Energy drinks have become popular among teenagers and young adults who seek that quick boost to pull an all-nighter in order to study or to make it through an early morning or a long day. Many people resort to these drinks for their high levels of caffeine and sugar to give them energy. However, energy drinks come with serious health risks, which may not be so evident. From hazardous heart effects to long-term mental health impacts, energy drinks can harm your body in so many ways. It’s worth learning some risks associated with those widely popular drinks and why they could be more bad than good in the long run.
One of the most dangerous things about energy drinks is the high amount of caffeine content in them. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and increases heart rates and blood pressure with the temporary feelings of alertness it tries to provide. Small doses of caffeine, like those in a cup of coffee, generally do not harm adults; however, in one can, energy drinks often carry this amount two to three times over. To teenagers, whose bodies are still developing, this large amount of caffeine could be particularly injurious. Results of consuming only one energy drink are a racing heartbeat, headache, and increased anxiety. Some researchers have discovered that extreme use of caffeine leads to heart palpitations, which may set off heart rhythm irregularities among young people, thus increasing the risks for severe heart conditions later in life.
Aside from caffeine, energy drinks have a huge quantity of sugar. One energy drink can contain as much as 54 grams of sugar—that’s almost 14 teaspoons. Such a huge amount of sugar taken in one go can be amazingly deteriorating to the blood sugar levels of the human body, which end up crashing. The crash is devastating because of the sluggish, tired feelings one experiences after. It can also lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of developing type two diabetes when habitually consumed in large quantities.
Energy drinks do not just affect the physical but mental health as well: anxiety, stress, and even mood swings can all result from the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. Continued high levels of caffeine consumption can also negatively affect sleep in teens. Not getting the right amount of sleep decreases concentration, memory, and overall performance at school. Sleep deficiency is also strongly related to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are already key concerns among youth. In this way, energy drinks can be harmful in creating a vicious cycle.
Energy drinks can be much more perilous when consumed along with physical activities or alcohol. Energy drinks are often consumed before sports or workouts, seeking enhanced performance or an active feeling. Instead, the high content of caffeine increases dehydration and impairs the body’s ability to maintain temperature, increasing the chances of heat-related accidents and disorders, such as heatstroke.
Although energy drinks may seem like an easy solution for being tired or in need of energy, the health hazards outweigh the benefits completely. The extremely high levels of caffeine and sugar have been proven to cause serious health issues, from heart problems to issues of mental health. For teens, whose bodies and minds are still developing, the risks are even greater. Instead, one may recall that healthier ways include sleep, healthy meals, and hydration of the body. Healthier choices can be made through which you get energy, without the dangers associated with energy drinks.