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Are energy drinks safe?

Red Bull is one of the increasingly popular energy drinks on the market today.
Red Bull is one of the increasingly popular energy drinks on the market today.
Credits: 
Böhringer Friedrich

The popularity of energy drinks has exploded over the last decade.  Energy drinks are sold at convenience stores, gyms, dorms, and grocery stores.  They are even sold at bars.  But what is in them, and are they safe?

Energy drinks are loaded with sugar

Energy drinks can contain enormous amounts of sugar.  A 12 oz. serving of Red Bull contains 40.5 grams of sugar.  A 12 oz. serving of Full Throttle contains 43.5 grams sugar.  Is this a lot of sugar?  Yes.  40 grams is equal to approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar. Read labels carefully to limit excessive sugar intake, which can lead to weight gain.

Caffeine content in energy drinks

The caffeine content can vary among energy drinks.  The drink Cocaine is loaded with caffeine.  A 12 oz. serving contains 400 grams of caffeine.  Whoop Ass, however, has just 75 mg in a 12 oz. serving according to WebMD.  By contrast, a 12 oz. serving of coffee has between 143 and 300 mg of caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic.   

Herbal supplements and other substances

Energy drinks contain a variety of other substances that some advocates claim increase reaction time, mental concentration, and athletic performance.  They are also said to fight fatigue, and boost energy.

Ginkgo biloga and ginseng are the most commonly found herbal supplements.  Proponents claim they increase mental concentration and boost energy.  Some studies show that taurine improves athletic performance.  Glucoronolactone may fight fatigue. 

Do energy drinks deliver on their promises?

The substances contained in energy drinks deliver on their promises according to some studies, but they are disputed by others.  Many experts believe energy drinks can be consumed safely in moderation, with a watchful eye on the ingredients they contain.  Because there has not been wide study on the effects of taking many of the supplements they contain, or on the upper limits the human body can safely metabolize, it is best to stick to one energy drink per day.

Note: You can purchase energy drinks at New Jersey's many convenience stores, grocery stores, or local vending machines.

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Northern Jersey Health and Beauty Examiner

Christine Harmon is an author, Pilates trainer, and mommy obsessed with health, fitness, and all that makes the body work seamlessly. A STOTT...

Comments

  • Anonymous 1 year ago
    Report Abuse

    I started drinking Power Tea only 2 weeks ago. I have missed a lot of my workouts and yes I really feel bad because I’ve paid for a membership with the gym I go to, but I still managed to lose 5 lbs! Actually nothing much changed in my lifestyle. I take the tea and still walk downtown for work and that’s about it. I was really struggling before because I had no time to go to the gym. It was such a breakthrough for me. I also learned about an instant business program that they’re offering but I haven’t actually tried that yet. You can go to this website http://if1s.com?122, and know more about it. I’ll try it in the next few weeks and will you know if it’s as good as it sounds too.

  • Anonymous 1 year ago
    Report Abuse

    I started drinking Power Tea only 2 weeks ago. I have missed a lot of my workouts and yes I really feel bad because I’ve paid for a membership with the gym I go to, but I still managed to lose 5 lbs! Actually nothing much changed in my lifestyle. I take the tea and still walk downtown for work and that’s about it. I was really struggling before because I had no time to go to the gym. It was such a breakthrough for me. I also learned about an instant business program that they’re offering but I haven’t actually tried that yet. You can go to this website http://if1s.com?122, and know more about it. I’ll try it in the next few weeks and will you know if it’s as good as it sounds too.

  • purity12lover 1 year ago
    Report Abuse

    I started drinking Power Tea only 2 weeks ago. I have missed a lot of my workouts and yes I really feel bad because I’ve paid for a membership with the gym I go to, but I still managed to lose 5 lbs! Actually nothing much changed in my lifestyle. I take the tea and still walk downtown for work and that’s about it. I was really struggling before because I had no time to go to the gym. It was such a breakthrough for me. I also learned about an instant business program that they’re offering but I haven’t actually tried that yet. You can go to this website http://if1s.com?122, and know more about it. I’ll try it in the next few weeks and will you know if it’s as good as it sounds too.

  • James H2 1 year ago
    Report Abuse

    I have used the Dr Max Powers Burn product for a little over a year now. It helps to keep my energy up in such a fast paced environment that I work in. I am able to work the hours that I want and still have the energy to work out and eat right. Its a great ALL natural product!

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