 |
| A dietitian at the
University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, says you best beware energy bars that come
with stimulating herbal supplements built-in. Dietitian Cynthia Sass points to the
possible peril of mixing the herb ephedra, for example, with the caffeine found in coffee,
tea, soda, and other drinks. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
alerting consumers of ephedra to just such dangers. Guarana is another stimulating herb
Sass is cautious about. "Both [ephedra and caffeine] are central nervous system stimulants," Sass says, "and there is some evidence that caffeine can increase the effects of ephedra. The two together, especially when combined with certain medications or in people with high blood pressure or a heart condition, can cause nervousness, heart palpitations and anxiety." As an alternative to energy bars, Sass says you should try mini-meals of fruits vegetables, nuts, and/or low-fat dairy products throughout the day to keep energy levels high. |