March 11, 2011
