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Now there are energy drinks with flavors galore, including drinks without sugar or corn syrup, drinks with vitamins added, and drinks low in sodium to name a few. These were designed to appeal to people who have dietary restrictions, or just want to avoid consuming some of the ingredients. If you read each energy drink nutrition facts label, you'll find that some have added B vitamins to give you an energy boost. Riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid are added, which provide a healthier energy boost. These are all B vitamins, which are important for healthy brain function. For those who are avoiding sugar, there are choices with riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid. Some of these use stevia extract instead, which has long been used in Japan as a sugar substitute. It is derived from a plant whose leaves are extremely sweet. Unlike other sugar substitutes, it has no bad aftertaste, and it has almost no calories. L-Theanine is an amino acid derivative found in green tea, as is believed to reduce mental and physical stress. It is showing up on an increasing number of energy drink labels. Taurine is an organic acid that is in present in every cell of the body, and is often added to energy drinks. It occurs naturally in meat and seafood, and is necessary for many functions, including cardiovascular and central nervous system functions. Stevia extract has long been used in Japan as a sugar substitute. It is derived from a plant whose leaves are extremely sweet. Unlike other sugar substitutes, it has no bad aftertaste, and it has almost no calories. Some energy drinks have added vitamin C, which is important for immune systems as well as tissue repair. Panax Ginseng root extract is an energy drink addition that many companies have added. Panax Ginseng has been used in Asia for centuries to combat stress. It is believed to boost memory and the thinking process, and is being studied for its effect of increasing blood circulation. Guarana has been used as a stimulate in Brazil for centuries and it is a plant that grows in the Amazon. Brazilians like it because unlike coffee caffeine, guarana's caffeine is released over a longer period of time. Guarana berries contain more caffeine than coffee beans. If you read product labels in Brazil, you'd discover that is the most common form of caffeine. This trend is catching on in other parts of the world, because Guarana drinks have a crisp, clean, distinctive taste. All energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, so read the energy drink nutrition facts label, and if you are sensitive to caffeine or have health issues, it's best to discuss this with your doctor before consuming this potent stimulant. |