This is a particularly prevalent problem in young people.

 

Food & Nutrition 

5 Reasons Why Energy Drinks Are Bad For You

Designed to make you feel more alert and focused, energy drinks such as Red Bull and Rockstar are hugely popular in the United States and worldwide. 

However, you may not realize just how much damage these sugary beverages can do to your health.

From high blood pressure to depression, heart disease to obesity, read on to discover five reasons why energy drinks are bad for you. Plus, what are the best healthier alternatives on the market. 

• Energy drinks are bad for your heart 

One of the main ingredients in energy drinks is caffeine which is what makes you feel more alert and energetic. While a small amount of caffeine is not a problem for most people, too much can have a seriously detrimental effect on your health. 

When you consume more than 400mg of caffeine per day, you may experience heart palpitations, an increased heart rate, and even heart rhythm disturbances. 

• Energy drinks are full of sugar 

Energy drinks are also full of sugar, with the average energy drink containing three times the recommended daily amount. 

Regularly consuming too much sugar can cause a whole host of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The consumption of sugar can also increase your risk of developing non-alcoholic liver disease. 

• Energy drinks are addictive

If you consume energy drinks every day, you run the risk of becoming addicted to both the sugar and caffeine that they contain. This is a particularly prevalent problem in young people. 

In terms of adverse effects, adolescents are most at risk as they are still growing and developing, which means they cannot cope with the side effects of energy drinks as well as adults. 

• Energy drinks can cause depression 

Mental health illnesses are incredibly widespread in the United States, with disorders such as depression and anxiety being at an all-time high. 

The regular consumption of energy drinks has been linked to depression and other mental health illnesses, especially in teenagers and young adults. Studies have also shown that they increase your risk of sleep disorders such as insomnia which can exacerbate existing mental health issues. 

• Energy drinks can make you drink more alcohol 

When mixed with alcohol, energy drinks can be incredibly dangerous. Not only are you likely to drink more alcohol when you combine it with energy drinks, but you are also more likely to indulge in risky behaviors such as drink driving. 

As energy drinks make you feel more alert and focused, you are less likely to notice the effects of alcohol, which can make you consume more. Alcoholic energy drinks have also been linked to adolescent brain damage. 

What are the best healthy alternatives to energy drinks?

If you are looking for a healthy energy drink, there are several options available to you. All-natural energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular due to their healthier ingredients list and their ability to keep you feeling energized for longer without having a negative impact on your health. 

Nootropic drinks are also a good choice and are designed to boost your cognitive abilities and make you feel more focused.