Science Behind Dark Dog Organic energy drink – Quick Review

Science Behind Dark Dog Organic energy drink – Quick Review

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The world of energy drinks is vast, and there isn’t enough time to give every drink the full “Energy Drink of the Month” deep dive review. In my attempt to guide my fans through this world of energy drinks, I like to share the science behind the various caffeinated beverages I come across in my travels.

Science Behind Dark Dog Organic energy drink

I can’t think of another energy drink so intent on reducing inflammation

“Inflammation happens when the immune system fights against something that may turn out to be harmful.” – National Library of Medicine

Anti-inflammation Ingredients in Dark Dog Energy Drink:

  • Rose Hips
  • Vitamin C
  • Ginger
  • Tea (all kinds)

Rose hips contain high vitamin C content (300-4,000 mg per 100g) according to this paper in Animal Science and Biotechnologies. This means both rose hips and vitamin C are considered allies to fight inflammation.

A paper in Phytotherapy Research states, “Due to the presence of vitamin C, fruit of rose hips are traditionally used as a tea in cold weather to prevent and fight fevers and colds.”

Ginger is considered anti-inflammatory because of components in the root which are reported to fight free radicals, protect cell membranes from oxidation, and reduce  inflammatory cytokines ( substances secreted from certain cells of the immune system that go around and affect other cells).

Caffeine Content – Not for Everyday Use

If a drink could help you fight inflammation, you’d want to drink it everyday. However, a drink with this much caffeine should not be consumed everyday. Alas, another energy drink paradox (like this one).

This drink has 114mg caffeine, which makes it strong enough to be suitable for Fatigue Level 3 (out of 5). The 5 Levels of Fatigue is a system I developed while studying energy drinks in college and grad school which helps people pick a drink which matches their situation. This system categorizes products using factors like juice content, carbonation, delivery method, and caffeine content. This system beats caffeine tolerance and dependence. This system prevents people from using caffeine when they’re really just tired from dehydration. This system helps people consume caffeine safely. See 5 Levels of Fatigue for beverage examples of each level.

The caffeine in Dark Dog Organic comes from guarana, yerba mate, and MURSALSKI tea. I’ve never heard of this tea before but it has the same benefits as green tea: it provides antioxidants those antioxidants help fight inflammation.

Other Ingredients and Notable Claims

Dark Dog Organic is non-GMO, Organic, and free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.

This drink contains 100% of B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin, my favorite), B5 (*sigh*), B6, and Folic Acid. We’ve talked about these vitamins and what they do in the Book Excerpt of the Week (so hopefully you already know I think adding pantothenic acid is pointless).

Why are these vitamins in here? Because energy drinks often have B-vitamins. And also, I suppose, inflammation taxes metabolism and vitamins help metabolism as coenzymes.
This drink contains SO MUCH SUGAR! 31 grams! The Daily Added Sugar Limit recommended by the American Heart Association: 9 teaspoons/36 grams for men and 6 teaspoons/25 grams for women

Fortunately DarkDog has other products with less sugar. You can check those out on their home page: http://www.darkdog-organic.com/products/

 

You can find more about the science behind energy drink ingredients here at GreenEyedGuide.com and within my book, “Are You a Monster or a Rock Star: A Guide to Energy Drinks- How They Work, Why They Work, How to Use Them Safely” on Amazon (and now on Audible!!!).

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