Fuel for the fire - cooking

Art Culinaire, Summer, 2002

Gatorade, on the other hand, contains 6% carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium, but has more sugar. The company mentions that Propel is geared to enhance a person's daily consumption of water, while Gatorade is specifically "formulated for optimal performance" and to "replenish fluids and electrolytes" lost during high endurance activities. Also keep in mind that there exists a Gatorade Energy Drink that is different from the traditional "thirst quencher." This is presently available by special order only.

GLACEAU VITAMIN WATER[R]

The Vitamin Water collection is a combination of vapor distilled water, crystalline fructose, citric acid, and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, and potassium). Drinks containing additional vitamins, minerals and fruit juice are available in eleven different elixirs with revealing names like Rescue, Multi-V, Stress-B, Endurance, Stress-B, Defense, Revive, Endurance, Focus, Essential, Balance, Power-G, and Energy. In addition to a subtle fruit flavor, the beverages are caffeine-free, incredibly refreshing, and full of energy-boosting vitamins and minerals. Each drink averages 40 calories and 9 g of sugar per 8 ounce serving. Of special note is citrus flavored Power-C, which contains 250% vitamin C, 75% chromium, and 25% zinc.

Lemon flavored Defense contains 100% vitamin C, 100mg of echinacea, and 50 mg arabinogalactan. Berry and dragon fruit flavored Multi-V contains 100% of the daily dose of vitamins A, C, and E. Amazingly, much of the recommended daily nutritional requirements can be met simply by drinking a bottle of Vitamin Water.

RED BULL[R]

You might as well inject caffeine intravenously into your arm; at least you'll spare your taste buds. The contents of this energy drink are so controversial that France, Denmark, and Norway have not approved its sale.

VENOM ENERGY DRINK[R]

Though it sounds a bit threatening, it is actually caffeine-free and loaded with "good stuff." Unfortunately, it is also loaded with sugar, containing 28 g per 8 ounce serving. This citrus-flavored carbonated beverage contains 250% vitamin B6, 100% vitamins C, BI 2, riboflavin, and niacin, 50 mg Siberian ginseng and guarana, and 100 mg bee pollen and taurine.

As a side note, many energy products, especially in pill form, contain ephedrine. This alkaloid is used to treat asthma patients because of its ability to constrict blood vessels. As an effective constrictor, the consumption of ephedrine with alcohol causes much concern. As the heart race increases, it becomes more difficult for the body to pump blood, resulting in the potential for heart failure. Many unknowing fatigued employees wishing to boost their energy may end up very ill or just incredibly uncomfortable.

Many forget that the best and most natural nectar around is good old, plain, and simple water--which few ever drink enough of. Check out the beverages you put into your body--know what ingredients they contain. And most importantly, know what they can and cannot do for you.