WHAT"S IN YOUR ENERGY DRINK?

More than 500 “New” energy drinks where launched worldwide this year.  Vying for the dollars of consumers they promote promises of weight loss, increased endurance, and legal highs.  This industry has grown by 80 percent last year to make up a $3.4 billion-a-year industry.  Research suggests that 31% of teenagers alone consume energy drinks regularly.  What is this hype all about?

The elusive draw behind energy drinks is the “FAST, LONG-LASTING” energy that you get.  People want to “feel good” fast.  However, many report needing to consume several cans in a row to get a buzz.  What many don’t realize is the effect it has on their health.  The caffeine and taurine in the drinks don’t improve short-term memory, but instead lead to slower heart rates and higher blood pressures.  The high concentrations of sugar, can also lead to weight gain, and increased cavities.  Energy drinks are currently unregulated in the United States, and many contain warning labels about the potential risks of excessive consumption.

Energy drinks are laden with caffeine and sugar.  The caffeine comes from multiple sources, making it hard to decipher how much the drinks actually contain.  Some claim to have B vitamins, which can cause rapid heartbeat, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet when taken in high doses.  How much caffeine do these energy drinks contain?  A study at the University of Florida found that many energy drinks sold in a can two-thirds the size of a standard Coke can, in most cases contained two to four times the amount of caffeine as that of a Coke.  The amount of sugar averages at 7 teaspoons per can.  While energy drink companies continue to move toward bigger and bigger cans, with the newest 24 ounce can.

We should be asking ourselves simple questions like, What does it contain? or, How is this going to effect my long-term health?, before we purchase and consume something in today’s fast-paced world.  Remembering that, what you ingest, whether food or drink, should be carefully considered for the positive and negatives it will have on your overall health.