It's about that time of day. Exhaustion is setting in, but hours of homework fill the rest of the evening, possibly leading into the early morning hours. You reach into your fridge for an energy boost, but what's the best thing to grab?\nRecently, the market has been booming with new products, such as energy drinks and nutrition bars that promise an energy enhancement perfect for any occasion. \n"A functional product developed especially for periods of increased mental and physical exertion" is the motto for Red Bull energy drink. The product promises to improve performance, increase concentration, increase reaction speed and stimulate metabolism, according to Red Bull's Web site. \nAnd according to Monster Energy drink's Web site, it's "the meanest energy supplement on the planet" delivering "twice the buzz of a regular energy drink" with a "vicious punch" and "a smooth kick-ass flavor you can really pound down."\nWhile they might keep you buzzing for a while, the punch these drinks pack might be more of a psuedo-energy boost than the real thing, said Stacey Matavuli, nutrition therapy program manager at the Bloomington Hospital. As students cram for midterms, what's their best bet if they're in need of a pick-me-up?\nNothing fancy, Matavuli said. Foods that naturally promote energy, such as complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fats eaten at regular intervals throughout the day are sure picks for keeping you alert.
A CLOSER LOOK AT QUICK-ENERGY PRODUCTS \nMost of the energy drinks on the market contain large amounts of chemicals such as caffeine, guarana and supplemental B-vitamins which raise a person's energy level, said Matavuli, but they don't necessarily live up to the claims on their Web sites. \n"The reality is that these supplements are not regulated by the (Food and Drug Administration) and their claims (to improve performance and increase metabolism) may or may not have sufficient scientific evidence to back them up," Matavuli said. \nIn May 2001, Karen Herzog, a staff writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, explained in a news article that shortly after ingested, caffeine has significant effects on the body. It is an addictive substance found naturally in teas, colas and chocolate that "increases heart rate, stimulates the brain, increases the flow of urine and production of digestive acids and relaxes smooth muscles, such as those that control blood vessels and airways," according to Herzog's article. The body's response causes consumers to think they are experiencing an energy boost.\nGuarana has similar effects on the body. Guarana, or "Brazilian cocoa," is derived from bright red vine seeds found in the Amazon jungle, Herzog wrote. It naturally contains 1 to 2 percent more caffeine than coffee beans, but the amount absorbed into the body depends on how the beverage is prepared.\n"A strong cup of coffee provides more caffeine than the typical energy drink with guarana, but the caffeine-driven energy boost provided by guarana tablets has earned them the nickname 'zoom.' In moderation, guarana is considered safe," Herzog wrote.\n"Guarana does not appear to boost 'brain power' or alter cognition in humans in any way, as has been claimed," she wrote. "Guarana may cause many of the same reactions as caffeine from other sources: nervousness, shakiness, trouble sleeping, fast or irregular heartbeat, stomach upset." \nVitamin B complex, another supplement found in energy drinks, is a set of 12 related water-soluble substances, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Because they're water-soluble, the body will get rid of excess amounts of water if an adequate diet is consumed.\nHowever, energy drinks are not the only products taking over the quick-energy market. Snacks such as Cliff Bars and Luna Bars fill the shelves of grocery stores and campus eateries. These bars promise natural, organic ingredients delivering a steady increase and decline of blood sugar. As a result, consumers receive an energy boost without a rapid rise and fall of blood sugar, the result of caffeine-packed energy drinks, which leaves consumers feeling tired. \n"In the case of Cliff and Luna bars, they are considered meal replacement bars," Matavuli said. "These are meant to be consumed by individuals who are in a pinch and don't have time for a meal or by individuals when they are participating in strenuous events such as hiking or rock climbing. I only encourage these types of foods in those instances for individuals who can't or won't plan other possibilities."
A BETTER SOURCE OF ENERGY\nWhile they might be easy grabs during times of stress, Matavuli said she doesn't believe in relying on the "quick fixes," such as energy drinks and snack bars, because over time a tolerance can build up, resulting in health problems.\n"I believe that the safest way to do things is the old-fashioned way of planning in advance, being prepared, getting adequate rest and selecting a nutritionally balanced diet daily," said Matavuli.\nTo keep energy levels up, Matavuli said, it's important to remember to keep the body nourished all day. The healthiest way to provide the body with energy, she said, is to consume a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fat at regular intervals during the day. \nWhen looking for a nourishing breakfast, Matavuli suggests a bowl of oatmeal, skim milk and a piece of fruit. Another alternative would be a whole grain bagel with peanut butter, skim milk and a piece of fruit. If time is a problem, skim milk with Carnation Instant Breakfast, a fresh fruit smoothie or a fruit and yogurt smoothie are quick to drink on the go. \nMatavuli recommends not going more than three to five hours without eating something. The body is created to consume and use the food in that time span, she said.\nThe next time exhaustion sets in, think before consuming an energy product. Just because the label claims to boost energy, it might not be the best option to keep you going.
