Things You Should Know About Energy Drinks
Almost everyone you see at the gym or any outdoor event seems to be gulping energy drinks. How effective are these? Are they safe and healthy as they claim to be?
photo by prensazip
Almost everyone you see at the gym or any outdoor event seems to be gulping energy drinks. How effective are these? Are they safe and healthy as they claim to be?
Athletes, young adults, and even students studying for exams rave about energy drinks. The brands and varieties that are currently available in the market are countless, including Red Bull, Pimp Juice, Rage, Monster, etc. These drinks claim to boost your sports performance or make you more alert – or both.
So, where lies the danger? What makes the energy drink kick are the stimulants in it, such as caffeine, ginseng, guarana, ginko biloba, and taurine. According to Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LH, a nutrition expert, some energy drinks have as much caffeine as five cups of coffee—or ten times as much as a can of cola. Sugar in large amounts is a definite ingredient in many of these drinks.
It is no doubt that stimulants may give you a boost while working out or just plain working. But there are side effects from too much consumption of these substances. Some of the common side effects are sleep problems, vomiting, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, seizures, and heart palpitations. Your perception of fatigue and pain can be altered by these stimulants. When that happens, you have a high tendency to push yourself past your body’s natural limits.
It is good to know that the best energy drink could be the cheapest of all—water. Staying hydrated helps you think more clearly, exercise well, and in the long run, remain healthier.
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Netty net | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Wow some times just water will be the best.
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Water indeed is the best drink. Very helpful article.
Sharif Ishnin | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
I have seen some friends take these energy drinks and gain weight fast. It can be unhealthy when abused. Great write.
Christine Ramsay | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
I can’t take caffeine at all, so these drinks would be out for me. I prefer water to to give me a boost. Thank you for the warnings.
Christine
giftarist | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the warning. I prefer water over energy drinks though.
Peter Cimino | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Aweome insight to an very popular fad. Well done.
Stephen J. Ardent | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Good to know. A lot of them are just filled with sugar too.
Journalist marlene | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Excellent article and topic. I love redbull but I am already hyper as it is so when I drink it I have more energy than usual. But yes, like you said it makes you more anxious than normal. I love the taste but stopped drinking it.
Pam Stushnoff | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Excellent article. I believe the more natural the better and I also like to keep it simple. Water wins every time.
Niti sharma | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
very well
Hettie | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
Interesting, a friend and I were talking about sugar in things today. I dont drink engery drinks but I do like ginger beer. I guess thats not good for a person either its got a bug in it. But water is the best thing that is true, hettie
sambhafusia | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
very interesting..nice share
Shamyl | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
I doubt the sincerity of these so called energy drinks. The best energy drink in the world is milk.
Jonny | thelifething.com | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
Yeah but water just isn’t as tasting though and you can’t feel like superman on just water. The brand doesn’t work.
Snooky | Mar 19, 2010 | Reply
Nothing beats good old sky juice, cloud milk (water). It may not give you an instant boost but it can wash out the crap that is bogging you down.
rizzei | Mar 27, 2010 | Reply
nice…i’m always dehydrated..but i used to drink a light energy drink before physics class coz i can’t resist to sleep in class…LOL