Energy drinks are a type of soft drinks that are enhanced using certain substances that help the person retain their energy level. Energy drinks actually enhance the physical performance and energy level of a person as it directly affects on the mental alertness. Initially the energy drinks were consumed by the sports persons in order to perform better when their bodies are tired. But today in the US, there is a huge craze of various energy drinks amongst school kids as small as 12 years of age.

Energy Drink
Energy drink generally contain caffeine (methylxanthine), vitamin B and several other herbs mixed with carbonated water and sometimes high amount of sugar. Caffeine is obtained by adding several substances like guarana, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, carnitine, acai etc. These various ingredients create several psychological as well as physical effects on the human body. The significant increase in the cognitive activities of a person and also a moderate amount of euphoria is also produced which is the effect of caffeine (the same substance that is present in tea and coffee). Energy drinks also improve the endurance of the upper body muscles. Danger of energy drinks are observed when there is a large intake. Excess use can cause several health related issues including irritability and anxiety.

Energy Drinks Health Concerns
Energy Drink Addiction
Excessive intake of energy drinks cause many problems some of which are quite severe. Prolonged consumption of energy drinks can also be related to the excessive intake. Dangers of energy drink start to aggravate in case of extreme addiction. Energy drinks are primarily manufactured for extreme sports, and as we know extreme sport enthusiasts are by nature very carefree and in the enthusiasm they might forget the amount of energy drink consumed as well. The caffeine that these energy drinks bear actually gets piled up in the body causing many long term side effects of energy drinks.

Side Effects of Caffeine
Energy drinks bear higher percentage of caffeine than other caffeine sources like tea and coffee. They even contain more caffeine than other soft drinks as well. Heavy intake of caffeine is scientifically proven to be very harmful to the human body, leading to many short term as well as long term side effects. Some of the side effects of energy drinks due to caffeine are:

• Insomnia
• High Blood Pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Heart Diseases
• Ulcers

Caffeine has many side effects besides those mentioned above. As caffeine is stacked up in the body after each intake, it also shows various side effects and complications during pregnancy. It may also cause miscarriage in pregnant women.

Short Term Side Effects of Energy Drinks
An individual’s response to caffeine varies from person to person, hence there might also be certain short term side effects of energy drinks as well. Some people cannot even tolerate moderate amount of caffeine and energy drinks side effects might start to show up in the initial stage of its consumption. Energy drink side effects may be arrhythmia, which is irregularity of heart beats. Energy drinks also create health concerns related to the stomach, such as cramps. Excessive consumption of energy drinks also cause dehydration and excessive fluid loss during exercises, this happens due to the diuretic characteristics of caffeine.

Energy Drinks and Alcohol
As we all know, alcohol is a great depressant and energy drinks are stimulants. It is a disastrous combination to consume them both at the same time. Along with all the effects of alcohol in the human body, such as dehydration, fatigue, feeling of impairment, vomiting, and respiratory depression are observed as side effects of energy drinks mixed with alcohol.

These were all about energy drinks health concerns. This article is nowhere against energy drinks, but excessive use of anything leads to its several side effects. And when it comes to energy drinks, which are the biggest source of caffeine, it is an open invitation to severe energy drinks health concerns. Why to risk your priceless life for a small can of energy drink- It is better to opt for healthy drinks and lead a healthy and carefree life. Think over it!

With all of the headlines that come out each day, it can be tricky to determine which ones are legitimate and which are going to be tomorrow’s old news.

For example, green tea has gone back and forth in the news – a number of testimonies proclaiming the miracles of it, although other stories pronounce that it’s not entirely the wonder beverage that it’s made out to be. To make the best judgement for you, maybe you require the facts concerning green tea.

What is green tea-

What you may well not understand is that green tea is actually black tea that hasn’t been processed in the similar way. Green tea is minimally oxidized so with the intention of it retains the original green of the leaves as well as a milder flavour. Black tea, on the other hand, is heavily oxidized, which is why it has a more biting flavour.

Green tea may come in a number of packages – bags, loose, and even powdered. You might also find green tea in bottles as well as in cans in your local supermarket. Green tea dietary supplements are also obtainable for you to consume in pill form.

What is EGCG-

One of the beneficial compounds within green tea is EGCG. This is a plant based ingredient, also recognized as a flavonoid that is linked to the healthy benefits. These compounds are antioxidants by nature and can help to decrease the effects of environmental strain on cells.

What are the health benefits from drinking green tea-

There are many health benefits connected with drinking green tea – at least, they’re considered health benefits because of some research that has backed them up.

You might want to consider the idea that Japanese people have been drinking green tea for centuries and even with excessive smoking behaviour, they possess one of the lowest incidences of cancer.

