True or false? 5 energy myths debunked

Powering through life in the best physical, mental and emotional state possible all starts with energy, making it SO important to understand where your body gets its energy from – and what you can do to aid it in producing all the energy it needs to carry out its many, many functions. In this article, we dive into what energy is, how to get it, how your body produces it – and what simply is and isn’t true when it comes to giving your body the energy it needs.

1. On a daily basis, your body uses roughly the same amount of energy as 800 AA batteries: TRUE

Researchers believe the average person’s body uses around 1.07*107 J of energy per day – about the same energy output as you’d expect from 800 AA batteries! What’s more, they claim that, while 800 AA batteries weigh around 20kg, the same amount of energy can be produced from just 0.2 kgs of human body fat!

2. Carbohydrates are the main energy source within a human diet: TRUE

When it comes to food, carbohydrates are your main source of energy - alongside proteins and fats. Carbohydrates play an important role in regulating your body’s energy balance. Researchers recommend a diet that is higher in carbohydrates and lower in fats as a good way to support your body’s energy needs.

3. Energy drinks are a good source of energy: FALSE

Are energy drinks bad for you? In terms of exercise performance, studies have shown that they might be helpful. But when it comes to being good for sustainable energy and your overall health, they’re generally not recommended (especially for children and youth). Studies have suggested that energy drinks can negatively affect cardiovascular health, cause anxiety and may cause dental erosion – among other concerns.

4. Your body’s energy is produced by your mitochondria: TRUE

Mitochondria are clever little things – they live within almost all your cells, converting food and air into energy for your body to use. Your mitochondria are responsible for coordinating the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - a crucial molecule that provides almost every cell within your body with the energy required to perform every single task you carry out each day.

5. CoQ10 supplements support ATP production: FALSE

While CoQ10 is an important antioxidant when it’s produced naturally within your mitochondria (it supports your mitochondria in producing ATP – the energy-producing molecule – and protects your cellular energy by combating free radicals), CoQ10 supplements generally struggle to get inside your mitochondria where they’re needed. In short, they can’t get close enough to your mitochondria’s production process to offer help.

Luckily, in the past 30 years, scientists have developed a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that can get inside mitochondria and support the body’s energy production on a cellular level. Independent researchers have confirmed that our mitochondria-target antioxidant MitoQ effectively combats oxidative stress, helping your energy powerhouses to keep you running optimally.

Learn about the science behind MitoQ