Is it good to drink energy drinks?

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Although energy drinks provide a quick fix for fatigue, this effect is only short-term and when consumed regularly can cause a number of adverse health effects. Energy drinks contain a number of ingredients that can lead to risks such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart problems.

1. Is it good to drink energy drinks?

Most energy drinks contain large amounts of the stimulant caffeine, which can stimulate your central nervous system. This caffeine gives you energy and increases alertness. According to research, an average 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95-200 milligrams of caffeine. Meanwhile, 2 ounces of energy drinks contain up to 200-207 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine is considered relatively safe when used in small doses, such as the amount found in a cup of coffee or tea. However, it can become even more dangerous to health if consumed in large doses – over 400 mg of caffeine. An overdose of caffeine can lead to a number of symptoms such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, convulsions, or fever. It can even cause health problems for:
People who are allergic to caffeine; Pregnant women; People with blood pressure or heart rhythm problems. Besides caffeine, energy drinks contain several other ingredients, such as guarana and ginseng. These additives can increase the energy of the drink and also the side effects of caffeine.

On the other hand, energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar to aid in their energy-boosting effects. According to nutritionists, 1 serving of energy drinks can contain more than 30 grams of sugar. The consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and may even increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Many of the ingredients in energy drinks may be new to commercial products, so there hasn't been much research on them, such as cartine, glucuronolactone, inositol, panax ginseng, super citrimax and taurine. Even many energy drinks contain alcohol, however, it has been banned from sale by the Food and Drug Administration because it is not safe for health.

2. Drinking energy drinks is good for children or not?

Energy drinks can be appealing to many children and teenagers because they are widely available at convenience stores and are legal for all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50% of teenagers report that they regularly consume energy drinks.
Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to the effects of energy drinks because their bodies are often not used to caffeine. A study has shown that being intoxicated with caffeine or drinking too much caffeine in energy drinks can lead to addiction to this stimulant and increase the likelihood of withdrawal.

In addition, caffeine can also affect the development of young children. The amount of caffeine found in energy drinks can adversely affect the development of a child's brain, muscles, heart and bones.
Some studies in Sweden and the US show that energy drink consumption is associated with tooth erosion and tooth decay in children due to the high sugar content in this drink.

3. Some solutions to replace energy drinks

In general, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine will not affect your health too much. However, drinking energy drinks every day not only does not give you an energy boost, but also causes many bad consequences for your overall health. To prevent the dangers caused by energy drinks, you should follow some healthy methods:
Drink enough water: This helps keep your body functioning. You should drink a glass of water before waking up, during meals, before, during and after exercise. Protein and Carbohydrate Supplements: According to the American Heart Association, protein and carbohydrates are great sources of fuel for your physical exercise. Carbohydrates serve as the fuel for muscles, while protein helps build them. You can replace energy drinks with other healthy drinks like chocolate milk, fruit, peanut butter and banana smoothies. Take vitamins: The vitamins and minerals found naturally in some foods, such as magnesium, can help the body produce energy. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to fatigue. If you feel your body needs an energy boost, you should consult your doctor about adding vitamins to your diet. In addition, you can also fortify many food sources rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt.

Be physically active: When you exercise, your levels of endorphins and serotonin will immediately increase, helping you feel better. In addition, people who exercise regularly have more energy than those who are sedentary.

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Reference sources: webmd.com, healthline.com