Energy drinks gained popularity in the late 1990s with one of the first energy drinks, Red Bull. While varying in different flavors, there are various forms in which you can find an energy drink.
The most popular being the canned refrigerated version, but there are also powders that can be put into water to have the same effects.
There is a varying age range between those who drink energy drinks. “Men between the ages of 18 and 34 years consume the most energy drinks.” Not only are adults consuming energy drinks but “almost one-third of teens between 12 and 17 years drink them regularly.”
“I drink a Celsius or Alani on the daily, sometimes even twice a day, both brands have many different flavors, and especially before practice for an extra boost,” said Kate Slobodnyak, senior.
There are many enticing “benefits”: Energy Boost, Enhanced alertness, improved cognitive function, and physical performance.
Energy drink intake has increased immensely in recent years, “From 2022 to 2023, there was a 24.2% increase in such calls for children and teens under 20 years old.”
While there are benefits to drinking energy drinks, there is some exaggeration when it comes to the advertising of these drinks.
Brands like Alani and Celsius prompt metabolism acceleration components in their drinks. “By raising temperature, additional calories are burned.” And, this temperature elevation isn’t a
direct correlation to health issues, it can become an issue if the drink is consumed in excess.
These newer brands are typically marketed towards teens, “it’s flashy designs, bright colors, and appealing variety of flavors.”
You may be wondering if some energy drinks are worse than others? Due to the varying ingredients and serving sizes of each drink, some have been proven to be unhealthier compared to other brands.
Monster, Reign, and Rockstar are some of the unhealthy options due to the amounts of caffeine and added sugars.
Monster contains “28 grams of sugar per 8.4 ounce(248ml) can,” which is equal to about 7 teaspoons.
Many side effects can result from drinking energy drinks consistently. The consumption of energy drinks can lead to elevated and even high heart rates.
The increase in heart rate and blood pressure can lead to hospitalization “Between 2017 and 2023, the rate of (ED) visits related to caffeine overdoses or adverse effects more than doubled for children aged 11 to 14.”
Many students are aware of the negative health effects that can be caused from the consumption and refuse to partake.
“Energy drinks are so bad for you, not only do they have terrible ingredients, the way it raises your heart rate cannot be healthy. I’ve never had an energy drink and I do not plan on ever drinking one. If I need a boost of energy, I’ll buy coffee,” said Ruth Metaferia, junior.
Even though energy drinks have a nice kick and in some cases flavor. There are healthier natural alternatives if you’re seeking similar effects like coffee, Matcha, Beet Juice, Etc.
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