In the course of exams or work overloads, many people use energy drinks to replenish their energy and increase their stamina and concentration. What they are probably unaware of is that this "temporarily" satisfactory result is not without health hazards. Find out what these drinks do to your body.
It is true that the consumption of energy drinks increases the level of energy in the body and tackles fatigue and decreased concentration, but their high content of sugar and caffeine can have very detrimental effects On health, and cause a number of side effects.
Before disclosing these, here is the list of the main components of energy drinks:
The main components of energy drinks:
Caffeine: it is a stimulant that acts on the brain, heart and muscles. A medium-sized can (25 cl) contains 80 mg of caffeine, the same amount as a cup of coffee. Caffeine contents may change depending on the format and brand (50 mg, 125 mg, 150mg, 300mg). Too high a dose of caffeine can cause tachycardia, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration, ringing in the ears and increased skin sensitivity.
Taurine: it is an amino acid, known and used to improve performance and concentration. Taurine intervenes in the digestion process, but also in the heart and in certain muscular functions. However, the amount present in energy drinks can reach up to 1000 mg per 25 cl, which can cause anxiety attacks, epilepsy or heart attacks.
Glucuronolactone: is a substance naturally synthesized in the human liver and produced by glucose metabolism. Daily intakes are in the range of 1 to 2 mg, but in energy drinks, intakes of 500 to 600 mg per can. Such an overdose can cause sleep disorders, diabetes hypertension as well as renal toxicity.
Vitamin B: Energy drinks contain riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). This complex can help you stay healthy but an excess causes stomach upset and redness and it can aggravate acne.
Ginseng: It is a plant originating in China, ideal to tone up, stimulate your body and your memory. However, consuming large quantities increases the risk of diarrhea, hypertension and heart palpitations.
Side effects of energy drinks:
According to a study by the Danish National Food Institute, involving nearly 3682 energy drinkers, 42% of the latter suffered from their side effects.
Although the doses and composition vary from brand to brand, the health effects of energy drinks remain virtually unchanged. Here are the most common:
- Insomnia
- Overweight and Obesity
- Headaches and Migraine
- tachycardia
- Renal Toxicity
- High Blood Pressure
- Behavioral Disorders
- Stomach ache
- Type II diabetes
- dehydration
- Digestive disorders (Nausea, diarrhea ...)
- allergies
To avoid suffering from all these health problems and to maintain the proper functioning of the body, it is strongly recommended that the consumption of these drinks be stopped, especially in young children whose body can not withstand such an overdose of sugar and coffee.
It is also advisable to turn to natural alternatives to boost energy, such as nutrient-rich natural fruit juices.