Health Risks Of Energy Drinks
The risks of energy drinks have started to be discussed more and more often, as these drinks have become very popular in recent years. Their effects on the body are still being studied.
RedBull is perhaps the best known drink of its kind. It is consumed worldwide to stimulate the physical or mental activity of people subjected to intense physical exertion or a very stressful situation.
Have you heard of his slogan “RedBull gives you wings”? It has convinced millions of consumers that energizers are a great way to recharge your batteries after a special physical or mental effort. These can be caused by overwork at work, intense study for an exam, etc.
This drink increases energy reserves when they are depleted from the body. However, the health risks of energy drinks are real. Recent studies have shown that a single dose of RedBull causes changes in several body functions.
Daily consumption of energy drinks can lead to the development of several cardiovascular diseases.
What are the health risks of energy drinks?
Energy drinks combine several substances:
- caffeine
- amino acids (such as taurine)
- carbohydrates (glucuronolactone, a derivative of glucose)
- vitamins
- In some cases, herbal extracts (ginseng or guarana).
A single dose contains high amounts of caffeine, the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee, two cups of espresso, 4 doses of cola or 6 cups of green / black tea.
A healthy individual can consume between 100 and 300 mg of caffeine per day, maximum 400 mg. Experts claim that this dosage does not pose health risks if not combined with other substances, such as alcohol.
This combination or excessive consumption of energy drinks can have dangerous side effects, such as:
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations or hypertension
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Lack of motor coordination
In addition, one of the health risks of energy drinks is the dangerous combination of caffeine and other substances. For example, aspartame can be carcinogenic.
Moreover, energy drinks are addictive. Do not feel satisfied with a single dose and drink more to satisfy your cravings.
Some countries have banned the sale of RedBull and other energy drinks
Approximately 3.5 million doses of RedBull have been distributed in 143 countries worldwide.
However, evidence of the health risks of energy drinks has worried authorities in several states. These drinks are currently banned in Norway, Denmark and Uruguay.
In Kuwait, the consumption of energy drinks was banned for minors under the age of 16, after two members of the national squash team died of a heart attack after drinking energy drinks.
What are the risks of consuming energy drinks?
The health risks of energy drinks are especially manifested when they are consumed in excess or when combined with other substances, such as alcohol.
More research is needed to determine how dangerous these drinks really are, but for now there are a few caveats about their negative effects that consumers should consider:
- They should not be consumed after intense physical exertion, because their energizing properties increase heart rate and can cause a heart attack.
- They are not moisturizing. On the contrary, the diuretic effect of caffeine increases the risk of dehydration.
- Due to their high content of blood-thinning compounds, excessive consumption can cause a cerebral hemorrhage, as the heart pumps less blood, but with more force.
- The combination of RedBull or other energy drinks and alcohol can be fatal, as it directly attacks the liver.
- Consumption of one dose per day increases the risk of developing irreversible nervous disorders.
- Pregnant women and people suffering from cardiovascular problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, sensitivity to caffeine and conditions involving the formation of blood clots should completely avoid energy drinks.
