If you are ever tempted to reach for a Rockstar Energy
drink, you may want to think again. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic conducted a
study to see what this energy drink does to the body. A group of 25 volunteers
helped with the study, each who downed a 16 oz Rockstar on an empty stomach.
The group was composed of healthy individuals whose average age was 29 and BMI
of 25. Rockstar contains 240 mg of caffeine, in addition to taurine, (an amino
acid that has been suggested to improve mental performance in combination with
caffeine), guarana seed (which contains caffeine), ginseng root and milk
thistle extracts. As a reference point, only 300-400 mg of caffeine is what a
healthy adult can safely consume. The study was double blind, meaning neither
the participants nor researchers knew which drink was the placebo (an energy
drink that was identical in every way except without the caffeine). Both drinks
increased heart rate a bit, but the primary difference was in the
norepinephrine levels, a precursor to epinephrine- AKA adrenaline. This
increase in norepinephrine occurred just within 30 minutes- talk about a sky
high energy boost! The main concern researchers had was the raise in blood
pressure and norepinephrine levels, as they could make people more at risk for
cardiovascular problems. So the next time you’re having an urge for an energy
drink like a Rockstar, try another form of energy boosting nutrition.
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