The scope and scale of “energy” drinks on the market today never cease to amaze me. They’re everywhere, in local markets, gas station minimarts, supermarket chains, department stores, even in vending machines.
Why do people buy these things? They contain so many controversial ingredients — taurine, theophylline, theobromine — and are known to interfere with sleep, and are associated with all kinds of health problems. Red Bull, Monster, and Rock Star: the marketing is mind-boggling.
I suspect it’s really the caffeine blast in them that makes them “work” — this study from the the Association for Psychological Science in Washington, D.C.agrees with me. Then again all the added sugar in them is always good for a quick–but detrimental–energy boost.
For a real energy drink on the go, just fill a water bottle most of the way with icy cold filtered water, add a teaspoon or so of matcha, and shake it vigorously. Voila! You can also do it in a blender with ice (my preferred method). You can then keep it in your purse/bag, take it in the car with you, or take it on your bike ride or to the gym. I keep a small supply of them in the fridge. Just be sure to shake up well before sipping (matcha never fully dissolves; it will eventually settle at the bottom of the bottle). It keeps its vibrancy, flavor, and color for a few days. Adding a splash of lemon juice/yuzu juice can be nice, too.
The combo of l-theanine and small amounts (25mg) of caffeine found in matcha will give you more energy than you know what to do with. You’ll never go back to purchasing fake-oid industrial drinks.
