Context:
Energy drinks. Good. Bad. Avoid? When energy drinks are everywhere, with their promise of a quick, no-guilt hit of energy, what do you believe? Do you sip them to power through the day, or give them a wide berth? We’re here to help.
Are energy drinks healthy?
We’re going to come right out and say it: you’re better off with a lovely big glass of water to keep you hydrated, a balanced diet full of healthy proteins, fats, carbs and veggies, and regular exercise instead of running on empty, energy drink in hand.
Energy drinks might seem like the answer when you crave a burst of energy or you need your brain to stay focussed, but you’ll often be loading up on sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants like taurine and guarana at the same time, all of which can have negative effects on the body.
What’s so bad about that you might think? Well, taurine and guarana can affect the heart and blood vessels. Too much caffeine makes us jittery and anxious. Too much sugar is bad for us all round, and too many cals will naturally lead to weight gain. Not such a great combo.
But what if the drinks manufacturers say they’re healthy? Some energy drinks claim to improve performance and boost our brains, but there is little evidence to support these, with some reports claiming they do the opposite - and that they can even increase the risk of heart problems in young adults.
We say: never drink one with alcohol, and remember, what comes up must come down, so drinking energy drinks will only ever be a temporary high and sugar crashes (mood slumps, tiredness, etc) feel as bad as they sound. If you’re looking for a natural energy boost, stick to water or green tea.
