We all know that an Energy drink can be great when you need a Quick boost, But a new study is Again calling their Safety—more specifically, their effects on Heart health—into question. Should you be Worried?..
A review of previous research, presented at the 2013 American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans, found that drinking one to three Energy drinks could Mess with your Heart Rhythm and Increase your Blood pressure(!). If Severe enough, these changes could Lead to an Irregular Heartbeat or even Sudden Cardiac death.
Studies also do Not support all of the claims made by the Manufacturers on some of the other ingredients' ability to maintain energy. The study authors broke down the most common ingredients found in energy drinks: caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars and B vitamins and why they might be problematic.
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1. Caffeine..
This is the Primary ingredient in Energy drinks, and its levels can Vary Widely. Energy drinks do not fall under the same regulatory category as sodas and often have Higher levels of the Stimulant than indicated.
For comparison, a 6.5-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 120 milligrams of caffeine, tea has about 50 mg, and a 12-ounce cola cannot have more than 65 mg. Energy drinks have significantly higher amounts, with the most well-known brands containing anywhere from 154 mg in a 16-ounce Red Bull to 505 mg in a 24-ounce Wired X505.
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2. Guarana..
One gram of guarana (Brazilian cocoa) is equal to 40 mg of caffeine. But even if it's in energy drinks, it's typically not included in the total caffeine tally.
"In reality, when a drink is said to contain caffeine plus guarana, it contains caffeine plus More Caffeine," the authors write.
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3. Sugars..
The sugar content in energy drinks ranges from 21 grams to 34 grams per 8 ounces (230g), and can come in the form of Sucrose, Glucose, or High Fructose Corn syrup.
"Users who consume two or three energy drinks could be taking in 120 mg to 180 mg of sugar, which is 4 to 6 Times the Maximum recommended daily intake," which eventually could lead to Obesity and Dental problems.
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4. Taurine..
As one of the most common amino acids in the body, taurine can support brain development and regulate the body's mineral and water levels, and could even improve athletic performance. It's found naturally in meat, seafood,milk, eggs and brewer's yeast.
The study authors say the amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is Higher than that in a normal diet. As of yet, there is no evidence this is unhealthy, but there is also no evidence that consuming large amounts is beneficial for the human body.
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5. Ginseng..
There are claims that ginseng boosts athletic performance, strengthens the immune system and improves mood. But the authors say there is little proof of this, and there isn't enough ginseng in energy drinks to offer any benefit. The root has also been linked to increased risk of insomnia, headache and hypertension.
"Ginseng should be used cautiously, as it can cause undesirable side effects in high doses and may even be dangerous when taken with certain medicines or if the patient is undergoing surgery," according to the American Cancer Society.
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6. B vitamins and other additives..
Studies suggest that B vitamins can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but the amount contained in each energy drink isn't enough to have any meaningful effect and it is in Not in 'As Mother Nature designed' form.
There are also a number of other additives that the authors say need further study.
The study also highlights the fact that many teens mix their energy drinks with alcohol, which can mask the effects of alcohol and give drinkers the impression they've consumed less than they have.
Given the Lack of knowledge about How energy drinks and alcohol interact, as well as How the beverages mix with Medications and Antidepressants, the researchers also urge Physicians to be Aware of energy drink consumption, particularly among teens, and suggest educating patients and parents on the potential consequences of making energy drinks a regular habit.
~Nadia (DI)
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