What Is Energy Drink? Can It Really Give You Energy?
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Are you a fan of energy drinks? Well, read further to see if what is an energy drink and can it really give you the right energy you need?
I’m no hater. I’m not an expert in the field either. But, one thing’s for sure, I know something about energy drinks. I advise that you read this until the conclusion to get my point.
I admit, way back I’m one of those avid users of such drinks. Every time I lack sleep, tired but still have lots of things to do, and have to work on a deadline, I drink them. During my call center years, I always replenish my energy by grabbing it in a nearby convenience store. And, hualla!!! I’m alert and energized.
Read: Coffee Facts And Trivia That Can Boost Your Day
However, as my knowledge with health and nutrition deepen, I realized that there’s something people need to know.
What is Energy Drink?
From the name itself, these are drinks that will give you the energy to boost and improve physical and mental performance. Primarily, these are made of stimulants such as caffeine and sugar. Other nutrients like Taurine, Ephedrine, Ginseng, and many more are also added.
Energy drinks are favorite on-the-go drinks of people who need to stay energized to continue work because they are easily available and let’s admit it, refreshing.
Energy Drink Vs Sports Drink
As mentioned above, energy drinks give you energy with the use of stimulants. Companies recommend them for everyone, especially if there’s a long day ahead.
Sports drinks, on the other hand, are usually as a result of extensive research. They are meant to help athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and bodybuilders replace the lost nutrients after performing physical activities such as training and workout. They are usually composed of water, salt, and other vitamins. There are little to no amount of sugar and caffeine.
Energy Drink Vs Coffee
The DAWN calculated that energy drinks contain anywhere from 80 to 500 milligrams of caffeine while a 5-ounce cup of coffee contains 80-100 milligrams.
However, it was refuted by Monster Beverage Corporation, the company behind Monster Energy Drink. The company said the 16-ounce cup of coffee, which is served by a popular coffee shop, contains 320 milligrams of caffeine that make the two drink at par with each other.
In the same article by The DAWN, Dr. Mary Claire O’Brien, an expert on energy drinks at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., debunked the comparison. She said people who visited her clinic came from people who only drank energy drinks.
“I’m sick and tired of the comparison between energy drinks and coffee. I think it’s ludicrous. Coffee is bitter, it’s hot, and it’s not a beverage that is served to children,” she said.
Health Concerns
Several health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) have already issued a warning about the consumption of such drinks.
In 2014, researchers published a paper that reviews the risk of the increasing consumption of energy drinks, which is primarily related to caffeine. It may cause palpitation, hypertension, dieresis, nausea, vomiting, and many more. The FDA also launched an investigation against Monster Energy Drinks that links 5 deaths to the consumption of the energy drink.
Since energy drinks also contain a high amount of sugar, it may pose other health risks like diabetes, obesity, and many more.
No Much Regulations for Energy Drinks
Surprisingly, there’s no much regulation about the drinks. In fact, people from all walks of life can easily buy this alongside sodas, kiddie drinks, and many more . Worse, some brands tagged themselves as supplements, which deceived the consumers.
In the Philippines, children can buy a bottle of an energy drink without any restrictions. There are no clear warning about the the possible adverse effects. Not just that, a brand released a variant with a highly nutritious vegetable. This is an obvious deception that it’s a healthy drink.
Source Energy Somewhere
Source your energy from food. For example, if you know that you will have a long day, have a heavy breakfast alongside a cup of coffee to boost yourself. It’s not just healthy, it’s more convenient, more enjoyable, and may serve as bonding for you and your family.
