Energy Drinks - Are they Safe?
The latest craze. . . 'Energy' Drinks - What are they all about? What is the controversy?
When I saw these beverages come out, the first thought or question that came to mind is, "what are the ingredients within these beverages promising to give me energy?"
I am not a technical scientist or guru, but from what I am gathering while asking questions, reading labels, and going on the internet to research as well as listening and reading the news - it looks to me as though it's mainly caffeine, sugar and other 'natural' ingredients (or stimulants not readily understood unless you know the technical name) - not certain how they work, if these other ingredients are good or bad for the body when mixed together - from what I am understanding they emphasis the effects of the caffeine and sugar.
I do understand the young people are being drawn to these drinks in big numbers (as well as many other ages) . . . do we know enough about them to allow our kids to consume them at the rate they are being sold and consumed?
I believe we need to begin doing our 'home work' - call the consumer 800 numbers listed on the packaging and begin asking questions - looking for factual answers and asking for them in writing (or for their web locations providing these answers).
These are some of the things I've come to find:
- Many (if not all) contain caffeine. The question that comes to mind is, 'what level' - how does it compare with a cup of tea, coffee, or soda pop, or chocolate bar?
- What exactly is Caffeine?
- What are the other ingredients which stimulate adding increasing the effects of the caffeine; how do these ingredients interact in our body together - what is the stimulate level total with everything combined?
- I understand that the caffeine, sugar and other stimulants affect the adrenal gland (cause an adrenaline rush) - what are these effects? How does the adrenal gland work in our bodies? What are the long-term effects on this gland? Are there other glands or muscles in the body which may be affected? If so; How?
- Caffeine; what are the side effects on our bodies after consumption - what can happen short-term, and then long-term? What are the effects of caffeine on a person - of various ages?
- I understand that caffeine is a diuretic and that it can cause dehydration; what can happen if consumed out in the sun? What could the effects be if someone drinks these energy drinks - let's say - at the beach? Or while playing sports?
As consumers we need to be wise and understand that we only have one body - look at each of our hand prints - we are unique and priceless each one of us - not one of us has the same prints - we need to care for our bodies and treat them well and in return, they will treat us well.
We are what we eat and drink. Please be empowered, and be wise consumers. They will only make what we buy as consumers. We have a voice - we need to speak.
A Carmel Mom & Concerned Citizen.
From Howstuffworks.com
Here are some of the ingredients you may find in popular energy drinks and what they do in the body:
* Ephedrine - A stimulant that works on the central nervous system. It is a common ingredient in weight-loss products and decongestants, but there have been concerns about its effects on the heart.
* Taurine - A natural amino acid produced by the body that helps regulate heart beat and muscle contractions. Many health experts aren't sure what effect it has as a drink additive (and the rumor that taurine comes from bull testicles is false).
* Ginseng - A root believed by some to have several medicinal properties, including reducing stress and boosting energy levels.
* B-vitamins - A group of vitamins that can convert sugar to energy and improve muscle tone.
* Guarana seed - A stimulant that comes from a small shrub native to Venezuela and Brazil. Caffeine-like
* Carnitine - An amino acid that plays a role in fatty acid metabolism.
* Creatine - An organic acid that helps supply energy for muscle contractions.
* Inositol - A member of the vitamin B complex (not a vitamin itself, because the human body can synthesize it) that helps relay messages within cells in the body.
* Ginkgo biloba - Made from the seeds of the ginkgo biloba tree, thought to enhance memory.
Looking at the ingredients, energy drinks appear to be part soft drink and part nutritional supplement. According to reviewers, the taste falls within the same range. People who have tried energy drinks have described the taste as ranging from "medicinal" to "molten Sweet Tart."
Although the manufacturers claim that energy drinks can improve your endurance and performance, many health experts disagree. Any boost you get from drinking them, they say, is solely from the sugar and caffeine.
Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical involved in sleep. When caffeine blocks adenosine, it causes neurons in the brain to fire. Thinking the body is in an emergency, the pituitary gland initiates the body's "fight or flight" response by releasing adrenaline. This hormone makes the heart beat faster and the eyes dilate. It also causes the liver to release extra sugar into the bloodstream for energy. Caffeine affects the levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain's pleasure center. All of these physical responses make you feel as though you have more energy.
Energy drinks are generally safe, but like most things, you should drink them in moderation. Because caffeine is a stimulant -- consuming a lot of it can lead to heart palpitations, anxiety and insomnia -- it also can make you feel jittery and irritable. Over time, caffeine can become addictive. It is also a diuretic -- it causes the kidneys to remove extra fluid into the urine. That leaves less fluid in the body. so drinking an energy drink while you're exercising can be particularly dangerous. The combination of the diuretic effect and sweating can severely dehydrate you.
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