Did you know that energy drinks are the second most consumed drinks category among young adults and teens? But, unfortunately, the amount of caffeine found in these drinks is often two to three times as much caffeine as in a cup of coffee.
There are two major types of energy drinks – those that come in a can, much like a soft drink can, and the other is more of a “shot” and comes in a small container. These beverages average about 200-240mg of caffeine per drink. Drinking large amounts of caffeine may help you feel more awake but may ultimately affect how you rest and sleep later in the night.
Consuming too much caffeine can negatively affect growth and have damaging health ramifications for growing adolescents to young adults. In addition, regularly drinking energy drinks can cause heart and blood vessel problems and harm nervous systems in this young population.
In addition, regularly drinking excessive numbers of these drinks has been connected to increased anxiety, digestive problems, dehydration, and sleep issues. These drinks generally contain guarana, which can directly affect caffeine levels and increase the caffeine content while not appearing in the label totals. In addition, the amount of added sugars found in these drinks tops 14 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
So, if you or someone you know is regularly consuming these drinks, try substituting these high caffeine drinks with something more hydrating like water or something refreshing like infused water. Also, try to limit your caffeine consumption to morning and keep your intakes to less than 300mg/day, about three 8-ounce cups of coffee.
Learn more about energy drinks here.
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