Ingredients

• Caffeine is a stimulant which acts on the central nervous system.
• Taurine is an amino acid, naturally occurs in our body. Amino acids build protein and are believed to detoxify and cleanse the body of junk.
• Glucuronolactone also occurs naturally in the body. It's a natural carbohydrate formed when glucose breaks down, and is believed to detoxify the body of junk and waste.
• Ginseng is an herb used in Chinese medicine. The main active ingredient in ginseng are ginsenosides, steroid-like compounds that are responsible for its immune boosting effects.
• Gingko (or Yin-Xing) is an herb used in Chinese medicine. The herb is supposedly a memory and concentration enhancer. Studies have shown no effects on cognitive functioning of older adults taking this herb daily. It may also have some unwanted side effects when used in combination with some prescription medications.
• Vitamin B Complex - (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) is a group of 8 vitamins. In combination, the vitamins are known to increase the rate of metabolism, support healthy skin and muscle tone, support cardiovascualr health, and enhance immune and nervous system functioning. They can also prevent or reduce the risk of anemia and pancreatic cancer and are known to affect stress and depression.

Did you know?

• Many different brands of energy drinks contain more than 11 spoonfuls of sugar. Would you put that in a medium coffee?
• Caffeine is a stimulant. The effects of caffeine may not be as severe as those of other stimulants. But in some cases, the caffeine in just one energy drink is too much.
• Experts say that consuming about 100-200 mg of caffeine a day is safe. That is equal to about 2 cups of coffee a day. Many energy drinks have 3X this amount in one can.
• Caffeine never mixes well with your stomach! So, having 3X the regular amount isn't going to sit well or for too long.
• Athletes have died from the abuse of caffeine and/or energy drinks. Caffeine and sugar can dehydrate your body at a rapid pace. Strenuous activity also dehydrates the body. Why increase the risk and affect your performance? As an athlete, you should consume less caffeine than the recommended daily average.

For Parents

Why should parents be concerned over their child consuming these drinks?

The Australian Consumer's Association(ACA) points to research on the effects of "energy drinks" on children. They have found possible links to sleep problems, bed wetting and anxiety. When children drink more than two a day, there are signs of irritability and anxiousness (often masked by hyperactivity). Things to consider:

• Energy drinks can contain more than double the caffeine and sugar of a medium coffee. They often also include ingredients labelled as "energy supplements". Why would a 12 year old need more energy? They most likely need rest, children are not small adults.
• As mentioned in DID YOU KNOW, many of these drinks can contain up to 11 tablespoons of sugar in one can. In comparison to sugar & caffeine contents in sodas, energy drinks nearly double competitors.
• There is little (if any) evidence of nutritional value in most energy drinks. Some energy drinks are said to include natural vitamins and minerals, but these can be easily obtained from simple foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables (i.e.: Bananas, oranges, apples). [Drug Info Clearinghouse 2003]

Suggested energy alternatives from Parent.com

• Laughing
  Every time you laugh, your brain releases endorphins. "The "feel good" chemicals give you that extra boost. They have also been found to boost your immune system and reduces your risk of depression.
• Get up and move
  Exercise helps increase your circulation, relieves muscle tension, and causes your brain to release endorphins. That's not all -- it also helps you take in more oxygen and fires up your metabolism. You should aim for 20-minute workouts 3-4 times a week.
• Use a Little Pressure
  "Massage stimulates your nerve endings, which increases blood flow and gets your circulation pumping," explains Maureen Moon, past president of the American Massage Therapy Association. Try any of these easy, do-it-yourself moves.
  
  1. Using your fingertips, rub your scalp or temples in a gentle, circular motion for two minutes.
  2. Vigorously rub each earlobe between your thumb and forefinger for one minute.
  3. Place your forefingers behind your ears (where the base of your skull meets the top of your neck), press for ten seconds, release, and repeat.
• Energizing scents
  Feeling sluggish? Get a whiff of this: Certain scents may increase your attention span and help you focus. To recharge fast, inhale deeply as you cut into or squeeze a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, try breaking off a fresh leaf of mint or rosemary, or sipping a cup of peppermint tea -- these aromas can also invigorate the senses.
• Hydrate
  Surprise -- the most common reason people feel tired is because they're dehydrated. Why? The less water there is in your system, the less oxygen is circulating in your bloodstream. The cure: Drink eight glasses of water throughout the day -- or chug a glass of the refreshing stuff whenever your energy lags.
• Try Tai Chi
  This ancient art form is a great way to clear your mind, rev up your circulation, and calm your spirit.
  
  Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, and eyes gazing forward, rest your arms at your sides. Keeping relaxed -- and breathing normally throughout -- slowly raise your arms out in front of you, letting your wrists and fingers hang limply. As your wrists reach shoulder height, slowly extend your fingers as you bend your elbows and draw your arms back towards your body, with wrists at shoulder height. Lower your arms until they again rest comfortably at your sides. Repeat five times.
• Snack Smart
  Noshing on a healthy mix of carbohydrates and protein can provide a prolonged boost to your blood-sugar level, giving you energy for hours. Here, Connie Diekman, R.D., director of nutrition at Washington University, in St. Louis, suggests snacks to pep you up.
  
  1. Half a bagel with peanut butter
  2. One cup of whole-grain cereal with skim milk and fresh fruit
  3. Half a cup of trail mix containing nuts and dried fruit
• Turn on the Tunes
  One of the easiest ways to bust out of a slump is to listen to music you like. The beat and rhythm of the song stimulates your brain, making you feel more alert. Suzanne Hanser, Ed.D., chair of the music-therapy department at Berklee College of Music, in Boston, suggests picking tunes that start off slow and gradually build in tempo. A bonus: Bouncing to the beat -- even if it's just tapping your toes -- revs up your circulation.
• Stand Tall
  For an energy boost that takes no time at all, make your posture perfect. "When you slouch over, your ribs compress, making it harder for your lungs to expand and reducing the amount of oxygen flowing to your brain," explains Patrice Winter, a physical therapist in Fairfax, Virginia. "This lack of air can actually cause you to move more slowly."

FACTS: Effects of Caffeine abuse

• Irregular Heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Muscle Twitching
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Breathing Trouble
• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• In / Out Consciousness
• Heart Palpitations
• Restless
• Inability to Concentrate
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

Energy Drinks

These are the good ones! Less expensive and most take less than 30 seconds to make!

• Banana Delight
  2 cups milk, 1 ripe banana sliced, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp almond extract
  Place all ingredients in blender. Mix high until smooth. Makes 4 creamy servings.
• Apple Berry Smoothie
  1 cup berries, 2 sliced apples
  Combine berries and sliced apples in a blender, blend, and pour into suitable glasses.
• Banana Orange Frost
  1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 banana cut up, 1 cup orange Sorbet
  Mix orange juice, milk, banana and orange sherbet in a blender until smooth. Pour into glass and enjoy.
• Azteca Sunburst
  1/2 oz. maraschino cherry juice, 1/2 oz. lime juice, 6 oz. pineapple juice
  Fill in a tall glass with ice. Add cherry and lime juices. Carefully pour pineapple juice into glass making sure drink is reddish on bottom and golden on top. Garnish with lime wheel or wedge and cherry.
• Carribean Fruit Shake
  1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp grenadine syrup (optional), 1 cup ice cubes
  Peel banana and cut in pieces into blender. Pour in pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine syrup (optional); blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and blend for 1 minute until frothy.
• Lime Rickey
  1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup sugar syrup (2/3cup sugar + 2/3 cup water, boil and cool), 1/2 teaspoon bitters, 3 cups club soda, garnish: lime-peel spirals
  Mix lime juice, syrup and bitters in glass. Pour into 4 ice-filled tall glasses. Top each with ¾ cup of club soda. Garnish. Yields 4 servings.
• South Sea Cooler
  3 oz. orange juice, 1/2 oz. undiluted grapefruit juice concentrate, 1/2 oz. coconut cream, 1/2 oz. light cream
  Shake with a large scoop of shaved ice. Serve in tall glasses.
• Apple Banana Royal Smoothie
  2 large apples, 2 pitted organic dates, 1 ripe banana fresh or frozen
  Juice 1 apple then peel, seed and core the second apple and cut into cubes. In a blender combine the apple juice, dates, cubed apple and banana and puree. Enjoy your Apple Banana Royal Smoothie.
• Blueberry Delight Smoothie
  1 cup organic blueberries, 1 pitted organic date, 1 large apple, 2 bananas fresh or frozen
  Peel the apple if it is not organic then slice and juice it. In a blender combine the juice, blueberries, pitted dates and bananas and then puree. Enjoy your healthy natural Blueberry Delight Smoothie.