Weighing every drop of bottled energy

     Athlete or not, everyone needs energy — that enduring power to sustain one’s physique and stamina in this jam-packed battle-field world. And if you are trying to be like superman in facing the day in and day out war, then you might need more energy to keep you up. Thus, energy drinks might just be your best bud.

     However, as these “mythical potions” flock every store, try to pocket your penny and discover first if they are really worth drinking.

Energy’s first drop

     In the early 1960s, the word “energy drink” was unheard of. But, in the summer of 1965, the University of Florida Gators American Football team formulated a beverage they called “Gatorade” to help them replenish their energy during competitions. The following year, the Gators seized the orange bowl championship. When their opponents were asked about their loss, they replied only this: “They have Gatorade; that’s what made the difference”. From then on, other colleges started buying energy drinks hoping for similar results. Hence, the energy drink era commenced.

     Energy drinks became the top choice of every athlete in any sport. Tagged with an irresistible promise of herculean prowess, more and more athletes believed that this bottled energy is no myth at all.

     Today, as life becomes “all work”, it is no longer just the athletes who are taking this alleged elixir of vitality. Although some are specially designed for elite athletes, most energy drinks are produced and sold to cater people from different walks of life.

Fuel for workouts

     Swifter, faster and stronger. These are what every bottle of energy drink supposedly offers. Through its contents like caffeine, which reduces physical fatigue; taurine, which helps strengthen muscles; and glucuronolactone, which boosts mental alertness and stamina, energy drink is a great tool to improve one’s physical endurance, reaction time and concentration. It is also notable that energy drinks stimulate metabolism that results to better digestion.

     Moreover, besides giving insurmountable strength, energy drinks also help improve mental alertness while increasing a person’s overall well-being.

The drop threats

     FAST FACT: On November 2000, Ross Cooney, an 18-year-old Basketball player from Ireland collapsed and died in the middle of a game. It happened an hour right after he consumed four cans of energy drink.

     Despite of the numerous advantages they bring, one cannot deny the risks that they can also cause. Drowning yourself with energy drinks may result to high blood pressure due to increased heart rate. Thus, instead of emerging victorious in a game, you may end up lying down in a stretcher out of the field.

     However, caffeine is not the only element of energy drink that weakens the body. Carbohydrates, which form a large percentage of energy drink nowadays, can also result to a slower fluid and nutrients absorption if taken too much.

Drink moderately

     With the semester winding down, you might find yourself pulling overnight reviews just to fit the time for all your work before the finals. Thus, you might need to stock energy drinks to survive the night. However, if this article made you think twice, just resort into drinking hot chocolate, decaffeinated coffee and tea — they are great alternatives that will keep you awake all night.

     Honestly, there is really nothing wrong with relying on energy drinks for it can certainly power you up beyond your limit. However, you should always remember that the first bottle is enough, the second is too much and the third is plain lethal.

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