Is A Natural Energy Shot Really Healthier?

There are many different reasons why people rely on energy drinks. Commuters use them when looking for a quick jolt of energy to keep them awake on their drive to work. Office workers drink them when they are in need of a little pick-me-up in the afternoon. Athletes swear by them to help provide better focus and energy during their workouts. Students guzzle them down to fuel their bodies in order to pull an all-nighter studying.

Energy drinks are full of Caffeine, a stimulant that releases dopamine and adrenaline at the same time. This has you feeling positive and full of energy, ready to accomplish anything.

However, it’s worth considering where that energy is coming from.

With so many different energy drinks on the market claiming to have the edge over others, it can be overwhelming to choose one product over another. There are, however, some principles to take into consideration when picking an energy drink.

Characteristics of a healthier energy drink or shot generally include a natural source of Caffeine, low amounts of sugar, the inclusion of amino acid L-Theanine, nutrient-rich ingredients, and an absence of preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Why Organic Caffeine is Better

Believe it or not, Caffeine can come from a wide variety of places. The most common natural sources of Caffeine are coffee beans and tea leaves. There are over 60 species of plants that produce the popular stimulant, including an array of herbs with other health benefits.

One of the healthiest sources of Caffeine is classic green tea. The herbal remedy has been around for thousands of years and loved worldwide for its many holistic health benefits. Green tea’s many uses include supporting immune and digestive health and regulating the circulatory system. With that in mind, it goes without saying that green tea is pretty powerful!

Proper Wild's Energy Shots use Caffeine extracted from organic green tea leaves rather than Caffeine that was synthetically made in a lab. This natural form of energy delivers a clean, smooth surge of energy that will leave you feeling focused and alert for hours.

Many people aren’t aware that most of the caffeinated beverages that they consume are not made using organic Caffeine. This is because extracting it naturally from plants can be expensive, so a lot of brands opt to use artificial Caffeine in their products.

Artificial Caffeine is almost identical to natural Caffeine on a chemical level, but artificial Caffeine can produce a different reaction in the body. Artificial Caffeine is absorbed by the body much faster than natural Caffeine and can feel much stronger, causing many unwanted side effects. Racing thoughts, a rapid heart rate, shaky hands, jitters, and an eventual crash are all commonly associated with synthetic caffeine, and are sure to hinder your productivity.

When looking for a jolt of energy, stay away from drinks loaded with preservatives, additives, and synthetic Caffeine. Instead, stick with beverages that use organic Caffeine from natural sources, like the ones found at Proper Wild.

What Sugar Can Do To Your Day

Most energy drinks on the market are loaded with sugar. Some can have as much sugar as a large 12 oz soda! Sure, sugar can be a temporary source of energy, but the positive effects tend to be very short-lived.

This is because high amounts of sugar cause the pancreas to produce insulin. What follows is a burst of energy, and then a massive crash. This isn’t breaking news though - as most everyone is well aware of the dangers of high sugar consumption. In fact, many have already made the switch to sugar-free energy drinks in hopes of consuming a healthier beverage.

In theory, this isn’t a horrible idea, but, sugar-free energy beverages are filled with artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium. While these have all been deemed “safe” by the FDA, there isn’t enough data to determine the long-term effects artificial sweeteners have on one’s overall health.

Sucralose, for example, is a popular artificial sweetener found in sugar-free versions of almost every popular commercial energy drink. As we previously mentioned, there isn't enough data to determine the long-term effects of this ingredient on humans, however there have been sucralose studies conducted on rats showing evidence of alteration of gut bacteria and a higher risk of cancer. With that being said - why drink it if you don’t have to?

When searching for a healthier energy beverage that’s not loaded with sugar or chemicals, stick to clean drinks that sweeten their energy shots with natural juices, providing a clean burst of energy and delicious taste, without the use of artificial sweeteners or added sugar.

How Much Caffeine is the Right Amount?

Organic Caffeine is absorbed by the body at a much slower rate, reducing jitters and lowering the risk of a crash. However, many people have trouble sleeping or suffer from heightened anxiety after an extremely large dose of Caffeine, so selecting the right amount is of the utmost importance!

Following FDA recommendations, you should not take more than 400mg of Caffeine in a single day (some leading energy drinks can have 350mg in one can!). Most healthy adults can metabolize this amount of Caffeine without experiencing any adverse effects. Of course, this amount of Caffeine should be spread throughout the day and not taken all at once.

Healthy Ingredients to Look For

Caffeine shouldn’t be the only powerful ingredient in your energy shot.
L-Theanine, an amino acid that can also be found in green tea, is an important ingredient to look for. When combined with organic Caffeine, L-Theanine supports healthy brain activity and improves mental clarity and focus. One energy shot from Proper Wild packs 15 times more L-theanine than one cup of green tea for long-lasting concentration, and uses natural fruit juices for taste.

Organic Caffeine from natural sources, powerful amino acids like L-Theanine, and healthy antioxidants are all things to look for in an energy drink. The organic Caffeine will help with sustained energy throughout the day, the L-Theanine will help with improved focus and concentration with reduced jitters, and the fruit juices will provide a pleasant taste while fueling your body with a healthy dose of antioxidants!

The Verdict

So, are there really healthier energy shots? The answer is: YES!

Energy shots with organic Caffeine and natural ingredients are undoubtedly healthier than the artificial alternatives. When looking for a little pick-me-up, stay away from synthetic Caffeine and chemicals. Instead, reach for one of our 100% plant-based, clean all-day energy shots.

Trust us - you’ll be glad you did!