Top 5 Energy Drinks of All Time
Whether you need three cups of coffee before 8:00am or a 2:30 in the afternoon pick-me-up, there are many different types of energy drinks to choose to help you get that caffeine fix you crave. Although some may be healthier than others, one thing is for sure; the following Top 5 Energy Drinks of All Time will keep all of you hard-working entrepreneurs awake and of course, help you get the job done.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Because of its ability to produce caffeine that encourages a more rapid and clearer flow of thought, coffee tends to be the energy drink of choice for most entrepreneurs. With stimulating effects such as a greater sustained intellectual effort, a keener appreciation of sensory stimuli, and increased motor activity, coffee allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to work faster and with fewer errors.
American-style coffee is prepared from roasted coffee beans that produce about 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine in one average cup. Compared to an average cup of tea (40 milligrams), the average chocolate bar (20-60 milligrams), and a 12-ounce cola drink (40-60 milligrams), coffee is the best choice for a large dose of energy. Because coffee does contain so much caffeine, it can create "coffee nerves" which produces irritability and insomnia.
2. Energy Drinks and Shots
Energy drinks and energy shots have become a rage in America—with products like Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar, Verve and the ever-popular 5 Hour Energy shots, caffeine-loaded energy drinks have become an afternoon must-have for many hard-working entrepreneurs.
Pure energy drinks can either come in bottle-form or in shot-form. These drinks usually do not emphasize energy derived from their sugars, but rather through various stimulants, vitamins and herbal supplements. Energy drinks and shots, when taken in regulation, are said to improve mental and cognitive performances and increase subjective alertness. Excess consumption of energy drinks and shots can cause euphoria, agitation, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.
When America was first introduced to an energy drink called Jolt Cola in 1985 (with the slogan "all the sugar and twice the caffeine), the energy drink obsession began. Today, energy drinks are known to have about 80 milligrams of caffeine per can as well as the inclusion of taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid.
3. Soda
Those who do not have a taste for energy drinks usually drink a soda or pop in order to cure their afternoon caffeine fix. Caffeinated sodas produce the same effects as coffee and energy drinks, just on a smaller scale and at a slower rate because it contains less caffeine. When too much soda has been consumed, it can result in anxiety, headaches, and restlessness.
Different brands of soda vary in the amount of caffeine they contain. Some soda such as 7Up, Sprite, Fanta and Mug root beer, contain no caffeine, and therefore, will not produce more energy. Coca-Cola, Cooke Zero, Cherry Coke and Diet Coke all contain 35 milligrams of caffeine, while Pepsi products contain 38 milligrams of caffeine. If you're looking for a soda with more caffeine, drink Dr. Pepper (41 milligrams), Mello Yello (53 milligrams), and of course, Mountain Dew (54 milligrams).
4. Tea
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (only second to water). Tea is a bitter and aromatic beverage that is prepared from the cured leaves in combination with hot or boiling water. There are six varieties of tea including white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu-erh.
Tea contains less caffeine than coffee, measuring about 30 milligrams in an average cup. Tea contains many other ingredients, however, which makes it a great substitute for an avid coffee drinker. Tea also contains catechins (an antioxidant), theanine, theobromine, and theophylline. Because of these additions, not to mention the inclusion of caffeine, tea has the same effects as coffee on brain stimulation.
5. Mate
The newest form of liquid energy is what has become known as mate. Mate has been marketing as a "good for you" energy drink that has been revered by South Americans as the "drink of the gods" to ensure health, vitality and longevity. Mate contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, potent antioxidants, theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine for a boost of clean energy.
Each mate energy drink contains caffeine comparable to coffee, however stimulation is balanced by mate's natural nutritional content. Mate energy drinks have been known to sustain energy, clear the mind, aid digestion, and aid in weight-loss programs. The mate herbal tradition unleashes the natural form of nutrients so that the body can easily absorb and process every single one of them. Mate can also be consumed to alleviate stress. Sounds like a source of energy that healthy entrepreneurs may want to look into.
So if you're developing a case of the afternoon yawns or are having trouble rolling out of bed in the morning, it may be best to drink one of the five energy boosters mentioned above. Not only can these drink revitalize your body throughout a stressful work day, but they can also recharge your brain to promote quicker and more creative thinking.