The Energy Drink Blog

Research has found that by consuming particular fats you can decrease body fat and increase weight-loss more efficiently. It may seem a bit odd that you would eat fat to lose fat but studies show that a group of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can do just that.

One of the richest sources of MCTs comes from coconut oil. Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years for its ability to help overweight people shed excess body fat by substituting it daily in replacement of other fats.

The benefits of this oil are truly amazing even compared to healthy fats such as olive oil or flaxseed oil. Coconut oil can inhibit and treat obesity more effectively because it contains fewer calories than other fats. It is also a source of fuel and energy for the body because it gets used immediately rather than circulating in the blood stream and getting stored in fat cells. This also means that you will actually experience a natural surge in energy that lasts much longer than a dose of caffeine would. Coconut oil increases metabolism so you burn a lot more calories by consuming it over any other fat. It is also more filling and keeps you satiated longer which means you consume fewer calories. Unlike typical bad fats that raise cholesterol, it can reduce bad cholesterol and raise the good.

Coconut oil is commonly found in drinks and healthy snack items because it gives athletes energy while helping them stay lean. It also helps those that are overweight and obese lose weight more rapidly. As an oil you can add it to salads and vegetables, as a spread you can replace butter or margarine, or for a more convenient way, you can take it in soft gel capsule form. Because weight-loss results are so astounding, it is encouraged to use it as frequently as you like as it will help achieve better results and better health.

So what’s the big hype about energy drinks?  With so many to choose from it’s hard to know which one to buy and what to look for.  By understanding just a few key points and determining what your personal needs are, you will be able select the perfect pick me up by quickly scanning the ingredients on the back.

I’m sure most of you already watch your sugar and carb intake so it’s a no brainer when I say pick an energy drink that doesn’t contain your entire sugar intake for the day in one serving.  That means either a few grams or none at all.  Let’s face it; sugar is one of the number one addictions in this country and also a huge contributor to obesity.  Not to mention when you consume high amounts in a short period of time it sends your body on what I like to call a roller coaster ride, first you go up and then you crash hard.

But, that’s not all.  One of the most deleterious effects of “normal” aging is impaired glucose metabolism.  Failure to maintain normal sugar can trigger a cascade of ill health effects throughout the body.

Studies have shown that the consumption of foods and drinks that produce elevated blood sugar levels, result in the body’s production of advanced glycation end products(AGEs)- substances which are implicated in accelerating the aging process in blood vessels, the kidneys, and the eyes.

Vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin complex, supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and helps protect the body’s tissues against AGEs and oxidative stress.

In a landmark study published in the journal Diabetes Care, Scientists demonstrated for the first time that Vitamin B6 effectively reduced post-prandial endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress normally seen in patients with high blood sugar whose bodies had advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Skinny Gazelle, the only energy drink I recommend, not only has zero sugar but also has a healthy serving of Vitamin B6 to combat this concern.

Next, always check to see what the stimulant base is and in what order it is listed.  Generally if you see caffeine, guarana, or green tea listed as the first ingredient in the energy blend it usually means you are getting a hefty dose of it.  If it’s the last ingredient in the energy blend then chances are you are getting a moderate dose but nothing that will whack you out of your mind and make you jittery.

Lastly, if you notice that your energy drink looks more like a multivitamin and primarily contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, various herbs, and enzymes then congratulations you have found one that is worth testing.

