Good Medicine

The healthy ingredients in energy drinks

Although energy drinks have been given the thumbs down because of their associated dangers by various medical groups, studies have shown that there are some beneficial ingredients in many of them. The upside comes from many of the vitamins and herbs that have long been used in traditional Eastern healing.

To find out the particular ingredients in your preferred drink you’ll have to read its nutritional label. However, to give you an idea of what to look for, we’ve made a list of a few of the helpful ingredients and how they’ve been used to promote health in the past.

Guarana – At first look, most modern day health professionals excuse guarana as just a natural equivalent to caffeine, however this plant has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea and to prevent blood clots. Still, our ancestors also used guarana much in the same way we do today – to promote physical endurance, overcome exhaustion, increase mental acuity and long-term memory, to combat premature aging, increase sexual libido and, of course, as an energy tonic.
Taurine – One of the most abundant acidic chemicals in the human body is found in the central nervous system and skeletal tissues, but it’s very concentrated in the brain and heart. Taurine is basically a substance that helps to regulate heartbeat, maintain cell membrane stability and prevent brain cell overactivity. It is often used to treat anxiety, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, hypertension and seizures. It may also help lower blood pressure. The levels of taurine in a normal child’s brain are four times higher than that in adult brains. This is why many people believe that taurine supplementation for adults may help to boost brain function and creativity.
B Vitamins – Are necessary for cell growth, health and metabolism in the human body. They play an important part in maintaining a healthy central nervous system. B vitamins can also help foster a positive mental attitude and enhance learning abilities – including cognition, long- and short-term memory, stimulus response and mental energy.
Vitamin B6 – This vitamin contributes to the production of serotonin, red blood cells and niacin in your body. However, it can cause brain damage if taken in excess.
Vitamin B12 – This vitamin also helps produce red blood cells and is believed to provide energy. It may also help to fight off infections and to promote appetite.
Vitamin B5 – This vitamin helps reduce stress by helping the adrenal glands create the proper hormones during taxing times.
Inositol – This water-soluble nutrient is commonly associated with B vitamins because it helps to regulate the body’s central nervous system. It may also help fight cancer, eczema, hair loss and depression.
Milk Thistle – This mild laxative has been shown to help regenerate and detoxify the liver, which also makes it helpful in curing hangovers.
Glucuronolactone – This substance is a naturally occurring metabolite. It’s been shown to increase energy levels and mental alertness. It’s also a detoxifier, which can help ease nasty hangovers.
D-Ribose – This substance is manufactured naturally in your body from glucose, and it helps relieve stress and anxiety.
Creatine – Regarded as an effective muscle builder, creatine is found naturally in fish and beef proteins. It is taken in pill and powder form by weightlifters to encourage the development of lean muscle mass and energy.
L-Carnitine – Is used to help turn food into energy.
Vitamin C – This water-soluble antioxidant vitamin helps to recycle other antioxidant vitamins. Vitamin C is used for enhancing immunity, promoting healthy ligaments, tendons and gums, to speed up healing, protect against various forms of cancer and heart disease, and to fight off common colds.