Now and then, we want a dose of energy to kickstart our day and feel refreshing. People are more inclined to grab a coffee cup to wake themselves up entirely so that they could concentrate on their work. But over the years, energy drinks have had their fair share of attention from people of young age group.
Although we all at some point in time rely more on these energy drinks rather than consuming coffee, we must understand the added side-effects of the drinks we are consuming. We want an energizing push to wake ourselves and physically and mentally concentrate on our work for better results.
We have reached a time when different brands sell other energy drinks and claim their drinks to contain natural supplements and no harmful preservatives. But we know the truth very well! We clearly understand that these energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and added sugar preservatives responsible for high calories in a person’s body.
Let’s make ourselves first more aware of why we often feel tired that we are entirely dependent upon energy drinks. Is there an underlying health condition we are unaware of, or is it just our sleep routine making us want to go to sleep again? After which, one could think of rooting for natural energy drinks such as green tea or natural caffeine.
Energy drinks are those beverages that are known for high levels of stimulants. Apart from a high level of caffeine and added sugar preservatives, other ingredients are available in the drink, such as vitamins that help keep the mind alert and physically active.
The Commonly found ingredients in energy drinks and other factors
Generally, there are some of the common ingredients available in any energy drink that includes:
- Vitamin B6 and B12
- Added Sugar Preservatives
- Amino acids
- Caffeine
- L- Carnitine
- Bitter Orange
- Yerba Mate
Some of the drink elements that are beneficial for health, but mostly the excess amount of caffeine and sugar, make energy drinks the wrong choice because of the consequences of taking them.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, a healthy adult can consume 400 milligrams of caffeine in a single day, and this amount won’t cause any adverse effects on the individual. But everyone has variation in their body and caffeine tolerating amount, so it differs in different people.
The manufacturers producing these energy drinks available in the market claim that the energy drinks are rich in antioxidants and other minerals, but we cannot be sure of it. Now, it is essential for our understanding that we differentiate between sports drinks and energy drinks. Sports drink contain electrolytes such as sodium & potassium, and it’s free of caffeine as well.
Sports drink well for the people who are into physical activity or consumption after a rigorous workout to help your body keep hydrated. But sports drink to contain sugar as one of the contents in it. They, too, have artificial flavors, which is necessary to avoid.
What are the possible dangers of consuming Energy Drinks?
Most of the energy drinks consumed by us are canned stacked energy drinks unhealthy for consumption. But some of the glasses do contain vitamins and minerals, and the high amount of caffeine in the energy drink helps you keep the mind alert and active.
Some of the disadvantages and effects of drinking these energy drinks are:
- Disruption in sleep cycle causing sleep issues or insomnia
- Energy drinks are more caffeinated than a regular soda or a cup of coffee itself. A single canned energy drink has about 70- 240 milligrams of caffeine, preferably a soda or coffee has only 35 or 100 milligrams of caffeine. Hence, more than one can of energy drink lead to an overdose of caffeine.
- Increase in heart rate or blood pressure, Heart Palpitation
- Digestion Issues
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Anxiety or Nervousness
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- If one is more dependent on caffeine, there are chances of headache or fatigue.
- Increased weight due to high sugar intake and an increase in calories could lead to diabetes or obesity.
- Dental Issues
Young teens and adults are habitual of mixing these energy drinks with alcohol, which could, even more, increase the chances of caffeine and sugar intake. Sometimes, people mix-up energy drinks with prescribed drugs as well, such as marijuana. The caffeine overdose could affect the developing brains of young people and their cardiovascular systems.
These caffeinated drinks could also worsen people’s health conditions, such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, or seizures.
Better Alternatives to Energy Drink for boosting energy
Here are some of the natural energy drinks which could energize you and make you feel refreshing. These energy drinks would help your mind feel alert and are also low in sugar preservatives and calories.
- Green Tea: Green tea is the best source of obtaining energy and is known for metabolic boosting effects. Not only does green tea help in boosting power, but it also burns fat and reducing weight. Although green tea does have caffeine, it is less than coffee. It is a natural antioxidant such as catechins, which is capable of fighting free-radicals.
- Black Tea: Black Tea could be another source of energizing yourself. Black tea contains tannins and antioxidants, which are suitable for health and have low caffeine than coffee.
- Matcha Green Tea: Matcha Green tea has recently garnered attention globally. This tea is rich in a compound known as EGCG. The EGCG compound could help you uplift physically and mentally.
- Regular Coffee: Regular Coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine but is required to be consumed in considerable amounts. The best method is to drink organic coffee with low sugar.
The best energy drink is coffee and tea, which could do an excellent task to energize and refresh you.
The other ways to keep yourselves energized is to follow a specific everyday routine and make changes in your lifestyle, such as:
- Try to improve a better sleep cycle and go early to bed. An adult must go for 7-9 hours of sleep so that there is no case of sleep deprivation. A change in sleep cycle could make all the difference.
- Exercising daily could help maintain good health and help to sleep peacefully. A better sleep ultimately means waking up refreshed and energized.
- Good management of sleep is essential. With our everyday life indulging in work and responsibilities, it is necessary to meditate, read, aromatherapy, yoga, etc. manage stress.
- Eat foods such as leafy vegetables, good quality meat, egg, more protein, nuts, seeds, berries, coffee, tea, etc., help boost your brain and keep it healthy, leading to keeping it fresh and energized during the day.
All these methods can help someone overcome the urge to drink energy drinks to feel fresh. The best way is to maintain a good lifestyle and avoid consuming sugary canned energy drinks.
