With the aggressive marketing strategy energy drinks, it become trendy nowadays among the young generation, especially athletes like to have energy drinks during exercise or sports with the belief these that drinks can provide instant energy. Somewhere, it is true that energy drink is a good source of instant energy but in the long run, is it safe to have energy drinks daily; this is the question.
Why do energy drinks give instant energy?
Energy drinks mostly contain Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant compounds so that they can give a drive to our brain to take more load. Caffeine is one of the major compounds that is visible in energy drinks. The fun factor is that most fitness freak people avoid taking tea, and coffee which are also filled with caffeine but consume energy drinks freely.
What can be the adverse effects of energy drinks?
- Cardiovascular effects: An instant increase in heart rate and arterial blood pressure is reported by various research after energy drink consumption.
- Neurological and Psychological effects: Anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, muscle twitching, restlessness, and periods of inexhaustibility are found after drinking more than 200 mg of caffeine containing energy drinks.
- Gastrointestinal effects: Carbohydrates are the source of energy. Carbohydrates are found in energy drinks in the form of glucose, fructose, or sucrose and can induce the risk of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
- Renal effects: Caffeine is a diuretic substance, and taking excessive energy drinks after heavy exercise can cause loss of water from the body by micturition and sweating which can end in dehydration during hot summer days.
Are there no benefits to taking energy drinks?
Though energy drinks are not a source of healthy energy, due to the stimulant effects of caffeine, they can still improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic performance, and endurance in adults if taken 40-60 minutes before physical activities.
Conclusion
Considering the adverse and beneficial effects of energy drinks, it can be concluded that it can be taken if any individual is okay with the effects of it. Nature has blessed us with coconut water which is calorie-free and rich in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. It also provides energy without side effects and due to its antioxidant effects, it is also beneficial for skin health.
