When energy drinks first hit the market, it was common for their energy drink nutrition facts label

When energy drinks first hit the market, it was common for their energy drink nutrition facts label to contain only caffeine, sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup, and water. But the demand for energy drinks has grown seemingly exponentially, and so has the choice of ingredients.

Now there are energy drinks that have caffeine derived from guarana, a plant native to the Amazon Rain Forest. Guarana has more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, and it has long been popular in South America. Guarana caffeine is released over a longer period of time than coffee-derived caffeine, so the energy boost lasts longer. It has a crisp, clean, distinctive flavor that is becoming more popular in other parts of the world.

Panax Ginseng in energy drinks is popular. It comes from Asia, and has been used to combat stress. It is thought to increase blood circulation, and boost memory and our ability to think.

Stevia is also being used in more low calorie energy drinks, and it has long been used in Japan. Stevia is harvested from a plant that has very sweet leaves, and almost no calories. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia has no unpleasant aftertaste, and has almost no calories.

Adding vitamin B in energy drinks is a new trend. There are eight essential B vitamins that must be present in the body for proper mental functioning, including stress response, as well as energy metabolism, and the proper cell functioning.

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is used by the body for the metabolism of fats and energy, as well as for many cellular processes of the body.

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential human nutrient used for energy metabolism. It also is necessary for proper adrenal gland function and is utilized for DNA repair in the cells.

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is used by the body for fat, protein, and carbohydrate synthesis and regulation.

Vitamin B6 is used by the body to convert amino acids into protein. It is also used as a precursor to or co-factor in many of the body's essential enzymes.

Vitamin B12 is utilized by the body for proper brain function, as well as blood formulation. It is necessary for energy metabolism and for DNA synthesis and regulation. It helps your body produce energy and is used for fatty acid synthesis.

Vitamin C is becoming more commonly listed on energy drink nutrition facts label. It's an antioxidant which helps protect the body from free radical stress, which affects our ability to produce collagen and heal from toxin exposure. Free radicals can affect our cells on every level, especially protein, DNA, and lipid production and health.

The addition of amino acids in energy drinks, including taurine, is becoming more popular. Taurine occurs in every cell of the human body, including especially high concentration in our brains, hearts, muscles, and blood. It is used by the body as a detoxifying agent, binding to toxins to flush them from our systems.

L-Theanine is an amino acid that occurs in green tea, and is often used in energy drinks. It is being studied for its ability to reduce both mental and physical stress.

So instead of drinking empty calories, get an energy boost with some added beneficial herbs and vitamins by reading your energy drink nutrition facts label.

Article Source: http://www.articlesneeded.com

For more tips on energy drinks and protein bars, see: www.energy-nutrition.com.

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