Taurine has traditionally been classified as a non-essential amino acid, but by strict chemical definition it is actually an amino sulfonic acid. As a derivative of another amino acid (cysteine), taurine is synthesized by humans in both the brain and the liver. However, its most important role in humans is its role in digestion, since taurine is a major component of bile acid.
In recent years taurine has become a common ingredient in energy drinks, partly due to findings in mice that it alleviates muscle fatigue during strenuous workouts. However, these findings have not been duplicated conclusively in humans. Taurine levels in the body also remain relatively constant so typical oral dosages have little effect on overall body levels.
Presently, despite being included in many energy drinks, taurine has not been proven to be energy-giving or beneficial in generally healthy non-deficient adults. For that reason it is not currently provided as part of the Rev3 products.
As always, USANA scientists will continue to monitor the best available research on this subject.
Showing posts with label Questions/Answers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Questions/Answers. Show all posts
Rev3 Canned Drink vs. Rev3 Energy Surge Pack
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The Rev3 canned drink comes ready to use. Its defining features include:
- Each can provides 1.5 servings
- 70 calories per serving, or 105 calories per can
- Lightly carbonated with a clean, crisp citrus flavor
- Sweetened with fructose and evaporated cane juice syrup
- Contains a complete and proprietary Energy Complex with L-carnitine, tea, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, cacao, ribose, and Coenzyme Q10
- Provides B vitamins, minerals, and a phytochemical blend with grape seed extract and USANA's patented Olivol
- Provides low glycemic sugars for sustained energy
- Best when served cold
- Single-serving packets are convenient to carry and to use
- Provides only 10 calories per serving
- Contains green tea (source of caffeine), Korean ginseng, and Rhodiola rosea
- Has a refreshing lemon-tea flavor
- Sweetened with fructose and honey powder
- Designed to be mixed with 14-16 ounces of water (or to taste)
Why There is Sodium in Nutrimeals
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Although too much sodium can be of concern, please note that sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte. The recommended sodium intake for healthy adults generally sits near 2,400 mg per day, and even doctor-prescribed low sodium diets rarely get below 1,000 mg. Intakes below 500 mg per day can result in serious health conditions, including death. Because the Nutrimeals are classified as meal replacements, adequate sodium is absolutely necessary to prevent serious health consequences. This is especially true during hot summer months, during times of exercise, or in circumstances where individuals choose to use the products nearly exclusively for days at a time.
In modern times, many individuals have begun to take sodium for granted since it can be easily consumed in excessive amounts. However, this does not mean that sodium is inherently "bad." We have included a level in the Nutrimeals that is the lowest we would consider safe for adults subsisting entirely on our products for any period of time.
Many products claiming to be "meal replacements" run the risk of being much too low in sodium. In our opinion, the unscrupulous manufacturers of such products risk the health of a certain percentage of people in an attempt to "look good" on a label.
If someone has additional concerns about the sodium content of a USANA Foods product, we recommending consulting a physician. He/she will be best able to know whether or not the amount of sodium in a given product is too much for an individual's current requirements.
In modern times, many individuals have begun to take sodium for granted since it can be easily consumed in excessive amounts. However, this does not mean that sodium is inherently "bad." We have included a level in the Nutrimeals that is the lowest we would consider safe for adults subsisting entirely on our products for any period of time.
Many products claiming to be "meal replacements" run the risk of being much too low in sodium. In our opinion, the unscrupulous manufacturers of such products risk the health of a certain percentage of people in an attempt to "look good" on a label.
If someone has additional concerns about the sodium content of a USANA Foods product, we recommending consulting a physician. He/she will be best able to know whether or not the amount of sodium in a given product is too much for an individual's current requirements.
Amount of Fructose in Nutrimeals is Healthy
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It is understandable that there is much confusion about fructose, especially with all the information being circulated about high-fructose corn syrup, raw fructose, corn-syrup solids, etc. And, while it is true that excessive amounts of any of these would not be healthy (as is the case with pretty much everything), moderate intakes of these ingredients within the context of a healthy diet are simply not dangerous or unhealthy.
Fructose is nothing more than a simple sugar found primarily in fruits and vegetables. One advantage of using fructose is that it has a very low glycemic index compared to glucose and some other sugars, while still being quite sweet (thus allowing for lower dosages without a penalty to taste). Yes, it is metabolized slightly different from glucose, but it does not automatically turn to fat or cause negative effects on blood lipids despite what some websites may suggest. Much of fructose's metabolism depends on the dosages used and the activity level and caloric requirements of the individual.
