Are There Any “Healthy” Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks have become a familiar part of life. Students drink them before exams, athletes before competitions, and office workers during periods of peak workload. Everyone wants to have the instant boost of strength and concentration promised by manufacturers. But scientists and doctors warn: energy drinks are not always safe, and their benefits are often deceptive. In fact, these drinks do not give energy, but “borrow” it from your body. And you have to pay for this “loan”.

How do energy drinks work?

A classic energy drink creates the illusion of boundless energy. This is achieved thanks to the content of caffeine, sugar and stimulating additives. A person feels a quick surge of strength, unique concentration and increased efficiency. The problem is that this effect is short-lived: after a few hours, the energy level drops below the initial level, irritability and lethargy appear. That is why energy drinks with a lot of caffeine and sugar only create the illusion of vigor, but in fact deplete the body.

Caffeine is a double agent

It is caffeine that creates a feeling of vigor. It blocks the action of adenosine - a substance that signals the brain about fatigue. The problem is that, in fact, caffeine does not add energy, but muffles the signal of fatigue. When the effect wears off, the body, which has been working "on reserve reserves" all this time, reacts with a sharp decline. You feel tired, sometimes a headache. And to get rid of discomfort, a person reaches for a new can of energy drink. A large dose of caffeine (more than 200 mg at a time) is especially dangerous:

• increases blood pressure;
• causes rapid heartbeat;
• can provoke insomnia, tremors and even panic attacks.

Manufacturers do not always indicate how much caffeine is in the drink. For example, a cup of coffee, depending on the variety, portion and method of preparation, can contain from 60 to 200 mg. In popular “traditional energy drinks” - 80-160 mg per standard can. Caffeine acts most aggressively in combination with physical exertion or alcohol. That is why doctors do not advise energy drinks to people with hypertension, arrhythmia or anxiety disorders. In large quantities, caffeine is toxic even for healthy people - it causes headaches, nausea, hallucinations. The body becomes dehydrated. Even strokes occur.

Sugar - a sweet illusion of energy

Most energy drinks contain a large amount of sugar - from 6 to 12 teaspoons per can. This is instant fuel for the brain, but very short-lived. Sugar increases the level of glucose in the blood, and a person really feels a surge of strength. However, regular consumption of energy drinks with sugar leads to:

• insulin resistance - the first stage of diabetes;
• obesity - because excess sugar is deposited in the form of fat;
• damage to tooth enamel;
• mood instability and irritability due to sharp fluctuations in glucose.

Just an hour after consuming energy drinks, the glucose level drops sharply, and with it concentration, mood and productivity decrease. A classic “energy pendulum” occurs: first a rise, then a sharp decline and a desire to drink more.

Taurine, guarana and other enhancers

These components often have a natural origin. But their effect in large doses is not always predictable.

• Taurine is one of the truly useful components. It is an amino acid that the body produces on its own. In moderate quantities, taurine supports the heart and brain, promotes weight loss, and muscle recovery. But in energy drinks it is combined with caffeine. This creates a double stimulating load that can cause dehydration, heart muscle fatigue and even cramps.
• Guarana is a natural source of energy. Its beans resemble coffee beans, and in small quantities they are also useful. But only in moderate doses. Guarana contains guaranine, which is identical in composition to caffeine. However, it is “surrounded” by substances that are not found in coffee. The specific biological composition of these beans allows guaranine to be released gradually, providing a stable and long-lasting effect. It acts non-aggressively.

Preservatives, acids, dyes

To make the drink taste pleasant and last longer, manufacturers add citric acid, sodium benzoate, dyes and flavors. Citric acid is only safe in small quantities. In large doses, it destroys tooth enamel and irritates the gastric mucosa. And sodium benzoate in combination with vitamin C can form benzene - a potentially carcinogenic compound. Dyes also do not add benefit: they only create an attractive appearance, but can cause allergic reactions or digestive problems in sensitive people. Add to this a large amount of carbon dioxide, which irritates the stomach lining, and you get a cocktail that depletes rather than restores.

Dehydration is a hidden consequence

Despite their liquid form, energy drinks do not hydrate, but dry out the body. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, that is, it stimulates the excretion of fluid. Therefore, after a few cans you may feel thirsty, dry mouth, and headache. If you do not restore the water balance, this leads to dehydration, which in itself causes fatigue, dizziness, and decreased concentration - all the things that energy drinks are trying to save you from.

Long-term effects

Excessive consumption of energy drinks is associated with a number of risks:

• sleep disturbances - caffeine blocks the production of melatonin, the relaxation hormone;
• addiction - the body gets used to stimulation and feels tired without it;
• problems with the heart and blood vessels - regular overload can lead to hypertension and tachycardia;
• exhaustion of the nervous system - excessive stimulation leads to chronic anxiety and emotional burnout.

Scientific studies show that even 1-2 cans of energy drinks per day can affect blood pressure, sugar levels and heart rate, especially in children and young people.

Is there an alternative

Can you do without energy drinks? Yes! However, sometimes we need a quick and tasty “energy shot” in the form of a jar of energy drink. Don’t drink it all at once. When choosing an energy drink, pay attention to the composition. AQUA Myrgorod NATURAL ENERGY does not contain caffeine and sugar, as well as other ingredients that are most harmful to health. It is tasty and does not have the “chemical” aftertaste characteristic of energy drinks with aggressive preservatives. The energy effect of the drink is long-lasting, and what is important is that there is no sharp drop in energy. Energy comes in different forms. Choose the one that does not deplete, but supports - AQUA Myrgorod NATURAL ENERGY. Without sugar, without caffeine, without harm.

Be healthy - choose better!