Most Americans start their day with a cup of coffee and rely on an energy drink to get them through the rest of the work day, or that last hurdle of getting to the gym.
“What many people don’t realize is it's not a lack of sugar that makes us tired during the day—it's the fact that we're already consuming too much. Sugary foods and drinks cause blood sugar to spike, and you feel energized. To compensate, your body releases insulin, which quickly lowers blood sugar levels, causing you to "crash" and feel tired. If you indulge your sweet tooth throughout the day, your blood sugar yo-yos all day long. Having that late afternoon/early evening energy drink pulls you out of your post lunch “crash” and gives you the energy to get through the day or to the gym. “
A recent Men’s Health article stated “Americans will spend around $9 billion on energy drinks this year, which is why manufacturers haven't strayed far from the best-selling recipe they used when the first energy drinks took off a dozen years ago. It's a formulation that includes a hefty dose of caffeine and sugar combined with smaller amounts of natural substances like guarana, ginseng, and taurine that—the labeling promises—may sharpen your mind and improve your overall health.”
These natural substances are usually marketed greatly on labels but when it comes down to it, there is a minimal amount in the actual drink. “The dosages of the herbs added to the energy drinks are usually so low as to have virtually no impact,” says Kevin A. Clauson, PharmD, associate professor at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale. “It probably doesn’t have much of a safety risk, but it also won’t do you any good.”
Nutritional Frontiers has created a natural supplement from fruits and vegetables to help combat fatigue, and get you through that last part of the day. Pro Oranges contains nutrients and phytonutrients that support: physical performance, glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, brain function and mental alertness, oxygen utilization and cardiovascular function. Due to the naturally occurring sugars in this product, you do not experience the same “crash” as you would with energy drinks. If you are looking for a better alternative to those sugary, caffeine laden energy drinks please contact APM for more information.
For more information about the Men’s Health article, check it out here:http://health.yahoo.net/experts/menshealth/truth-about-energy-drinks