I need caffeine: Should I drink an energy drink or a cup of coffee?
In this text we will answer the question: “I need caffeine: Should I drink an energy drink or a cup of coffee?”. In addition we will discuss the difference between having an energy drink and a strong coffee.
I need caffeine: Should I drink an energy drink or a cup of coffee?
Coffee is better than energy drinks since the only ingredient responsible for these arousing effects on the body is caffeine. In a small can of energy drink you will find 80 mg of caffeine, while you can find more than 100mg of caffeine per cup of coffee.
Therefore, the ingredients present in energy drinks, which promise to increase the mood, do not actually help to improve performance.
In addition, coffee can be considered better than energy drinks because it is natural. Therefore, coffee is healthier. Coffee has no artificial preservatives, colorings and flavors like energy drinks.
Coffee is rich in caffeine and this is the ingredient that helps us overcome exhaustion and stay focused even after hours of working or studying. In addition, it increases our reflexes to keep us sharp and has a delicious taste that makes you unbeatable.
In addition to caffeine, coffee contains more nutrition than you might think. Coffee has an excellent nutrient profile. Surprisingly, 250 ml of coffee has about 2 calories. That’s not much, even more so compared to the caloric value of your energy drink.
In addition, it has only 0.05 g of fat in total; it has a high percentage of omega 6 fatty acids; 0.09g of carbohydrates; and, finally, even a little bit of fiber.
In addition, the ash percentage is also robust. You’ll also find over 300mg of antioxidants inside.
What’s the difference between having an energy drink and a strong coffee?
Each large can of the drink has more caffeine than a large brewed coffee. The thing is, not everyone drinks that much coffee at once. The energy drink still has the aggravating factor of having a sweet taste, which favors the ingestion of larger doses.
Few people pay attention to the fact that these energy drinks are also rich in sugar. And, in fact, it is the glucose present in these drinks that ‘gives you energy’, through the burning of sugar. The energy drink is a caffeine or taurine based psychostimulant. Caffeine doesn’t ‘give you energy’, it’s a psychoactive drug. The energy sources are carbohydrates.
What are energy foods? (In addition to coffee and energy drinks)
Energy drinks not only provide energy due to the presence of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but also contain substances with stimulant power in their formulation. Examples of these substances are caffeine, capsaicin and gingerol.
These substances have the power to increase physical and mental disposition and provide extra energy. Some foods have these substances naturally, such as guarana, coffee, cacua and Peruvian maca.
Among the advantages of consuming these foods are stimulation of the nervous system, increased metabolism, decreased feeling of tiredness and improved concentration. Thus, these foods can be used when you are tired, in order to provide better performance at work or physical activities.
Due to the stimulant effects, consumption of these foods at night is not recommended, as they promote a state of alertness and excitement that can disrupt sleep, especially for those who have difficulty sleeping. However, they can be consumed daily without any problem.
Coffee
Coffee is a drink with great antioxidant properties and has large amounts of caffeine, which is responsible for stimulating the nervous system, improving energy and concentration and decreasing sleep and fatigue. Discover the other health benefits of coffee.
Green tea
Green tea is also a beverage that contains caffeine in addition to theobromine. Both are compounds that act on the nervous system, helping to improve concentration, as well as decreasing sleep and fatigue.
Peruvian stretcher
Peruvian maca is another option to improve concentration and mood and also increase energy. It is a root rich in antioxidants and has a stimulating action. Thus, it is often recommended for those who practice physical activities.
Cocoa
Cocoa also provides the body with energy, speeds up metabolism, increases energy expenditure, decreases sleep and improves focus and mood. This is all due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine and also the large amount of fat.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another healthy option for boosting energy and improving mood and concentration. It is a spice that contains numerous antioxidant bioactive compounds such as eugenol.
Beet juice
Beetroot also has an effect on increasing concentration and mood, as well as promoting memory. This effect is due to the presence of nitric oxide, a compound responsible for increasing the circulation of oxygen in the blood in the muscles, arteries and brain.
Beetroot juice also decreases tiredness and improves performance during physical activity practices and improves recovery after exercise.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that improves mood and provides energy because it contains 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol in its composition. In addition, by acting on the nervous system, ginger helps to decrease sleep, stimulate memory and improve concentration.
Other FAQs about Energy Drinks that you may be interested in.
Can you freeze 5 hour energy drinks?
How to open a gatorade bottle?
Conclusion
In this text we answered the question: “I need caffeine: Should I drink an energy drink or a cup of coffee?”. In addition we discussed the difference between having an energy drink and a strong coffee.
