A quick energy boost is a necessity from time to time, and having an energy drink seems like the right call to make it happen. At the same time, we’re aware that they may not be the healthiest option, especially when consumed often. Ever heard of healthy drink shots? If not, you’re in for a treat as we’ll discover their benefits and how they compare to energy drinks.
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Advantages of healthy drink shots vs. energy drinks
When adding healthy drink shots and energy drinks to your daily routine, you should familiarize yourself with what they bring to the table. Each will have their kick, and here’s how they compare.
Advantages of healthy drink shots
Rich in nutrients
You can use healthy drink shots as a multivitamin substitute as they’re packed with vitamins and minerals. These shots are a quick and easy way to boost your daily nutrient intake and strengthen your immune system. They may contain vitamins like B-complex, vitamin C, and essential minerals like magnesium or zinc.
Low in calories
Healthy drink shots are very low in calories, with most having less than 20 calories per shot. That can be a tremendous benefit for those who are keeping a close eye on their caloric intake. Healthy drink shots can be a great option if you want to stay hydrated without the extra calories.
Natural ingredients
The organic ingredients used for healthy drink shots are another one of their major benefits. Artificial additives and chemicals in certain drinks can cause gastrointestinal problems and even health conditions. But with healthy shots, you get a product without these artificial sweeteners and preservatives – just natural ingredients.
Hydration
Hydration is a vital part of keeping our body well-fueled and maintained. Certain shots are designed to help with hydration, making them the perfect solution for post-workout recovery or replenishing lost fluids. These hydration-focused shots often contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Their primary function is to maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
Advantages of energy drinks
Quick energy boost
Energy drinks are formulated to give you a quick energy boost. They’re packed with caffeine (usually from 200 to 300 grams), which stimulates your brain to increase alertness and decrease fatigue. This energy boost can be useful when you must stay awake or engage in demanding physical activities.
Improved concentration
The caffeine and numerous other stimulants in these drinks can enhance mental focus and concentration. Hence, it’s not a wonder why so many grab an energy drink before a long study session.
Enhanced physical performance
Energy drinks usually contain ingredients like taurine and B vitamins, which can enhance physical performance and endurance. Athletes and gym-goers sometimes go for an energy drink (or pre-workout) to get that stamina and strength for their lifts.
Flavor variety
Power drinks come in many different flavors you can enjoy. Whether you prefer fruity, citrusy, or more exotic flavors, there’s likely an energy drink to suit your taste.
How to choose between healthy drink shots and energy drinks?
It’s clear that both options offer their perks, but how do they compare in terms of your health and well-being?
Of course, healthy drink shots are the ones that come on top. Their natural, healthy ingredients can instantly rejuvenate your body with all the essential nutrients it needs to thrive.
As we concluded, energy drinks are packed with caffeine. That can be an excellent way to get a quick energy boost, but the doses can sometimes be excessive. A moderate dose of caffeine per day is around 400 milligrams, which is considered safe.
However, many energy drinks (Like Spike Hardcore Energy or Bang, for example) exceed 300 milligrams. That means that having two or pairing it up with a few cups of coffee can cause certain complications. Excessive caffeine intake can cause health issues like anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.
Many of these drinks are also loaded with sugar and empty calories. That means that you will get little to no nutritional value from consuming them. Healthy drink shots are the exact opposite, as they have very few calories, and are packed with nutrients.
Energy drinks are known to elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, which can be concerning for those with heart conditions or hypertension. It’s crucial to be cautious if you have any cardiovascular health concerns.
Finally, energy drinks can cause dependency due to their caffeine content. That makes it very difficult to stop consuming them, and when you do stop, there will be withdrawal symptoms.
Natural energy boosters
While healthy drink shots offer a terrific energy boost, it may not be enough if you’re used to drinking energy drinks on a daily basis. Luckily, there are other fantastic natural ways of boosting your energy without the drawbacks of caffeine and excessive sugars.
The first one is regular exercise. Exercise helps improve blood circulation, increases oxygen flow to your muscles and brain, and releases endorphins, a natural energy lift. Get at least two hours of weekly aerobic activity for a healthy and sustainable energy boost.
A well-balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats will give you all the needed nutrients for high energy levels. Hence, if your diet lacks these ingredients, increase their intake and watch your energy levels skyrocket. Additionally, add healthy superfoods like berries and citrus fruits to boost your immunity and a solid energy kick.
Power naps are a very underrated way of energizing yourself. A short power nap (10-20 minutes) can rejuvenate your mind and body, giving you a quick energy boost. Avoid longer naps, as they may disrupt your regular sleep patterns.
Of course, regular quality sleep is vital for maintaining energy levels. Ensure you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night to wake up refreshed and energized.
Final thoughts
Always put your health first when deciding between healthy drink shots and energy drinks. Healthy drink shots are a much better choice with nutrient-rich profiles and natural ingredients. While offering a quick energy boost, energy drinks come with potential downsides, such as high caffeine content and excessive sugar.
Having an energy drink here and there won’t cause any long-term damage. Still, you should always go for natural options that’ll give you healthier and more sustainable energy boosts.
