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The Surge of Energy Beverages: Are They Beneficial or Harmful?

Young adults at gyms and overworked high school students often consume energy drinks as a popular trend, whether to combat insomnia, endure long days, or seek a quick energy boost. These drinks have gained significant popularity in recent years, serving as a convenient solution for various...

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Energy drinks are predominantly consumed by young adults at gyms, engrossed in their protein and...
Energy drinks are predominantly consumed by young adults at gyms, engrossed in their protein and caffeine regimen, or by stressed and exhausted high school students. The trend of these beverages has significantly escalated in recent times. Often serving as an accessible remedy for sleepless nights, long days, or a quick burst of energy...

The Surge of Energy Beverages: Are They Beneficial or Harmful?

Jolt Juice Junkies

Energy drinks have become the go-to beverage for gym aficionados in their mid-twenties and high school students juggling school, work, and personal lives. This recent trend has gained significant traction among people seeking a quick pick-me-up or a solution for a restless night.

From Celsius Essentials to Jocko Go, the purpose remains the same - to deliver a burst of energy. These drinks are easily accessible at convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and various businesses.

The modern-day energy drink originated in post-World War Two Japan. In 1962, Taisho Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, introduced Lipovitan D. Back then, this herbal energizing stimulant resembled cough syrup and was aimed at Japanese truck drivers needing endurance for their long hauls to boost physical and mental performance.

Lipovitan D contained a staggering amount of taurine, approximately 3000 milligrams per bottle, with a warning label limiting daily intake to just 100 milligrams. Taurine, a naturally occurring chemical protein, supports nerve growth in the heart and brain, improves mental performance, and provides energy. While beneficial, excessive taurine consumption can cause dizziness, fatigue, and tiredness, similar to caffeine overuse.

The first authentically marketed energy drink, Krating Daeng, entered the Japanese market in 1976. It contained caffeine, taurine, and B-vitamins, offering an easy and effective method to consume quick energy. This drink marked the beginning of the Asian beverage market's takeover by energy drinks.

Austrian businesses later claimed to have discovered Krating Daeng's potential, leading to its rebranding as Red Bull. The drink's popularity spread throughout Europe, and by 1997, it had reached the United States. Today, there are around 190 energy drink brands worldwide, suggesting this energy source has captured global interest.

While energy drinks provide a convenient energy boost, their indulgence has potential health consequences. Some drinks contain up to 500 milligrams of caffeine, an amount equivalent to consuming fourteen cans of soda. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to nausea, seizures, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest, which can be fatal.

Additionally, sugar is a common ingredient in energy drinks. High glucose levels and acidity contribute to dental complications like cavities and dental erosion.

Long-term caffeine overconsumption can also negatively impact cardiovascular and metabolic health, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, sugar metabolism disorders, and excess weight gain, all factors contributing to chronic kidney disease and potentially damaging the heart.

Caffeine consumption can also lead to increased anxiety levels, poor academic performance, sleep disruptions, and insomnia, which can affect behavior and mental health. Studies also indicate links between energy drink intake and risk-taking behaviors such as vaping, substance use, weapon carrying, and physical altercations.

High school students are among the most frequent consumers of these energy-boosting beverages, putting them at risk due to their developing systems' vulnerability to the mentioned health effects.

The issue seems complex with no clear solution. Imposing restrictions on their production could be unrealistic, while spreading awareness of health risks may not lead to substantial change. The root of the problem may not lie in the production, use, and content of energy drinks, but in the reason behind their consumption – the need for students to cope with the pressures of academic life, extracurricular activities, and socialising, all within limited hours.

  1. Mental health professionals could consider spotlighting the connection between energy drink consumption and potential mental health issues, such as increased anxiety levels, sleep disruptions, and insomnia.
  2. The history of energy drinks shows that their popularity grew from a need for performance enhancement, initially for Japanese truck drivers, and now for students juggling school, work, and personal lives.
  3. As the health-and-wellness industry continues to evolve, mentions of energy drinks in the context of fitness-and-exercise may decline, given the potential health risks associated with their excessive consumption.
  4. Nutritionists and scientists might want to scrutinize the additives in energy drinks, like taurine and caffeine, to aid in determining safe usage limits and finding alternative supplements to promote mental and physical health.
  5. In the pursuit of improved sleep quality, various health-and-wellness products have emerged, which may offer a natural alternative to energy drinks, providing long-term mental health benefits and better overall health.

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