Energy drinks are drinks often grabbed in an act of desperation, perhaps it’s a long shift that drags on, a big test coming up, a hangover from a full night out, a game or a competition. But we might turn to energy drinks because they have far more caffeine than coffee: An average 8-ounce coffee has just under 100 milligrams of caffeine, and a 1.93-ounce bottle of 5-hour ENERGY Extra Strength has 230 milligrams of caffeine. This will keep almost everyone awake.
But before you reach for a Celsius, a Red Bull, or your favorite energy drink, here’s what you need to know to keep your health in top shape.
What is the healthiest energy drink?
Whether you’re in a pinch or looking to get a quick boost of energy, there’s sure to be plenty to choose from in the store.
So what is the healthiest energy drink? It’s a tricky question, says registered dietitian Amy Goodson, and while it seems counterintuitive, it might be in your best interest to choose a brand with less caffeine and less sugar.
Healthy is a relative term. Are there some that could potentially be better than others? Yes, says Goodson. There are probably some that may have a more moderate amount of caffeine, and there may be vitamins and minerals, so there will be some that are loaded with sugar and triple the amount of caffeine you should be consuming.
You’ll want to choose an energy drink that puts you at or below the recommended daily limit for adult caffeine intake, which is 400 milligrams per day for adults, although some experts advise not exceeding 300 milligrams. For context, a Bang energy drink contains 300 milligrams of caffeine in a 16-ounce serving. Celsius, a popular brand, packs 200 milligrams of caffeine into its Celsius Original drink. Others contain only 100 milligrams or less.
Short-term excessive consumption of caffeine can cause one of the following effects:
- Heachache
- Insomnia
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Irritability
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle tremors
Long-term overuse can exacerbate these effects, causing high blood pressure, ongoing gastrointestinal problems and, in rare cases, death.
The healthiest way to consume energy drinks, if at all, is also on a full stomach. Energy drinks are popular pre-workout drinks at the gym. Keep in mind that you feel the effects of caffeine differently and faster on an empty stomach.
(If) I had an energy drink at 6 a.m., haven’t eaten anything since yesterday, and am now getting on a treadmill and getting my heart rate up; You may be starting to see why this could potentially be problematic, Goodson says.
Read further:Do energy drinks do more harm than good?
Are energy drinks bad for you?
For adults, drinking energy drinks in moderation, say, to replace a morning cup of coffee is fine. But more often than not, Goodson says she sees people abusing energy drinks by relying on them throughout the day.
Many people use them to replace another bad habit, Goodson says. I start with, why do you need so many energy drinks? Why don’t you sleep enough? Is it that you’re not eating properly and because your blood sugar is all messed up it makes those energy levels feel like a roller coaster?
Evaluate how an energy drink fits into your increased daily caffeine intake You may not realize how much caffeine is in the tea, soda, energy bars, supplements, or even chocolate you consume throughout the day.
As a sports nutrition consultant, Goodson says she mostly sees high school athletes and teenagers abusing energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no caffeine for children under 12 and fewer than 100 milligrams a day for those between 12 and 18. It’s easy to exceed and even double or triple the recommended amount with an energy drink.
Many times it’s because they don’t get enough sleep, definitely don’t eat right, and therefore rely on energy drinks as basically a substitute, Goodson says.
Caffeine is a drug – the body can build up a tolerance, so after months of heavy caffeine intake it’s going to take even more caffeine to feel those energy boosts of productivity and alertness.
What is Taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in our bodies as well as in meat and seafood. It’s also a popular ingredient in energy drinks. In the body, taurine helps absorb fat and may have a positive effect on the hallmarks of aging at the cellular level, according to a 2023 study.
Taurine levels are high in energy drinks, but caffeine and other ingredients can counteract the effects, so experts told USA TODAY that people shouldn’t assume they’re getting any health benefits from their energy drinks. Taurine has not been extensively studied for human safety, although there is no evidence of adverse effects.
Healthy alternatives to energy drinks
The energy boost you seek in an energy drink can be found more naturally. Here’s what Goodson recommends:
Check out more health tips for your daily diet:
How much is too much?:Dangers and limitations of caffeine to know
Curious to know more? We’ve got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From «How to lower blood pressure» to «How to make coffee without a percolator» to «How hot is the sun?», we’re trying to find answers to the most common questions you ask us every day. Head over to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
#healthiest #energy #drink #Effects #caffeine #taurine
Image Source : www.usatoday.com