Kia Ora Massage

DO ENERGY DRINKS WORK?

 Not unless you're planning to run the 100-meter dash. Red Bull, Monster, and other energy drinks are jacked up with caffeine (one 12-ounce container could have as much caffeine as 2 1/2 cups of strong coffee), sugar, and natural stimulants. That combo produces short, intense bursts of energy that only elite athletes can burn off in a safe way.

 In the rest of us, energy drinks can trigger the kind of high-wire energy that leaves you exhausted when it wears off. Instead, have a piece of fruit, with easily digestible carbs that give you a quick lift without the shakes.

~Prevention Magazine 09/2008

.

COFFEE NEWS!

The evidence that coffee is healthy for you just keeps mounting: A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that consuming 2 to 3 daily cups of caffeinated drinks, including coffee, can cut your risk of dying from heart disease by at least 31%. Coffee may also significantly lower your likelihood of developing colon cancer, according to another recent study, published in the International Journal of Cancer.

For more healthy coffee benefits try these three new custom brews.

Avoid heartburn
Try: Gentle Java, which uses Guatemalan arabica beans that are steamed before they're roasted to neutralize acid and eliminate or reduce more than 70 heartburn- and indigestion-causing irritants. Available in more than 10 varieties, including Wake Up Blend and Irish Crème ($10 to $11; gentlejava.com).

Reduce your cancer risk
Try: Caffe Sanora, organic blends with up to 40% more antioxidants than other premium coffees. Flavors include House Blend and Espresso Roast ($10; caffesanora.com).

~Prevention Magazine 09/2008

Get a protein boost
Try: JavaSoy Coffee, a healthy blend of roasted soybeans and Colombian and arabica coffee. Each 8-ounce serving provides 7 times the protein (2 g) of a regular cup. It also has half the caffeine of regular coffee. Flavors include Breakfast Blend, French Vanilla, and Caramel Cream ($10; adlerfoods.com).