These "so-called" energy drinks are becoming popular because they boost energy and make you more focused and concentrated. Energy drinks temporarily make you alert and supercharge your body and mind.
But have you ever considered how lousy energy drinks are for you? Despite their benefits, such mega caffeine and sugar-loaded drinks are not worth this boost. In reality, they can even kill you if youre not careful.
So, let's discover how bad energy drinks are for you and their health risks to remember.
What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks have specific ingredients to boost mental and bodily performance. Most energy drinks contain caffeine, which improves brain function and makes you more alert and focused.
Here, we pen out the most popular energy drink brands with caffeine content;
- Monster of 473 ml contains 160 mg caffeine content.
- Red Bull of 250 ml contains 80 mg of caffeine content.
- NOS of 473 ml contains 160 mg of caffeine content.
- 5-Hour Energy drink of 57 ml contains 200 mg of caffeine content.
- AMP of 473 ml contains 142 mg of caffeine content.
- Full Throttle of 473 ml contains 160 mg of caffeine content.
- Rockstar of 473 ml contains 160 mg of caffeine content.
People are used to consuming such poisonous drinks, as a brand of Red Bull solely crashed sales of up to 7.34 billion dollars in 2023.
What Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks?
Besides caffeine, energy drinks also include some other ingredients with stimulant effects, including;
- Sugar
Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar, such as glucose, sucrose, and other high fructose, to assist with instant energy.
- Vitamin B
Vitamin B is essential for various cellular functions in our body. It is thought to boost energy by aiding in converting sugar to energy.
- Ginseng
It is a plant that fights fatigue and optimises physical performance. However, studies are still needed to confirm its advantages.
- Taurine
It is a sulphur-containing amino acid from common foods like seafood, eggs, and meat.
- Glucuronolactone
This substance is a naturally occurring ingredient made in a tiny amount in the body, but it is known for its effects on the body.
Is One Energy Drink A Day Is Okay?
Because of the high concentration of caffeine and other stimulants, energy drinks aren't recommended for daily consumption. Occasional consumption, like one energy drink daily, is generally okay for some people. However, it highly depends on the person.
But remember, if you have any other medical conditions like insomnia, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety that can be severe with caffeine, stay alert.
How Bad Are Energy Drinks For You? Health Risks to Remember
So, how bad are the energy drinks for you? Drinking these beverages regularly can increase the following health risks;
- Depression
- Stroke
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Fasten heart rate
- Higher the blood pressure rate
Other Heart Disease and Stroke
You may wonder about the list mentioned above, but it's reality. Energy drinks can provoke a stroke like a heart, but they trigger in your brain. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a condition that causes stroke after taking an energy drink.
Such instant spasms of blood vessels can stop the blood supply to your brain and cause haemorrhage.
It's very typical for people to feel anxious after taking in caffeine alone. Still, when you take large amounts and mix it with other stimulants effects, it can show some cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or increased heart rates.
What About Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol?
You may be fascinated by the trend of mixing energy drinks with alcohol, but it's not a good idea.
This combo is undoubtedly trending, but it's unsafe for your health. Caffeine in energy drinks hides the side effects of alcohol, so you may realise that you're more sober than before. It can take you towards more problematic actions, such as drunk driving. This combo can make you drink more and make you more likely to binge drink.
Alternatives to Boost Energy
You work all day and want to boost your energy to play soccer. Don't go for energy drinks; instead, follow the other natural ways to power up. Here, we recommend some dietitian-approved alternatives to boost energy;
Stay Hydrated
You should drink enough liquid foods with a higher water concentration to boost energy. This will not only improve your bodily health but also help you stay concentrated and highly active. Foods like vegetable soup or fruits with sufficient water content are the best alternatives for sustaining energy levels.
Further, take 8 oz of water daily to stay hydrated and super active.
Take Some Rest
Nothing can change your body better than a sufficient night's sleep. Quality sleep and rest not only assist your body in recovering but also heal all the damages that happen during the day. So take some rest and recharge your body.
Exercise
Exercise is suitable for both mind and body and an excellent way to boost your energy level. Multiple activities that don't need expensive equipment, like playing with kids, jumping rope, or getting up to do your work, can be done at least sixty minutes a day. They help circulate oxygen in the body, which makes you more energetic.
Bottom Line
In short, energy drinks are not good enough to consume regularly. Overconsumption can lead to cardiovascular and other heart diseases. If possible, avoid them. Instead, follow the above-listed alternatives and stay healthy.
Now you may learn how bad energy drinks are for you. It can even kill a man. So stop now!