Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?

Energy drinks are widely available and the second most popular dietary supplement among teens and young adults. Men between the ages of 18-34 love energy drinks, with about a third of them drinking energy drinks regularly. You can find them in convenience stores, grocery retailers, and supplement stores. But are energy drinks okay for regular consumption? And are there any ramifications for drinking them too regularly? That’s what we’re here to tell you today. 

• What Are Energy Drinks?
• What Happens When You Consume an Energy Drink? How Do They Work?
• How Do Energy Drinks Affect Your Body and Mind?
• How Long Do the Effects of Caffeine Last?
• Healthy Energy Drinks
• The Benefits and Drawbacks of Consuming an Energy Drink

What Are Energy Drinks?

Have you been drinking energy drinks without knowing what’s in them? Your typical energy drink likely contains sugar, caffeine,  guarana, taurine, and other ingredients that are supposed to increase energy levels. They’re often marketed as a quick (and delicious) way to boost energy quickly. Imagine you’re a student preparing for an exam, an athlete training for their next game, or someone working a long shift—energy drinks were designed to supplement your energy needs. More recently, energy drinks have been popularized for gamers as a way to continue grinding.

What Happens When You Consume an Energy Drink? How Do They Work?

After drinking an energy drink, you should feel a temporary boost of energy. They’re also supposed to increase your mental alertness and physical stamina. However, its exact effect varies from person to person. 

You’ve probably come across tons of energy drinks, but they all fall under two main categories: caffeinated and non-caffeinated. Those in the caffeinated category feature caffeine as their main ingredient, while non-caffeinated ones contain taurine, guarana extract, or other similar ingredients.

Caffeine effects can last up to six hours and can be felt minutes after consumption. This depends on the amount of caffeine in your drink and your tolerance level.  

How Do Energy Drinks Affect Your Body and Mind?

If you’re looking for an energy boost, then an energy drink can be a quick fix. Energy drinks can stimulate effects on the brain and body, helping with mental focus, physical performance, or even mood elevation. However, they come with potential risks and side effects that should be taken into consideration before consumption. 

Potential side effects of caffeine from energy drinks include

• Increased blood pressure 
• Increased heart rate
• Increased Nervousness
• Increased Irritability
• Insomnia

The large amounts of caffeine and stimulants in most energy drinks may also cause dehydration. This can lead to other health complications, making it crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on drinking an energy drink before working out.

How Long Do the Effects of Caffeine Last?

Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. It stimulates your central nervous system, making you feel more awake. But how long will this effect last? 

The effects of caffeine can last anywhere from 3-6 hours. Traces of caffeine can be detected in urine up to 12 hours after consumption. 

Healthy Energy Drinks

Much of the negatives about energy drinks come from things like too much caffeine, loads of sugar, and artificial sweeteners. However, not all energy drinks contain all or any of these ingredients. You can find energy drinks that contain less to zero sugar, fewer to zero calories, less caffeine, and contain beneficial vitamins/minerals, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. 

If you’re looking for a healthier energy drink, check out some of these:

• Kill Cliff RTD (12 Pack)
• Oxyshred RTD (12 Pack)
• Raze Energy
• Jocko Go Drink (12 Count)
• Alani Nu RTD 24 Pack 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Consuming an Energy Drink

When used properly, energy drinks can be a delicious and easy way to get a quick boost of energy. If you’re interested, check out one of these top brands available now. 

This blog wasn’t meant to scare you away from energy drinks but to highlight what they are and the dangers of overusing them. It’s all about moderation when it comes to energy drinks and caffeine consumption. Always monitor what’s in your energy drinks before consumption.

Dr. Zeratsky, a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, summarized it best by saying, “For most people, occasional energy drinks are fine, but the amount of caffeine can vary from product to product. Try to limit yourself to no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day from all sources.”