Veritech Energy Technology

Now that we have market that has grown by 400% in the last year – there could not be a better time to look at comparing the best energy drink for you!

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you need to look out for to safely shortcut an extra pep boost and which ones will bring the downer coming down hard.

1 – Caffeine

What is it? Caffeine is a drug which stimulates stress hormones in the central nervous system.

Does it work? Yes. The University of Arizona did a recent study which has shown “it clearly boosts brain processes” says Anita Bean, author of Food For Fitness. About the equivalent of a cup of filter coffee (80mg) can increase short-term recall and alertness by a third.

Is it safe? Helsinki University has found that around three cups of coffee increases blood pressure by 14 points, which will strain your major organs. “Over five cups a day can lead to heart palpitations headaches and even cardiac arrests”, warns Bean. The study has suggested that caffeine should be reduced until you need it the most – for the safest hit.

2 – Taurine

What is it? A non-essential amino acid – which can be used in the metabolising fats.

Does it work? Sadly those “wings” are more ostrich and osprey. Judy Watson (from judywatsonnutrionist.co.uk) says that “In any case your body must assemble the taurine it needs from animal based protein sources” on the other hand a research study found from Cornell University showed that the lab rats who were used to test taurine based supplements found it could actually slow down brain activity to abnormal rates.

Is it safe? No. A easy way to put it would be get some vodka and head out for the local ambulance instead. Seriously, “on its own, it lowers blood pressure and increases the risk of blood clots”, Watson sternly warned.

3 – Guarana

What is it? South American caffeine which comes in a seed shrub. Directly extracted.

Does it work? Penny Hunking from (energise.co.uk) has said that it works because of the combination of caffeine and essentials oils in the seed extract. Taking a 200mg dose can improve all your reaction times from up to 30 milliseconds.

Is it safe? Hunking further reports that guarana has a natural source of synergy to the body. It filters out the excess levels and with no obvious side effects does not pose any health risks. Another thumbs up came from the University of Florida based nutritionists who backed up the findings.

4 – Glucose

What is it? The most common based sugar which breaks down the carbs into easy absorbed goods which enter your blood stream.

Does it work? “It aids physical performance but won’t boost concentration, and leaves you more tired than half an hour later”.So it works only for a short burst. Professor Jim Horne from the Loughborough Sleep Research Centre concluded. (lboro.ac.uk)

Is it safe? It can be if you’re not diabetic. “Regular large doses can cause your body to burn fat and even contribute to diabetes” said Anita Bean. “Fats can the protein can cause slow absorption of glucose”. So if you do not fancy the rollercoaster ride – a slice of toast with some peanut butter on it being eaten whilst you drink will lessen the ride load.

5 – Ginseng

What is it? A root extract from panax shrubs which commonly come from East Asia.

Does it work? That depends on wanting a brain boost or a brawn boost. “Ginseng aids the mental function of balancing stress hormones and cortisol adrenaline” says Watson. You can find more beneficial based effects of the solution in the office than the gym and the effects are far from dramatic.

Is it safe? Yes according to Watson again. Quoting that “In the amounts in energy drinks it’s harmless – even if you take bigger doses you’ll suffer an upset stomach at worst. This on the positive side will keep you more active in those meetings.