Power Up or Crash Down? The Complex World of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks, one can of these sugar and caffeine-filled delicacies lead you to a state of euphoria. After all over, almost one-third of teenagers admit to drinking energy drinks regularly. But why are they so addicting? The magic lies in the ingredients themselves. The high sugar and caffeine content as well as chemicals like Taurine interfere with brain development in teenagers. However, did you know that an average cup of coffee contains around the same amount of caffeine as a 250ml can of Red bull? So why is it, that energy drinks are not considered suitable for teenagers? The answer lies in the heart itself. Studies have shown that regular consumption of highly caffeinated, sugar-filled drinks can lead to problems with cardiovascular health, specifically linked to rises in blood pressure and heart rate.
To an adult, these may be minor concerns but for children and young adults, their small bodies and underdeveloped tolerance to stimulate drugs can hinder their growth and development. The concept of energy drinks was originally to improve alertness and physical performance but are now being overly consumed by students staying up late studying for finals or some who just love the taste. The over-consumption of these drinks can lead to stress, increased risk of obesity, poor sleep quality, and stomach irritation.
We have all heard about the sweet dangers of consuming high levels of sugar, and energy drinks are no exception. It is said, that an adult should not consume more than 30g of sugar a day. An average energy drink contains around 40g of sugar. So, the next time you are drinking an energy drink remember that one can is more than all the sugar you should be consuming during that day. A study also stated that drinking one or two sugary drinks correlated with a 26% higher risk of type 2 diabetes. As you can see, unhealthy amounts of anything can indeed be harmful to your health.
Caffeine, a lifeline for some. We are all guilty of consuming caffeine either the night before a big test or early in the morning before a big event. Some of us cannot start our day without a good cup of coffee. So, why is it deemed to be harmful to teenagers? Well, the recommended limit for people aged between 12 and 18 is 100mg a day, unfortunately, a standard serving of an energy drink (16 ounces) on average contains 170mg of caffeine. This again can lead to growth and developmental issues in children and teenagers.
An energy drink once in while will probably do no harm but regular consumption can lead to numerous problems, hence keeping in mind the many benefits as well, keep an eye on your intake and enjoy a drink occasionally.
