Do energy drinks really improve your performance, or is it all just mental. I have always thought the idea of having an energy enhancing drink was not only bad for your health, but acts like a drug. The first question you might ask is what is in an energy drink? Energy drinks contain stimulants such as ephedrine, guarana, ginseng, maltodextrin, inositol, creatin, gingko biloba, and of course caffeine. Energy Drinks contain as much as 80 mg of caffeine, which is the same amount as in a cup coffee. It might not sound that bad, but there are side affects and a few dangers to worry about if you do drink energy drinks. They increase blood pressure and heart rate at the same time dehydrating the body and preventing sleep. Also energy drinks should never be used while exercising as a result of severe dehydration. Sounds great, right? Know what you are drinking when it comes to energy drinks. I think of energy drinks as highly caffeinated addictive drinks. I wouldn't exactly think of Coca Cola or Sprite as something that you would use for sports.
