Saturday 26 January 2013

Energy Drinks : Time for a Closer Look


Energy drinks are almost everywhere nowadays. Energy drinks are used to give an extra boost and to get an energetic feel. There are lots of health issues linked with these energy drinks. All age groups of people get addicted to these energy drinks. It is known that one in three teenagers regularly drink them. Energy drinks provide the same effect that caffeine and sugar provide. The caffeine content of energy drinks range from 80–300 mg per 16-oz serving whereas a 16-oz cup of coffee can contain 70–200 mg. This increased level of caffeine when mixed with other unregulated herbal stimulants like Taurine, Guarana, Creatine and B vitamins are said to be a dangerous mix.

The caffeine content of energy drinks ranges from 50-500+ mg which is equal to three to four cups of coffee. Increased amount of caffeine causes serious side effects including paranoia and delusions. Caffeine increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of heart disease. It can even lead to death if taken in large amounts. Doctors recommend no more than 1/16 tsp. Emotional disorders are also other side effects of caffeine.


Energy drinks are also loaded with artificial sweeteners and sugar. One can of energy drink contains the equivalent of nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar. Therefore long time consumption of this can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. And if it is artificial sweeteners, gastric hormones are released when consumed and this makes your brain confused that food is present but "Zero Calories" released and  you develop an appetite craving typically 30-60 minutes after consuming an artificially sweetened beverage which can lead to over eating and causes obesity. For more information read http://thewellnessdiet.blogspot.ca/2013/01/do-artificial-sweetners-really-help.html


Sports drinks are also a type of energy drinks used by athletes. The difference is that while energy drinks contain caffeine sports drink does not contain caffeine. However this too causes problems due to the different acids present in it. The different acids present in these energy drinks and sports drinks such as carbonic acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid can dissolve tooth enamel (causing tooth rot and yellow teeth), raise the risk of stomach damage and ulcers, cause bone breakdown, osteoporosis, and bone fractures, and upset the fragile “acid-alkaline” balance in the human body.

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