Oct 22, 2008 07:06 PM
50610 Views
FUSS OVER FIZZ
I had heard a lot about red bull energy drink including the negative effects especially that of the dreaded caffeine. Now, when one hears about a happening stuff, he or she would try despite a slightly negative publicity. It is as good as the temptation of touching the wet paint when the warning sign of "WET PAINT, DO NOT TOUCH" is given. I was already tired when while buying it. That was a reason enough and of course coupled with the tendency of being a compulsive shopper.
Came back, poured myself a glass. (yeah its silly to pour them into a glass than having them directly via the can, but I wanted to check the colour too). Being a strong drink, it is not sold in huge packs, but in small quatities ( 250 ml) only. Now, with its caramel colour, it looked nothing less than beer . But looks can be deceptive too. Sniff sniff... and it smells something like ........................cough syrup. Oki cough syrup still is somewhat sweet. This refuses to be so and if you drink by holding your breath, it is as sour as 7-up. So, this stuff is a deadly combination of cough syrup (smell), 7 up without soda (taste) and somewhat like beer (appearance). Overall, it is a very DISTANT cousin of fruit beer if you are desperate to relate it.
Now comes to energy aspect. I continued to laze around since I was feeling tired and the very thought of cooking something at that moment did not appear too appealing to me then. 10 mts passed and all of a sudden the energy shows you generousity to let you spring into action and I readily tiptoed to the kitchen. The energy doesn't remain for long and you get tired again after an hour or so, depending upon person to person, but this gives energy without a doubt.
THE INGREDIENTS
The ingredients in 250 ml can has about 21.5 g sucrose, 5.25 g of glucose, 50 mg of inositol, 1000 mg of taurine, 600 mg of glucuronolactone, vitamin B — 20 mg of niacin, 5 mg of vitamin B6, 5 mg of pantothenic acid and 5 µg of vitamin B12 — and 80 mg of caffeine, artifical flavours and colours.
Sounds frightening naa..!!!
A FEW FACTS ABOUT RED BULL
1) One of its basic ingredients "Taurine" is derived from animal tissue, having been first isolated from bull (Bos taurus) bile hence the name "Red Bull". However, the Taurine used in the Red Bull drink is produced synthetically.
2) Another ingredient Glucuronolactone is a carbohydrate involved in detoxification. The chemical is naturally occurring in the human body, but is also present in foods like grain and wine.
3) Red Bull is commonly used as mixer with alcoholic drinks such as vodka.
4) The high concentration of caffeine, glucose, sucrose, taurine, and glucuronolactone is supposed to increase metabolism, thus improving the user's concentration, energy, and endurance. However, this jump in metabolism is only recommended for temporary usage. It does not rehydrate like typical sports drinks and has digestibility similar to that of coffee. Therefore, it is recommended to have one serving 30 minutes prior to activity and users are encouraged to replenish with adequate fluids afterwards.
5) Overuse can lead to chronic nervousness, "jittery" extremities, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
6) As of 2008, Red Bull remains prohibited as a soft drink in Norway, Uruguay and Denmark.
7) Despite all these, Red Bull has taken almost half of the US market for energy drinks, and up to 80% of the market in some other countries.
MY OPINION
It is too expensive to try, not just because of money but may have innumerable side effects. Try not to get tempted. And, it doesn't taste that great. Unfortunately, I read about it while sipping the drink. And 50% is consumed, much of energy is recieved. Now, the remaining drink has to find its way to wash basin, unfortunately due to the negative publicity given in the wikipedia.
