|
Many herbs have been known to indigenous cultures as having ergogenic
(enhanced performance) or thermogenic (increased metabolism) effects. In
modern western culture, these herbs have been combined with vitamins
(and often sugars and caffeine) to produce drinks and supplemental
blends for energy and weightloss. Primary among these is ephedra (ma
haung), which stimulates the release of norepinephrine, which raises
body temperature and thereby increases metabolism.
Energy drinks are designed to give the consumer a burst of energy by
using a combination of methylxanthines, B vitamins, and exotic herbal
ingredients. Energy drinks commonly include caffeine, guarana (extracts
from the guarana plant), taurine, various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin,
inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone, and ginkgo biloba.
While some natural ingredients, such as hoodia, have not been
scientifically proven to help with weighloss, the combined efforts of
these drinks and supplements, along with moderation in dietary intake
and increased exercise in a sensible weightloss program, produce
remarkable results that perpetuate their popularity.
|
