Energy drinks contain , caffeine,sugars, herbs, and some amino acids. Of late, energy drinks have become popular among younger people. Realizing that high levels of caffeine and sugars present in energy drinks, we should educate people about some of the dangers associated with the consumption of energy drink.
If we look at the contents of energy drinks, it is obvious that the amount of caffeine is pretty high; in fact, one can of a typical energy drink contains 3-4 times the amount of caffeine one finds in Pepsi or Coke. Similarly, sugar levels in energy drinks also tend to be on the high side. A 355 ml can can contain 20-30 g of sugar. Add up the cereal and the muffins and you have an idea how many calories one can end up with.
While some benefits have been attributed to the use of energy drinks, these benefits tend to be temporary and can be harmful in the long run. For example, high doses of caffeine, supplanted by ginseng, may restore alertness in tired individuals, help improve cognitive performance, and bring on a high. However, there is a price to be paid in terms of the need for higher doses with continued use and the effects on the brain. Moreover, irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia has been reported with high caffeine use.
Another point of concern with the use of energy drinks stems from the fact that energy drinks contain herbs such as ginkgo bilboa. Ginkgo can accentuate the effects of caffeine.
Energy drinks also contain taurine- an amino acid. Some studies have shown that taurine and caffeine can improve alertness and information processinghttp://http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11713623.
Lastly, there is a misconception that energy drinks combined with alcohol can help ameliorate the negative effects of alcohol on coordination and reaction time- so vital for drivinghttp://http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20682226.
Admittedly, more studies need to be done to assess the effects of energy drinks on physiology and psychology of human behavior.
However, current knowledge and common sense tell us that excessive sugar and caffeine consumption can cause adverse effects.
Therefore, young folks should avoid the use of energy drinks if they want to remain healthy.
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