So we have all heard and probably have drunk an energy drink at some point in our lives. But do we know what’s in them? How many calories? How much sugar and are there any preservatives? We reach for the energy drink as a midday pick me up or a morning go to after a workout but don’t realize that it might just be a waste of money or it might not be effective. So here is my top 5 natural energy drinks that I think are worth the money and are effective.
What are natural energy drinks?
Unlike other energy drinks on the market, natural energy drinks don’t contain ingredients such as artificial sweeteners or synthetic colorings, which some people prefer to leave out of their diets. They’re made with naturally derived ingredients like green tea, yerba mate, and botanical extracts. Additionally, the energy drinks on my list do not contain added sugars, which can be harmful if consumed in high amounts.
What are the Benefits?
Energy drinks that contain natural ingredients like green tea, coffee, and guarana can help provide a quick boost of energy when you’re feeling fatigued throughout the day. Sipping on an energy drink can help you feel more alert and may even improve your mood.
Some people use energy drinks to enhance athletic performance or to boost concentration and memory at work or school. While it’s ok to occasionally use an energy drink to help minimize the effects of fatigue or improve athletic performance, it’s not a good idea or recommended to use energy drinks on a regular basis or to rely on them to get you through your day.
Just remember to keep in mind that energy drinks can’t take the place of getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and managing stress.
What are the Risks and Side Effects?
With anything, as we are all aware, come possible side effects and risks. So I have to mention to you that there are some risks in drinking, even natural, energy drinks. Drinking energy drinks that contain large amounts of stimulants can lead to adverse side effects.
For example, a 2021 review found that the most commonly reported side effects of energy drink consumption in teens and adults were insomnia, stress, restlessness, and mood changes. In addition, energy drink overconsumption has been linked to dangerous medical issues such as seizures, coma, liver injury, and heart arrhythmias.
Energy drinks should not be an everyday part of your diet, nor should they be consumed in excess. It’s important to limit your intake of stimulants like caffeine in order to reduce the chances of adverse side effects as stated above.
The natural energy drinks on my list contain less than 200 mg of caffeine per serving, which is the amount found in about one 12-ounce (360-mL) cup of coffee, so they’re unlikely to cause adverse side effects when consumed in moderation. My recommendation is if you know you are going to have one of these drinks during the day, just limit your coffee intake for that day.
My List
- Best yerba mate-based energy drinks: Sound Sparkling Organic Yerba Maté with Citrus and Hibiscus and Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté
- Natural energy shot with collagen: Vital Proteins Collagen Energy Shots
- Best guayusa tea-based energy drink: Mati Sparkling Organic Energy Drinks (Unsweetened)
- Best matcha-based energy drink: Toro Matcha Sparkling Ginger
- Best pre-workout natural energy drink powder: Ora Renewable Energy
Now I haven’t tried all of them but based on my research, these are my top 5 natural energy drinks. I probably will have to try them all to give a good honest opinion as to the taste and side effects and to see if it really works as they claim. When I do try all of them I will report back in another blog and let you know.
As always, thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed this blog and I hope you got maybe a little something out of it. I just try to give the best advice I can so you can live the best life you can!
Check out my other blog on coffee! I also have my own coffee brand www.classicchromecoffee.com
Stay safe and go live your best life. Live a happier, healthier you! Darren