Here are (reported) health benefits that you will want to consider:

1) Decreased risk of particular cancers – lung, stomach, throat, etc.
2) Can help enhance metabolism for weight loss
3) Decreases plaque build-up inside the mouth
4) Raises health of gums
5) Raises memory recall
6) May decrease the incidence from Alzheimer’s
7) Aids with arthritis
May help decrease cholesterol
9) Aids in treating multiple sclerosis
10) Improved immune system function
11) Reduces tumor growth

But what does the FDA say-

However, the FDA is not as sure about the health benefits from green tea and does not support these claims. There is some thought as to the fact that individuals that drink green tea may not in fact be receiving benefits from the green tea by itself, but rather from their lifestyle and habits.

How do you make green tea-

If you are interested in trying green tea for yourself, you will want to know that the preparation is different than it would be with traditional black tea. Green tea is more delicate and requires reduced cooking in order to release the flavor and nourishing chemicals. What you’ll require to do is bring your tea water toward a warm temperature, but not so hot that it’s boiling.

Acquire your bag of green tea or your press pot of loose tea and fill it with the warm water, but let it steep just for a few minutes before pulling the bag or pouring the tea into a beaker. You need to be watchful not to over-steep it, since this might cause a harsh taste.

If you’d want, you may add lemon or honey to the tea to sweeten the taste, otherwise select one of the many flavored varieties of the teas in order to have a extra fruity or spicy flavor.

How much green tea should you drink-

Green tea may be consumed in the place of coffee in the morning or else as a pick me up during the afternoon. It is understood that 3 cups each day is the greatest way to acquire the maximum purported health benefits. And since green tea does not consist of as much caffeine as coffee, it may leave you feeling less jittery than other beverages.

Then again, it does still have caffeine in it, so you ought to observe your drinking habits. There are a few decaffeinated versions available, although these seem to have less healthy EGCG compounds inside them.

Due to countless benefits, Acai berry is getting famous amongst people. Not only is it good for the fitness freaks but also for people of all ages. There are a lot of benefits of having these berries but if you do want to consume them in the raw form, you can consume the Acai Juice for benefiting your body. The absorbtion of the Acai juice is much better than the berry in the solid form. So by consumption of juice you can get benefited quickly.

It helps you in increasing the energy levels of your body. Even after a long day at work, you can feel high in energy levels if you have Acai juice on daily basis. You will not feel fatigue after the stressful day with its consumption. A lot of us suffer from the problem of premature aging which can be best fought by drinking Acai juice. Immunity and the mental clarity of the person can be enhanced manifolds with the consumption of this juice. You can be benefited from it as the dietary supplement conveniently. It is very easy to gulp and you can get rid of the bitter capsules and pills for taking care of your health. The overall metabolism of the body is boosted with the help of the Acai juice.

It is wise to prevent the health complications by taking the Acai juice on regular basis. The healing and antioxidants properties make it a super health drink. The free radicals that are created by the pesticides, smoke and pollutants in the environment can damage DNA and cells of one’s body. These radical results in formation of cancer too. The antioxidant properties of Acai juice strengthens the cells of one’s body for fighting against free radicals. Acai juice is considered to be one of the most antioxidant rich drinks.

You do have to worry about the purity of Acai juice available. You can easily shop for the pure Acai juice online. There are no preservatives present in such juice. Now you can easily take of your health by taking the Acai juice. This super drink can help you with endless number of health problems. You can count on this juice for benefiting your body to the fullest. Visit to know more on Acai Juice.

In a world of gymnasiums, bulging biceps and toned bodies, health is the focus! We preach about healthy bodies and healthy foods, but has anyone stopped to think of those countless cups of coffee we drink just to get through the day- Or the chocolate shakes you consume that are nothing but packed with calories and zero nutritional content.

Green Tea
The world can’t seem to stop talking about green tea. From Oprah to health experts, everyone is talking about this green wonder. But what is so great about green tea- Green tea is a great antioxidant and has been known to prevent and fight diseases, no wonder the Chinese have been using it for centuries, and we all know how long the Chinese live! Drinking green tea helps in preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes and other infections. It also helps fight cavities and increases the metabolism rate, which helps lose weight faster. Green tea comes in so many flavors as well, from honey, apricot, coco mint and even ginseng. If you want decaffeinated green tea, which is available as well.

How to brew a cup of green tea-
This recipe will help you brew a perfect cup of green tea. Here is the method:

• You will need one tea bag for every cup of tea you desire.
• In a kettle, pour one and a half cup of water and let is boil.
• Let this boiled water stand for a while.
• In a cup, place the tea bag and pour the hot water over it.
• All this to stand for 3 minutes and then remove the tea bag.
• Add sugar or honey if desired.
• Add a lemon wedge for extra flavor.

Fruit Smoothies
We all love milkshakes, especially those chocolate filled ones. But those on a path to lose weight will groan every time they see someone else indulging in one as they cant really afford all those calories. Fruit smoothies are a great way to indulge instead, they are delicious, packed with fruits and nutrients.

Apricot Pineapple Smoothie
Ingredients:

• Pineapple, crushed – ¼ cup.
• Apricot, diced – 1.
• Strawberries – 6.
• Banana – ½.
• Water – 1 ½ cup.
• Low fat yogurt – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – ¼ cup.

