We've probably all had one or two when we felt low on energy, now a days it's the biggest thing. What am I talking about? Energy drinks! Ladies and Gentlemen energy drinks are big business. Copy cats are popping up everywhere since the launch of successful companies like Red Bull that generate billions of dollars in revenue. Ok, so my concern is the safety of these energy drinks. I mean, our kids are getting high and addicted to these drinks and you can see an energy drink of some sort on every corner. You know, people consume such products and never stop to ask themselves what they're actually drinking. Energy drinks are not good for you! If you're low on energy that's because you're not eating properly, food is fuel. Ok, let's take a moment to discuss these energy drinks which are primarily caffeine.
Starving zombies.
Why are these drinks so popular because they're addictive, why is coffee so popular because it's addictive. We're slowly turning into a nation of walking, starving zombies. If we only learn to eat right we wouldn't need to plug ourselves with caffeine all day. The only reason why some of us make it through the day is caffeine and sugar. Well, what's wrong with that you ask? I'll explain but let me lay some foundation first.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks were developed in response to our busy lifestyles. People no longer have time to sleep or eat properly because of hectic schedules. There couldn't be a better time for such a product to come on the market because we have become an instant society. We want what we want and we want it now. (hence why we struggle with weight loss) The buying public was very receptive to energy drinks and embraced the product with open arms. Energy drinks are not new the history really begins in Europe and Asia where these drinks were first invented however companies like Red Bull were the first to market it to the United States.
Are Energy Drinks Safe?
I'm not against caffeine if used properly it can promote weight loss, key words are "if used properly". Caffeine is a substance that exists naturally in certain plants, including tea leaves, kola nuts, and coffee and cocoa beans. It can also be produced synthetically and added to foods and beverages. Caffeine is a stimulant which means it can increase alertness and enhance the performance of certain tasks. Moderate consumption of caffeine 200 to 300 milligrams daily aren't harmful to adults however caffeine in excess of 500 milligram can be harmful. It is recommended that children consume no more than 45 to 63 milligrams a day.
Side Effects of Energy Drinks
Mild effects of caffeine in excess of 500 milligrams can cause: irritability, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, dehydration, headaches and diarrhea.
More severe effects of caffeine in excess of 500 milligrams can cause: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate.
Dangers of Energy Drinks
Most of us suffer from stress and stress related conditions such as hypertension as a result of our hectic schedules. Excessive caffeine will aggravate or worsen our state, especially to individuals who already have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Caffeine is addictive and people who drink caffeine daily will become dependant upon ingesting caffeine to feel normal. The problem is there are no real guidelines to regulating caffeine and companies are creating beverages with outrageous amounts. Just like always it's going to take the death of an individual before caffeine is regulated. The dosages of caffeine in popular drinks like Red Bull make it easy to ingest caffeine in excess of 500 mg. Caffeine is sometimes disguised as Guarana Seed Extract to dupe you into believing your consuming less caffeine than you really are. The real danger begins when you consume caffeine in excess in a short time period (like 3 hours) or more than 1000 mg in a 24hr period. This can further compound or make known any illness or lead to hospitalization.
Conclusion
We would think twice before giving our kids a cup of coffee, the same goes for energy drinks, just because it's packaged in a fun little can doesn't mean it's safe. Like I said, I'm not totally against caffeine but too much of anything isn't good, especially when it's abused. That goes for adults and children.
Make it a great day!
Chris Walker
The why can't I lose weight expert!
http://www.chriswalkersfitness.com/
Starving zombies.
Why are these drinks so popular because they're addictive, why is coffee so popular because it's addictive. We're slowly turning into a nation of walking, starving zombies. If we only learn to eat right we wouldn't need to plug ourselves with caffeine all day. The only reason why some of us make it through the day is caffeine and sugar. Well, what's wrong with that you ask? I'll explain but let me lay some foundation first.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks were developed in response to our busy lifestyles. People no longer have time to sleep or eat properly because of hectic schedules. There couldn't be a better time for such a product to come on the market because we have become an instant society. We want what we want and we want it now. (hence why we struggle with weight loss) The buying public was very receptive to energy drinks and embraced the product with open arms. Energy drinks are not new the history really begins in Europe and Asia where these drinks were first invented however companies like Red Bull were the first to market it to the United States.
Are Energy Drinks Safe?
I'm not against caffeine if used properly it can promote weight loss, key words are "if used properly". Caffeine is a substance that exists naturally in certain plants, including tea leaves, kola nuts, and coffee and cocoa beans. It can also be produced synthetically and added to foods and beverages. Caffeine is a stimulant which means it can increase alertness and enhance the performance of certain tasks. Moderate consumption of caffeine 200 to 300 milligrams daily aren't harmful to adults however caffeine in excess of 500 milligram can be harmful. It is recommended that children consume no more than 45 to 63 milligrams a day.
Side Effects of Energy Drinks
Mild effects of caffeine in excess of 500 milligrams can cause: irritability, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, dehydration, headaches and diarrhea.
More severe effects of caffeine in excess of 500 milligrams can cause: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate.
Dangers of Energy Drinks
Most of us suffer from stress and stress related conditions such as hypertension as a result of our hectic schedules. Excessive caffeine will aggravate or worsen our state, especially to individuals who already have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Caffeine is addictive and people who drink caffeine daily will become dependant upon ingesting caffeine to feel normal. The problem is there are no real guidelines to regulating caffeine and companies are creating beverages with outrageous amounts. Just like always it's going to take the death of an individual before caffeine is regulated. The dosages of caffeine in popular drinks like Red Bull make it easy to ingest caffeine in excess of 500 mg. Caffeine is sometimes disguised as Guarana Seed Extract to dupe you into believing your consuming less caffeine than you really are. The real danger begins when you consume caffeine in excess in a short time period (like 3 hours) or more than 1000 mg in a 24hr period. This can further compound or make known any illness or lead to hospitalization.
Conclusion
We would think twice before giving our kids a cup of coffee, the same goes for energy drinks, just because it's packaged in a fun little can doesn't mean it's safe. Like I said, I'm not totally against caffeine but too much of anything isn't good, especially when it's abused. That goes for adults and children.
Make it a great day!
Chris Walker
The why can't I lose weight expert!
http://www.chriswalkersfitness.com/
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