Energy Drinks

Energy Drinks are a staple on the fitness programs of many people. These drinks are carbohydrate containing beverages that have some specialty ingredients specifically designed to increase energy levels. Most of these drinks are carbonated and taste like a citrus-type soda. Energy drinks start with simple carbohydrates: some contain glucose and/or sucrose, while others mainly have high-fructose corn syrup as their carbohydrate/sugar source. These drinks are filled with sugar,

so they are definitely not for those on a strict fat-loss diet or for anyone following a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. Carbohydrates can convert into glucose (blood sugar) and increase energy levels as glucose produces energy in the body. In fact, some research indicates that carbohydrates, and specifically glucose, can improve mentafunction—falling glucose levels lead to diminished cognitive function. Glucose is especially important during times of stress or high cognitive load. That is why these drinks contain a high amount of sugar to increase blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are also necessary for endurance athletes to increase energy levels during times of training and competition.

Energy Drinks: Sucrose is commonly referred to as table sugar and is a disaccharide consisting of both glucose and fructose. Fructose is a more slowly absorbed carbohydrate found in fruits (fruit sugar). High-fructose corn syrup is a highly refined sugar consisting mainly of dextrose (glucose) and other disaccharides. It has been enzymatically treated and is a low-cost carbohydrate that has good stability in liquid. It is probably the lowest grade of the "energy yielding" carbohydrates but since it is cheap, many manufacturers use it.
Another major energy-boosting component of energy drinks is caffeine, which is sometimes found in its herbal version, guarana or kola nut. Most of these energy drinks have about as much or a little less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee.