10 min read
Energy drinks can promise a lot: hyperfocus, increased energy, and on top of that, they are healthy too! Sounds like the answer to all your problems, right? We are here to warn you: sneaky marketing can hide a truth that may not be as healthy as you thought. There is no real definition of “healthy” for food labels.
You shouldn’t have to feel guilty for wanting a boost in your day. We aren’t superhumans; everyone can feel low on energy! When you need that lift, know what to look for in an energy drink to make sure it actually works and is good for you too!
What Makes Energy Drinks Unhealthy?
Energy drinks have a pretty bad wrap in the health world. Some energy drinks are filled with sugar and caffeine, making them a quick foe for anyone who aspires to be healthier. Keep reading to learn why certain energy drinks are bad for your health.
Sugar
A red flag in most energy drinks for health-conscious people is the high sugar and caffeine content. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended amount of sugar intake is 5% of your daily calories. That means limiting added sugar to 25 grams per day in a 2000 calorie diet. Most energy drinks contain more than that in a single serving!
Sugar is usually a key ingredient in energy drinks because it gives you a quick energy boost. This energy boost is relatively short-lived - your sugar high will be shortly followed by a sugar crash!
Caffeine
Caffeine is the other main ingredient in an energy drink. The FDA recommends limiting your caffeine intake to no more than 400mg a day. The caffeine in energy drinks can range from 40-250 mg per 8 oz, making it important to check out the caffeine content!
Your caffeine limit will vary by person. Some people will have a low threshold for caffeine; knowing your limit and starting small is the best way to avoid jitters and sleepless nights.
Does A Healthy Energy Drink Exist?
There is no standard for energy drinks to be labeled as “healthy,” making it easy for you to be surprised by added sugars. Some natural energy drink options have a sensible amount of caffeine and use all-natural, organic sweeteners, and ingredients.
Zero Sugar
Just because something looks healthy doesn’t mean it is. You should always check the sugar content on any energy drink, but go a step further and look for sugar-free. Some of the “healthy” choices will still contain sugar, although less is better, excess added sugar, even when it’s organic cane sugar or honey, can be detrimental to your health.
Marquis decides to leave sugar in the dust; instead, we choose to sweeten our drinks with Stevia. Stevia comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) plant, an herbal shrub native to South America. This plant has zero calories, and it is actually sweeter than sugar. Just a pinch of Stevia is equal to one teaspoon of sugar!
At Marquis, we use the top strain of Stevia extract called Rebiana A 98%, sweetening your drink with only the best! We also blend out Stevia with erythritol (er-rith-re-tal) made from USDA Organic, Non-GMO corn. This is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol produced commercially by fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate. Erythritol is commonly blended with stevia to create an even better taste. Our sugar-free energy drink doesn’t sacrifice sweetness!
Ultimate Caffeine Blend
Caffeine doesn’t have to be unhealthy! We use a blend of caffeine that gives you a little lift without any harsh side effects like jitters or sleepless nights. We use sustainable, plant-based ingredients in a mix of yerba mate, green coffee, and green tea. Each can of Marquis packs 100 milligrams of caffeine. A healthier swap for your morning Venti Starbucks coffee, which contains over 200 mg of caffeine.
Our caffeine blend gives you the energy you need without making you bounce off the walls. This sugar-free sparkling drink delivers smooth energy, vitamins, and antioxidants, giving you more than just an energy boost. Why is this natural blend better? Keep reading for a quick breakdown of healthy caffeine options.
Yerba Mate: Yerba Mate does it all! It gives you a gentle boost of energy while soothing all at once. Yerba Mate has adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps regulate your body’s system and gives you what you need. Yerba Mate also contains relaxing compounds like theophylline and theobromine that give a soothing effect. Yerba Mate has been all the hype lately for its health benefits as it is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Green Coffee: It’s simple: green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not yet been roasted. The roasting process decreases the amount of chemical chlorogenic acids, lowering all the health properties the green coffee bean contained. This high amount of chlorogenic acid is the key to green coffee’s health benefits as it is an antioxidant.
Green Tea: Green tea is a popular option of caffeinated beverages as it contains antioxidants from its high source of polyphenols. People have noticed green tea to increase concentration, mood, and energy.
The Answer to Energy and Health
You shouldn’t settle for an energy drink that wreaks havoc on your mind and body just to get through the day. And you shouldn’t have to give up caffeine altogether. When choosing how you are going to get that daily caffeine, make sure your drink meets these criteria: all-natural, organic, sugar-free, and a reasonable amount of caffeine.
