10 Best Energy Drinks in the Philippines 2021 (Red Bull, Cobra, Monster, and More)

Choosing the right energy drink is definitely a challenge, but getting the wrong one and consuming it improperly might cause minor inconveniences or even health complications. Before browsing the internet or the shelves at the supermarket, we will first give you the essential factors to consider when buying an energy drink.

The ingredients of energy drinks are the key to selecting the right one. They vary depending on the manufacturer’s target market. Below, we will provide you some of the important ingredients and vitamins you should take note when checking labels.

Most energy drinks contain B Vitamins. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 generally aid brain function, fat, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. They make sure that the food that we eat will be converted into energy. Therefore, getting an energy drink packed with B vitamins is highly recommended.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in Valine, Isoleucine, and Leucine are amino acids that the body cannot produce. Thus, you need to take in BCAAs regularly, whether in energy drinks or other food, in the right amount to help in muscle growth and reduce muscle soreness. 

If you are an athlete or sports enthusiast undergoing rigorous training, you will need some energy drinks rich in BCAAs. During exercise or any physical activity, BCAAs decrease. That is why consuming food or drinks rich in BCAAs will help avoid muscle breakdown and fatigue after you work out. 

Caffeine is a known stimulant present in most energy drinks that prevents drowsiness and gets you through the day -or night- and keeps us pumped up during a busy day. It is suggested to take energy drinks rich in caffeine if you want to stay awake.

However, too much caffeine is not advised as it is not good for your body. Excessive caffeine intake is dangerous as it can lead to insomnia, digestive issues, muscle breakdown, and addiction. It is important to be mindful of the caffeine content of the energy drinks you consume.

Inositol, a carbohydrate type found in your body and some food, is one of the most common ingredients in energy drinks. It increases serotonin levels, improves mood, and reduces anxiety, thus helping the brain function better in times of stress.  It can also reduce insulin resistance as it helps in controlling blood sugar. 

In the long run, it is good practice to always check the sugar content of the food and drinks you consume to manage your sugar intake, preventing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Ensure that you will not exceed the recommended daily intake of 37.5g (9 tablespoons) and 25g (6 teaspoons) of sugar for men and women, respectively. 

Drinks that have high sugar get absorbed easier by blood compared to solid food. These drinks include energy drinks, which are known to have high sugar content. 

Some just want to get an energy boost without a sizeable amount of calories from sugar, especially those who observe their sugar consumption. When looking for energy drinks, also consider the amount of sugar it contains. 

Energy drinks are reliable sources of energy. That is why some would take it every day for improved performance. The Green Eyed Guide gives a few rules to follow on how to take energy drinks every day in a perfectly safe manner. 

Energy drinks should not be consumed at the same time every day. This is to prevent forming a habit that your body would crave it even if you do not really need the energy drink. 

Energy drinks should not be a substitute for the regular beverages like water, juice, and coffee because it poses great health risks when taken beyond the recommended amount. Only take energy drinks when you really need them. 

You also should not drink the same energy drink every day. Instead, explore different brands and varieties with different ingredients and components. Again, this is to prevent yourself from taking it just because it has been part of your daily routine.

There are a lot of products to get your daily dose of caffeine. Do not depend solely on energy drinks to fill your energy gap. Instead, find other alternative products with caffeine like pre-workout supplements, snacks, candies, and more that also have the same effect as an energy drink. 

Have you always had the urge to power through an upcoming deadline and heavy workload but lack the energy needed? This may be due to your chronic fatigue or constant lack of energy. Do not force yourself to do everything and rely on energy drinks as your constant energy source. 

It is best to consult a specialist when you experience a lack of energy and motivation and some symptoms of chronic fatigue. Energy drinks should not serve as a substitute for medicine or an ultimate solution for this problem.

It is important to note that energy drinks would require around 20 minutes before it takes effect. If you do not feel its effects instantly, just wait for a few minutes for the drink to kick in. Do not consume more caffeine to avoid caffeine intoxication symptoms like dizziness, diarrhea, increased thirst, insomnia, headache, fever, and irritability. 

Looking for something to pair with your energy drinks? Here are some links to our top healthy food and snacks you may eat along with your energy drink to have maximum energy and nutrients for the day before you study, work, or exercise.