For athletes or the average consumer, energy drinks are part of the eating habits of many people around the world. They are marketed under the energy label and promise to stimulate the body to give it a boost! But are these products good for your health?
The global energy drink market is expected to reach $ 72 billion by 2024, according to a report released by the Global Energy Beverage Market Analysis. This is definitely good news for the industry but what about the health of consumers? Are these drinks really energizing? Are there no more natural ways to stimulate the body’s energy?
Energy drinks are supposed to give you extra energy boost thanks to two main ingredients: sugar and caffeine. An energy drink can hold an average of 80 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of a cup of coffee!
Energy drinks can cause dehydration:
Caffeine is the main source of energy in most energy products. This component has a diuretic effect which can lead to dehydration in case of excessive consumption.
Energy drinks can increase the heart rate:
In 2015, the Canadian Journal of Cardiology published a study on the incidence of heart problems after drinking energy drinks among adolescents. Researchers have found that the consumption of this type of beverage at younger ages increases the risk of cardiac events, especially in people with underlying heart problems.
Energy drinks can damage teeth
Energy drinks contain citric acid, which is highly corrosive to teeth. Moreover, a study has shown that energy drinks have a significantly higher acidity that can alter dental enamel and this in comparison with other so-called energy drinks (intended for athletes).
Energy drinks do not really give you energy
The main ingredients of energy drinks are taurine, L-carnitine and glucuronolactone which presumably do not provide an energy boost. Indeed, there is no scientific data proving the energizing effect, stimulating and anti-stress of this type of drink. The perceived energy increase probably comes from the high amount of glucose in the drink but the effect does not last long.
Energy drinks can cause headaches and mood swings
Guarana, another ingredient in energy drinks, is a caffeine-rich plant. This component provides a feeling of renewed energy and mental clarity and can reduce appetite. However, it can also cause unwanted side effects such as headaches, insomnia, and mood swings. Guarana can also be dangerous when combined with Medicament!
Energy drinks increase the release of stress hormones
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that consuming an energizing can containing 240mg of caffeine led to an increase in the release of stress hormones. The average norepinephrine level of participants increased by 74%, while the placebo increased by only 31%!
Energy drinks can drive the consumer to risky behavior
A study of student behavior at a university campus, published in the Journal of American College Health, found that teens were more likely to take risks when they consume a significant amount of caffeine.
