The prevalence of so called "energy drinks" in the market today leave many in a state of confusing. Are these beverages healthy, do the provided energy as proclaimed by their aggressive names and flashy packaging, can they be both low in calories and still provide energy? The answer is yes and no. Energy drinks can provide energy since, by definition they contain calories and calories are the fuel that provides energy. But this fuel is primarily is the simple form of
SUGAR! Clearly sugar is not the best energy source for the body, *
except in certain situations, as it rates high on the Glycemic Index and does not provide for prolonged physical endurance. Oddly enough, dietary (healthy) fats provide far more energy than sugar, in fact healthy fats contain more potential energy than carbohydrates and proteins combined. Healthy dietary fat sources include:
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable Oils
- Nuts & Seeds
- Cold Water Fish (Salmon, Mackerel)
When was the last time you looked on an energy drink's container and saw dietary fats included in its ingredients? It is taste and hope that many are slave to. The addiction to sugar and belief that drinking a caffeinated beverage will give one some magical boost of power. The only magic that occurs when consuming one of these drinks, is the magic of convincing one to pay two and three times as much for what basically amounts to a soda. Sodas average about 140 calories, and energy drinks do as well.... at least per serving, and most mega sized drinks contain 2-2.5 servings. So technically you do derive energy, but consider the sugary source. As for low calorie energy drinks, by definition this makes little sense when considering that again energy is fueled by calories. Thus, if there are very few calories in a drink, how can it then provide an ample amount of energy to deem itself an energy drink. A rocket can only be propelled by rocket fuel! You want energy? GO EAT!
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*Nutrient timing accounts for the exception to the rule. There are specific times when high glycemic foods should be consume in order to speed recovery and aid protein absorption.
