Is that true - energy drinks can kill you? Should energy drinks carry a health warning? Has the US become a “caffeine-dependent nation”? The traditional coffee, tea, and soft drinks were not enough, we have added caffeine to mints, gum, and a variety of “energy drinks.” These drinks have tremendous sales, not only in the US, but other countries as well. Australian researchers recently reported the energy drink, Red Bull, has the potential to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.1nnThe study conducted on college age adults found Red Bull not only increased blood pressure, it increased the stickiness of blood cells - after consuming only one can of the drink. It is known increasing the stickiness of blood cells means our blood will be more prone to forming clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. The authors of the study concluded that drinking Red Bull could be dangerous, especially for anyone who may already be predisposed to heart disease.nnAfter the study was published, a spokesperson for Red Bull stated these effects are similar to the changes found with drinking a cup of coffee, and so the long-term risks of energy drinks could not be determined from these results alone.2nnIt’s true each can of Red Bull contains about 80 mg of caffeine, the amount typically found in one cup of brewed coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant, and in moderation has been shown to have some benefits. For instance, it slightly increases the body’s rate of metabolism and enhances mental focus and clarity.nnNor-adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict, and increases blood pressure.3 The difference between coffee and energy drinks is coffee comes from a plant and contains other natural substances that may be moderating its effects.nnWhile some studies found coffee increases blood pressure in occasional drinkers, in habitual coffee drinkers, that effect seems to wear off.4nnWhat about the blood stickiness? There are no studies now showing coffee increases blood platelet stickiness. Actually, it has been found to have the opposite effect. Italian researchers have found coffee makes blood platelets less sticky, and have narrowed that effect down to the phenolic compounds contained in coffee.5nnPhenolic compounds are the natural antioxidants found in many plant foods — and coffee is very high in these antioxidants. So this may be part of the reason coffee is not as harmful.nUnfortunately, the attempt to get more energy in this way is very short-sighted and it can end up contributing to adrenal fatigue or exhaustion.nnSo, what should you do if you need more energy?nnConsider using the adaptogenic herb, Rhodiola. It has been well-studied and found to increase energy by supporting adrenal function. An added benefit is that at the same time, it reduces the effects of stress on the body.nnFinally, if you desire a little caffeine, so far the safest and most beneficial way to get it, seems to be with tea. Tea contains caffeine, but is balanced by the naturally occurring and calming substance, theanine. In addition, tea is very high in health-promoting antioxidants. nnRev3 Energy™ is a superior alternative to crash-and-burn energy drinks. Why not energize with something that is good for you? Rev3 Energy is one of the safest energy drinks on the market today.nnRev3 Energy Surge™ Pack is also a great alternative to crash-and-burn energy drinks. It’s low in sugar (2g), low in calories (10), hydrating and convenient. Just stick the packs in your gym bag and you’re ready to rock.nnAnd that’s NO BULL!nnRev3 Energy™ Health Basics is cleaner: crisp, all-natural tastenn*No artificial flavorsn*No artificial sweetenersn*No artificial preservativesn*No artificial colorsnnSmarter: smart source of nutrientsnn*Contains natural caffeine from a blend of teas to support mental alertness and stamina. Teas also provide numerous beneficial ingredients including potent antioxidants and thermogenic agents like Epigallocatechin gallate.nn*Uses low-glycemic sugars for sustained energynn*Provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support energy metabolism at the cellular levelnnStronger: powerful, energy-producing ingredientsnn*More than just sugar and caffeinenn*Complete and proprietary energy complex with L-Carnitine, tea, ginseng, rhodiola, cacao, ribose, citrate, malate, and coenzyme Q10nn*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.nnReferences by James LaValle, R.Ph., ND, CCNn1.http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579188?sssdmh=dm1.378116&src=nldne.n2.http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSSYD584612008081.n3.Tofovic SP, J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1991 Mar;256(3):850-60.n4.Science Daily. New Buzz On Coffee: It’s Not The Caffeine That Raises Blood Pressure. American Heart Association, 2002, November 19.n5.Natella, F et al. British Journal of Nutrition. 28 Apr 2008.n6.Anderson C. and Horne J. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. July 2006, 21 (5): 299.nnJoyce Jacobsen writes professional articles focused on providing you with relevant information to help you succeed in your business, your life and your pocketbook. Joyce also shares tips with her readers on making money online by promoting your business with little effort on autopilot. Her decade of experience in network marketing will help you get off to a great start.nnVisit Joyce on her blog:
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