All you need to do is add all these ingredients in a blender till they are mixed well and blended into smoothness. Your delicious apricot pineapple smoothie is ready.

Banana-Berry Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:

• Pear, cored – ½.
• Mixed berries or blueberries, frozen – ¼ cup.
• Water – 1 ¼ cup.
• Cinnamon – 1/8 teaspoon.
• Low fat yogurt or soymilk – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – ¼ cup.

Add all these ingredients to a blender and blend well till is it mixed and smooth.

Fruit Sorbets
For all those who are on a diet and want something cold to drink during the summer months can opt for sorbets instead of ice creams or cola cans. Sorbets are ice-based recipes.

Berry Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Mixed berries, frozen – ½ cup.
• Ice, crushed – 1 cup.
• Water – ½ cup.
• Honey, slim – 1 teaspoon.

Add all the ingredients in a blender till the ice is slush. Serve with a mint leaf.

Lemon-Lime Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Lime juice – ¼ cup.
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons.
• Water – 1 cup.
• Sparkling water – 1 cup.
• Ice, crushed – 1 cup.
• Honey – 1 teaspoon.

Add all the ingredients except the sparkling water to the blender and blend well. Pour into a glass and then top with sparkling water.

Cappuccino Ice Sorbet
Ingredients:

• Coffee flavored yogurt, low fat – ½ cup.
• Instant coffee – ¼ teaspoon.
• Ice, crushed – I cup.
• Water – ¼ cup.

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender till the ice is slush.

Kefir is the name of a drink, which is made by fermenting milk with kefir grains. This fermented milk drink was originated in the Caucasus region. The word, ‘kefir’, however, came from two Persian words, ‘kef’, which meas foam, and ‘shir’, which means milk. Kefir grains are used in the preparation of this fermented milk drink which contains a mixture of bacteria or microorganisms and yeasts, and polysaccharides, proteins and lipids. These grains closely resemble the shape of cauliflower, and are considered as an excellent source of beneficial bacteria or probiotics. Due to the numerous kefir health benefits, and its unique microbiology, this fermented milk drink is considered as a miracle drink.

How to Make Kefir
Production of kefir requires the adding live kefir grains into the milk. While fermenting the milk, the kefir grains grow, and propagate new grains. Usually, milk of cow, sheep and goat are used to make kefir. However, milk can be replaced by its common substitutes like coconut milk, rice milk and soy milk to prepare kefir. Kefir can also ferment fruit juice, coconut water and beer wort. Traditionally, it is prepared in skin bag, which is stirred from time to time to ensure that the milk and the kefir grains mix properly. Fermentation of milk or its substitutes will ultimately, produce a yogurt like, sour and slightly alcoholic beverage. The fermented liquid is then separated from the kefir grains, with the help of a strainer to get the kefir drink.

Kefir Health Benefits
Kefir health benefits are numerous, which can be mainly attributed to the large number of beneficial microorganisms found in kefir grains. These beneficial microorganisms can play a vital role in improving general health and well being of an individual, by promoting digestive health. Kefir can also provide some important vitamins and amino acids. A few of the most important health benefits of kefir are:

• Kefir has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It can prove helpful in conditions like, candidiasis (yeast infection), heart disease and HIV/ AIDS.
• Kefir can provide us the beneficial microorganisms that can improve digestion, to alleviate some common digestive problems like gas, bloating, indigestion, etc. It can ensure regular bowel movement to cure constipation. The enzymes found in it can be especially beneficial for the people with lactose intolerance.
• Apart from the beneficial microorganisms, kefir can provide many essential vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of vitamin A, B2, B12, K and D. The most important minerals found in kefir are, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
• Kefir can cleanse the colon and address any kind of intestinal problem. It can provide relief in inflammatory bowel disease as well.
• Kefir can treat a number of health conditions like gastritis, pancreatitis, eczema, stomach ulcers, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis and gout, osteoporosis, anemia and leaky gut syndrome, to name a few.
• Kefir has a stimulating effect on the immune system and hence, can improve its disease fighting capacity.
• Kefir can reduce the risk for certain cancers including, colon cancer, by preventing the growth of cancerous cells.
• Kefir can also calm the nerves of our body, to maintain a healthy nervous system. This property of kefir is due to the presence of the amino acid, ‘tryptophan’.
• Kefir has antioxidants and anti-aging properties. It can neutralize the free radicals, that damage the body cells and tissues by oxidizing them. By reducing the impact of free radical damage, kefir can slow down the aging process.
• Apart from these, other kefir health benefits include curing or controlling acne, sleep disorders, depression, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, colitis, diarrhea, etc.

Kefir is quite easily digestible, and can be taken by children as well. It is a complete source of protein, with so many essential amino acids. To sum up, kefir is a great food that can detoxify the body, and improve the functions of the different body systems to promote health and vigor. It can also help in losing weight. Considering all the kefir health benefits, it can be concluded that introducing kefir to our diet is an excellent idea to live a healthy life.