Energy drinks are supposed to just do what the title implies -- offer you an extra burst of energy. Because it seems, most of that "vitality" comes from two important elements: sugar and caffeine. A typical power drink can contain as much as 80 milligrams of caffeine (about the identical quantity as a cup of espresso). By comparison, a 2006 examine found that the typical 12-ounce soda comprises 18 to 48 mg of caffeine. Aside from caffeine ranges, how do energy drinks differ from sodas and sports activities drinks? Soft drinks are mainly water, sugar and flavoring. They don't do anything for your body; they're simply imagined to style good. Sports drinks are designed to replenish fluids lost throughout activity. They usually include water, electrolytes and sugar. Energy drinks have added caffeine and different ingredients that their manufacturers say increase stamina and "increase" performance. They're designed for students, athletes and anyone else who desires an extra power kick.

In 1962, Japanese pharmaceutical firm, Taisho, released its Lipovitan D drink. It was designed to assist workers work arduous properly into the night. Lipovitan D comprises taurine, the identical ingredient present in a lot of as we speak's energy drinks. The very first "power" drink to reach the United States wasn't actually an energy drink at all -- it was extra of a hyped-up gentle drink called Jolt Cola. The "jolt" within the cola was a whole lot of added sugar and caffeine. Introduced in the 1980s, Jolt Cola rapidly turned a staple of school campuses. An Austrian businessman named Dietrich Mateschitz picked up on the cash potential of energy drinks whereas on a business journey to Asia. Along with two Thai business companions, Mateschitz started the company Red Bull GmbH, with the idea of promoting the drink to younger Europeans. Many clubs on the American West Coast caught wind of the Red Bull phenomenon and started importing it to promote as a cocktail mixer.

Red Bull began distributing its drink in the United States in 1997. In line with its manufacturer, revenues doubled each year, reaching more than $1 billion in 2000. Although Red Bull has persistently been the chief within the energy drink market, a number of different corporations have launched their very own vitality drink traces. A lot of them are endorsed by celebrities. Ephedrine - A stimulant that works on the central nervous system. It is a standard ingredient in weight-loss merchandise and decongestants, but there have been concerns about its results on the guts. Taurine - A pure amino acid produced by the physique that helps regulate coronary heart beat and muscle contractions. Many well being experts aren't certain what impact it has as a drink additive (and the rumor that taurine comes from bull testicles is false). Ginseng - A root believed by some to have several medicinal properties, including lowering stress and boosting vitality ranges.

B-vitamins - A group of vitamins that may convert sugar to vitality and enhance muscle tone. Guarana seed - A stimulant that comes from a small shrub native to Venezuela and Brazil. Carnitine - An amino acid that performs a task in fatty acid you are feeling jittery and irritable. Over time, caffeine can develop into addictive. It is also a diuretic -- it causes the kidneys to remove extra fluid into the urine.