Are Energy Drinks Good for You?

Everyone wants to have energy. The best way to get energy is through clean eating and moving your body. But everyone wants that energy now. So what do we do when we want or need more energy, or when we’re not eating well or moving our body enough?

That’s where energy drinks come in. They have seemingly become a staple for keeping up with daily life. There are hundreds of types of energy drinks out there, but are any of them good for you?

Energy drinks can contain any combination of caffeine, sugar, vitamins, amino acid derivatives, and herbal extracts. They are designed to increase energy and mental performance. But energy drinks are a mixed bag. There’s the good, the not-so good, and the bad. Let’s look at all three.

The Good

There are a lot of good reasons why we reach for our energy drinks. Some of them include:

Increase muscle power and physical endurance.

Boost your cognitive performance and help with reaction time, concentration, memory, and reduce mental fatigue.

Help people function while they’re tired.

They also come in a variety of flavors, contain additional supplements that enhance their effect, help promote a faster recovery after exercise, are convenient, more affordable than Starbucks, refreshing, and they have a ton of zero-calorie options. The Not-so Good

Side-effects of energy drinks differ based on the person, type, and amount used. Some reactions include: -Headaches, stomachaches, or diarrhea -Chest pain -Anxious or nervous feelings -Dizziness or lack of focus -Inability to fall asleep -Weight gain or diabetes -Dental issues

The Bad

That’s not the worst of it though. Severe health issues can also result from using energy drinks. Issues such as: -Addiction and withdrawal -High blood pressure -Seizures -Heart problems

With all that said, the ultimate decision comes down to you. It is recommended that the average adult consume no more than 400mg of caffeine per day, and no more than 36g of sugar per day for men. Not every energy drink is created equal. So be sure to take the ingredients into consideration before trying to determine if any particular one is more harmful than good.

Simple questions to ask yourself are: Is the energy drink I like full of sugar? How much caffeine am I consuming? If you’re getting high amounts of either, consider looking into healthier energy drink options, and be sure to check with your doctor for any risks they might cause you.