As with any excess calories - whether from protein, fat, or carbohydrates - fructose can contribute to weight gain. But again, the key is dosage. If fructose alone were responsible for causing weight gain, most vegetarians would tend to be heavier than they are since vegetarians' fruit intakes are generally quite high. The amount of fructose contained in the Nutrimeals is fairly similar to several commonly eaten fruits, as the following table shows:
This table presents information on the sugar content of 21 common fruits and fruit juices. Values are for normal serving sizes, and they represent blended averages across multiple cultivars and samples of their respective food. Individual values are presented for the three major sugars found in fruits (glucose, fructose, and sucrose). In addition, values for total sugars (which may include other minor sugars, such as mannitol and sorbitol) are given. The data presented were taken from a United States Department of Agriculture publication titled Sugar Content of Selected Foods (1987).
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation easily available on the internet and many people accidentally recycle that information without fully understanding what it claims. Sometimes the information may even be partially valid, but inappropriately taken out of context and used to draw incorrect conclusions.
Either way, the bottom line is that good health requires variety, balance, and moderation. USANA Scientists do not advocate eating only fructose as a sweetener, but it does have a place - in appropriate amounts - in healthy products.
In other words: there is a difference between getting fructose as a sweetener in a soda or some other nutrient-poor food, or getting it as part of a balanced diet.
Fructose is nothing more than a simple sugar found primarily in fruits and vegetables. One advantage of using fructose is that it has a very low glycemic index compared to glucose and some other sugars, while still being quite sweet (thus allowing for lower dosages without a penalty to taste). Yes, it is metabolized slightly different from glucose, but it does not automatically turn to fat or cause negative effects on blood lipids despite what some websites may suggest. Much of fructose's metabolism depends on the dosages used and the activity level and caloric requirements of the individual.
As with any excess calories - whether from protein, fat, or carbohydrates - fructose can contribute to weight gain. But again, the key is dosage. If fructose alone were responsible for causing weight gain, most vegetarians would tend to be heavier than they are since vegetarians' fruit intakes are generally quite high. The amount of fructose contained in the Nutrimeals is fairly similar to several commonly eaten fruits, as the following table shows:
| Fruit or Fruit Juice | Serving Size | Grams per Serving | |||
Glucose | Fructose | Sucrose | Total Sugars | ||
| Apples | 1 apple | 3.2 | 10.5 | 4.6 | 18.4 |
| Apple cider | 8 fl oz | 6.2 | 13.9 | 4.2 | 27.0 |
| Bananas | 1 banana | 4.8 | 3.1 | 7.4 | 17.8 |
| Blackberries | 1 cup | 4.5 | 5.9 | 0.6 | 11.4 |
| Blueberries | 1 cup | 5.1 | 5.2 | 0.3 | 10.6 |
| Cantaloupe | 1/2 melon | 3.2 | 4.8 | 14.4 | 23.2 |
| Figs, dried | 10 figs | 53.5 | 48.6 | 12.2 | 124.4 |
| Grapes | 20 grapes | 3.2 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 7.8 |
| Grape Juice | 8 fl oz | 9.0 | 11.0 | (15.5) | 35.5 |
| Mangos | 1 mango | 1.5 | 6.0 | 20.5 | 30.6 |
| Nectarines | 1 nectarine | 1.6 | 1.5 | 8.4 | 11.6 |
| Oranges | 1 orange | 2.9 | 3.3 | 5.5 | 11.7 |
| Orange Juice | 8 fl oz | 6.9 | 7.4 | 10.2 | 25.3 |
| Papaya | 1 papaya | 4.3 | 8.2 | 5.5 | 17.9 |
| Peaches | 1 peach | 1.0 | 1.1 | 4.9 | 7.6 |
| Pears | 1 pear | 3.2 | 10.6 | 3.0 | 17.4 |
| Pineapple | 1 cup diced | 4.5 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 18.4 |
| Prunes, dried | 5 prunes | 14.1 | 7.3 | 0.2 | 21.6 |
| Raspberries | 1 cup | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 11.7 |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | 3.3 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 8.6 |
| Watermelon | 1/16 melon | 7.7 | 15.9 | 17.4 | 43.4 |
This table presents information on the sugar content of 21 common fruits and fruit juices. Values are for normal serving sizes, and they represent blended averages across multiple cultivars and samples of their respective food. Individual values are presented for the three major sugars found in fruits (glucose, fructose, and sucrose). In addition, values for total sugars (which may include other minor sugars, such as mannitol and sorbitol) are given. The data presented were taken from a United States Department of Agriculture publication titled Sugar Content of Selected Foods (1987).
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation easily available on the internet and many people accidentally recycle that information without fully understanding what it claims. Sometimes the information may even be partially valid, but inappropriately taken out of context and used to draw incorrect conclusions.
Either way, the bottom line is that good health requires variety, balance, and moderation. USANA Scientists do not advocate eating only fructose as a sweetener, but it does have a place - in appropriate amounts - in healthy products.
In other words: there is a difference between getting fructose as a sweetener in a soda or some other nutrient-poor food, or getting it as part of a balanced diet.
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