Biology Section

This section will show you the biology involved in our investigation. Similar to the chemistry section, a copy of this will also be available during the Science group IV day.

WELCOME TO THE BIOLOGY SECTION OF OUR PROJECT!

Sugar and caffeine are the two major ingredients found in energy drinks. These are added to give an instant energy boost. But what are exactly these energy drinks made of? How can you get charged up right away after drinking these energy drinks?

• Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and increases your heart rate. It also increases urine production in the body. Caffeine stimulates the human brain and is an addictive ingredient in energy drinks.

• Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid which increases the effect of caffeine. It is also an effective cardiac stimulator. This amino acid is naturally secreted by the human body which regulates the heart rate, muscle contractions and energy levels of the body.

• Guarana

The seeds of t Guarana have three times more caffeine than that contained in the coffee beans. This energy drink ingredient increases the metabolic rate of the human body and also helps in reducing weight.

• Ginseng

Ginseng is a herb which increases the energy levels in the human body. It has anti-fatigue components that help to reduce stress levels. Ginseng is said to stimulate the nervous system to increase the overall stamina of the body and increase the secretion of hormones in the body.

• Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba comes from a rare tree and is an anti-depressant. This energy drink ingredient increases concentration and blood circulation in the body.

• Vitamins

Inositol is a classified member of the Vitamin B complex and is said to increase the immunity of the body.

• Sugars

Sugars are the source of glucose for the human body and are the major ingredient in energy drinks. Glucose is used up by the body to perform digestion, breathing and in exercises, like, cycling, walking and swimming.

So, what exactly happens to our body after we drink these?

The caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine which is a chemical in the brain that is involved with sleeping. The neurons in the brain begin to fire when adenosine is blocked. The brain is then tricked into thinking that the body is in an emergency and initiates the body's "fight or flight" response. When this happens, adrenaline is pumped into the body. The heart starts beating faster and eyes are dilated. It also causes the liver to release excess amounts of sugar into the blood for energy. Dopamine, a pleasure chemical in the brain also increases. The increase of dopamine and sugar give you the sensation of having more energy.

The Caffeine Buzz

Caffeine molecules attach to adenosine receptors on the nerve endings. Since caffeine blocks the receptors, the nerves can't get adenosine, which causes neurons in the brain to fire.

The pituitary gland senses the increased neuron activity in the brain and releases adrenaline into the body. The adrenal glands pump adrenaline throughout the body, making the heart beat faster and the liver release extra sugar for energy.