Homemade Energy Drink

Although I believe that most store bought energy drinks can be safe to drink if used in moderation, I have tried to make my own. A not-so-sweet barley water beverage, loaded with good ingredients and an alternative for pre- and post-workout consumption. It helps prevent drowsiness and can be drunk in any situation - at work, at school, whilst car driving, or at home with a meal.

INGREDIENTS:
* 50 ml barley grain
* 1200 ml water
* 50 grams ginger, peeled and sliced
* 2 lemons, juice and zest
* 50 ml honey
* ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

METHOD:
1. Place the barley and water into a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil.
2. Once the barley comes to a boil, simmer for 15 minutes.
3. While the liquid is simmering, grate lemon zest and squeeze juice.
4. Add the ginger slices and lemon zest, and simmer for 15 minutes more.
5. After 30 minutes, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer.
6. Add 50 ml honey, 100 ml lemon juice, and salt if you desire.
7. Stir to combine and refrigerate until chilled.

Will keep up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Some Benefits of this Drink
* Honey is fat free, cholesterol free, and an instant energy booster.
* Ginger is wonderful for soothing muscle pain.
* Lemons boost your immune system because they are rich in vitamin C. They can also help restore the acid-alkali balance (pH) of the human body.
* Since ancient times, barley water has been used for medicinal purposes. It is a good source of natural fiber that has cardiovascular benefits. Barley contains antioxidants, and is a great source of magnesium.
* Shortage of salt will only affect those who sweat a great deal due to manual labour, or because of continuous exercise.

I am expecting to receive samples of new types of beverages any day. They will come from a Swedish company called Vitamin Well.

What I know is that these bottles contain non-carbonated beverages enriched with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They have a low amount of sugar. Their names are Recovery, Everyday, Defence, Care, and Focus. The last-mentioned contains L-theanine (100 mg) and caffeine (74 mg).

Drinking too much of caffeine loaded energy drinks is probably very bad for the health. Red Bull may "give you wings" but perhaps not the kind of wings you want. In countries like Norway, Red Bull is not sold in stores because people have died after consuming it. They can have very bad side effects if you mix them with alcohol. Drinking large amounts quickly after a hard session at the gym can be dangerous for the heart.

The reported lethal dose of caffeine is very high. It is said to be about 150-200 mg/kg body mass. However, several energy drinks contain many other ingredients. Taurine for instance. Potential interactions between taurine and caffeine have been investigated but there is very little information available for risk assessment at high intakes.