Energy Drinks: How Safe Are They?

By: Melody Rabor-Dizon

 

I am blessed that my career and business allowed me to employ all of my children, exposing them to the outside world. I think they should give it a shot before saying no to anything. They might discover their true calling. From time to time, I’ve noticed that my eldest son Joshua consistently makes a pit stop at Mariano’s. Tell me, Son, what’s your go-to purchase at that store? “Mom, energy drink,” he says, to wake me up. I was aghast. Hence, this article because I know that a lot of people, including my son, use these drinks as a source of energy and to bring attention to the issue.

CAN YOU TRUST ENERGY DRINKS?

Consistent consumption of these sugary, stimulant-laden beverages is harmful to health. There is a downside to feeling great. The claim that “energy drinks” can “supercharge” one’s cognitive abilities is widespread. Popular brands include Celsius®, Red Bull®, 5- hour ENERGY®, and many more. In 2023, Red Bull secured sales of $7.34 billion. Not everything that glitters is gold, as the old adage goes. The health benefits of these drinks may not justify the additional cost, despite their popularity. Actually, they pose a threat if not handled correctly. Still, it’s smart to be aware of these things before you hit the bottle.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF ENERGY DRINK

A quick caffeine boost is available in many energy drinks. Coffee is the go-to energy drink for Americans. The majority of adults, approximately 75%, drink coffee every day. For the most part, coffee is quite fine to drink. That is, until you go to Starbucks and purchase a Venti or don’t refill your cup. One of those large men had 410 milligrams of caffeine in him. For people in good health, the FDA suggests no more than 10 mg daily.

Who needs coffee when you can have a stronger and quicker pick-me-up? Many who consume energy drinks argue that they are no worse for you than coffee. There are 80 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce can of Red Bull. An 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 95 milligrams. Is that the case? Please, be patient. Slowed down. Coffee is just one component. Then what else is there to know?

ENERGY DRINK BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS

For those in good health, consuming an energy drink every so often is not harmful. “But drinking them often can raise your risk of bad health effects, especially if you already have a medical condition.” Herbal ingredients such as ginseng and guarana, in addition to taurine and caffeine, are common ingredients in energy beverages.

Diabetics should stay away from energy drinks because of the diabetes-inducing effects of caffeine and additional sugars. Anxiety attacks could be more common in people who drink energy drinks and can have other symptoms like feeling down, getting the runs, visual illusions, experiencing aching heads, mood changes, feeling sick, rapid heart rate, brain attack, dental decays and putting on excess pounds to name a few.

Before you mix your booze and energy drinks, think about the other potential health hazards. You shouldn’t combine alcoholic beverages with energy drinks. “Because energy drinks wake you up, they can hide the way alcohol makes you feel drunk, so you don’t realize how drunk you are.” They are both quite crafty. The CDC reports that individuals are four times more likely to consume excessive amounts of alcohol when combined with energy drinks. Additionally, they are more likely to disclose incidents of harmful or unwanted sexual relations, driving under the influence, or being in the company of an inebriated driver.

Mixing stimulants with other substances: Since the ingredients in energy drinks and other pharmaceuticals don’t typically interact with one another, they don’t mix well. Medications for depression, anxiety, and blood thinning can be either enhanced or augmented by the stimulants found in energy drinks.

They say, no one should ever say no to an energy drink except: Youths and young adults. Pregnant women. Conditions affecting the heart or kidneys individuals. Everyone who regularly takes prescription drugs…

ENERGIZERS THAT ARE HEALTHY

“Healthier” energy drinks may boast less calories, less sugar, or more vitamins and minerals. I don’t think that makes them healthy. It’s impossible to confirm the assertion. “They may have less sugar or caffeine, but they probably still have a lot of other bad for you chemicals and stimulants in them.”A quick burst of energy from an energy drink won’t last forever. Rather than drinking an energy drink first thing in the morning, try one of these:

A cup of coffee. Due to its antioxidant properties, coffee may help lower the risk of developing dementia, cancer, and liver disease, even with moderate consumption.

Dark tea. A number of studies have demonstrated the health benefits of tea. The most effective energy drink is likely black tea. With 45 mg, it has more caffeine than any other tea and half as much as coffee.

Green tea with leaves. It has been linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and weight loss. In general, this tea is superb.

The water from coconuts. Provides you with energy following exercise because it contains electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins.

Hydrating drink. The beneficial bacteria found in fermented black tea aid in digestion.

Beverages used for athletic purposes. Despite their high calorie and sugar content, sports drinks such as Gatorade® and Propel® provide a better nutrient replacement than other energy drinks. A lot of people don’t have to take them every day.

KEEPING ONESELF ORGANICALLY ENERGIZED

Avoid dehydration. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water every day to prevent energy loss due to dehydration.

Doze off. Nothing beats a plethora of first-rate ZZZs. The urge for caffeinated stimulants decreases as one rests.

Make sure you eat healthy. Eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains will keep you full for longer when you cut out sugar and caffeine.

Work out. Being physically active improves one’s mood, energy levels, and general health.

I THEREFORE CONCLUDE:

Despite their convenient availability and short-term effects, energy drinks are harmful owing to their high sugar, caffeine, and other unidentified chemical content. Choose health over speed at all costs.

There are plenty of options for more healthful and energy-boosting ways to get excited.