A typical day for many individuals starts early and ends late. Routines like this may cause one’s energy to drop and cause many individuals to ineffectively perform many activities. Because of these conditions many individuals rely on energy drinks in times of exhaustion and anxiety. Some say that the use of energy drinks promote increased energy, alertness, extra nutrition, and boost athletic performance. Energy drinks are beverages that contain large doses of caffeine and other approved stimulants like ephedrine and ginseng. In addition to stimulants, many kinds of energy drinks contain sugar in various forms and other B vitamins. Many people use these drinks to replace the energy they lose after having intensive workouts or give them that extra boost before workout. Before gulping these energy drinks for for various reasons, knowing the downsides of these drinks may help individuals decide if these drinks are worth drinking.

Too much sugar in energy drinks can be stored as fat in body which may lead to unwanted weight-gain. The sugar content of these drinks may cause a sudden crash in the body’s energy level when the sugar leaves the bloodstream.  In addition, excess sugar can alter metabolism and retain salt and water in human body which may lead to high blood pressure. Metabolism describes the chemical reactions that take place in the human body’s cells that converts the consumed food into energy.

Caffeine is another main ingredient of many energy drinks. This compound acts as a potent stimulant and energizes the brain, skeletal muscles of the heart and the respiratory system and therefore delay fatigue. Caffeine however may increase blood pressure, dehydrate the body, and prevent sleep. Many energy drinks out in the market contain about 80 mg of caffeine per serving, about twice the caffeine of a regular cup of tea. In addition, caffeine is an addictive substance and its ill effects can be felt up to six hours. This substance may also deplete the body of vital vitamins and nutrients. It is recommended that people who consume energy drinks and other caffeine related products should take vitamins and nutrients to regain lost vitamins and nutrients. Some medical studies show that caffeine consumption in adolescents seem to be associated with high blood pressure. Therefore, the consumption of energy drinks by children and adolescents is not encouraged.

Energy drinks often make big promises. However, there is limited evidence that the use of energy drinks can significantly improve physical and mental performance. But once the hype is overcome, users of this product may realize that they are mostly getting increased dose of sugar and caffeine. Now, the question lies, is it safe to use this product? As with everything, the use energy drinks is alright as long as taken in moderation. These products may not be harmful if taken occasionally, but they are not healthy choices either. The truth us energy boost comes from healthy living. Individuals who consume healthy diets and get plenty of physical activity and rest may have increased energy the natural way.