Energy Drinks: Are They Safe?
Facebook myths continue to run wild, and the energy drink misconception is harsh. Critics say they are bad for our health or can even end up killing us one day. But while not all claims against energy drinks are true, there are some truth to these myths. This guide will break down what to avoid and how to maximize your use of energy drinks without consumption becoming detrimental.
Excess Sugars
One of the biggest downfalls to early energy drinks was the excess amounts of sugar. Some of the more popular ones on the market were upwards of 25 to 40 grams of sugar per serving, which could range from an 8oz can, to a 24oz can. Excess sugar is never good due to the following potential side effects:
- Diabetes
- Blood Pressure Increase
- Increase in LDL
- Obesity
I always reach for the zero-sugar options like Raze Energy drinks which I find to be the best for everyday use.
Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine addiction is pretty common for those hinging on their coffee or energy drink fix to get through everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a cup of coffee or grabbing a carbonated energy drink, it is consumed by most adults in their everyday life.
The general consensus on recommended caffeine intake a day is around 400mg according to Mayo Clinic. Anything above that can cause you to start burning out your adrenal glands.
There are a multitude of different caffeine sources such as:
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Natural Source Caffeine (Green Tea or Green Coffee Bean)
- Dicaffeine Malate
All three sources have different rates of metabolizing and can impact your energy levels over a specific period of time. Caffeine anhydrous is typically 4 hours, natural sources sit around 4 to 6 hours, and dicaffeine malate is about 6 to 8 hours. But everyone responds differently.
Most energy drinks contain between 150mg to 300mg. Most people sip on energy drinks throughout the day and will not intake the full 150mg to 300mg all at once.
Proprietary Blends
Since the introduction of the supplement industry, proprietary blends have continued to run wild. This still reigns true for energy drinks. Most companies will put the nutrition label on the side showing how many carbs, fats, and protein are found in them. And that’s it. A select few may show mineral and vitamin content, but they are very few and far between.
Once past the nutrition label, you will find your way down to the dreaded “other ingredients”. Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing. I use a trick where I find the caffeine ingredient buried in the nutrition label. Anything underneath the caffeine ingredient is less than the caffeine content.
Caffeine in energy drinks is typically 300mg, so any ingredient listed underneath caffeine on a nutrition label will likely be less than 300mg.
Always Read the Label
Regardless if you pick up a Redbull, Monster or, Bang — always read through the nutrition label. I avoid drinking sugary energy drinks due to the impact on blood pressure and heart rate. Picking up a Raze Energy Drink or Jocko Discipline GO seems to be a great option for studying or gaming thanks to their mental focus ingredients. Head over to your local Vitamin Shoppe or other health food store to ask an associate what may be right for you.
