Are Energy Drinks Bad for Teenagers? What You Need to Know!
Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. Some claim they can give them energy, and focus or even improve their athletic performance. Others say they cause serious health problems. Are they safe?
There are over 2 million energy drink brands sold worldwide. Many contain caffeine, taurine, guarana, ginseng, yohimbine, ephedra, and other stimulants. They also often include sugar, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol.
While some studies suggest that energy drinks are safe for adults, others show that they may be harmful to teens. For example, in 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to four companies selling energy drinks to minors. The FDA said these types of beverages can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and can negatively affect cognitive function.
Are Energy Drinks Bad for Teenagers? What You Need to Know Coffee Affection
Energy drinks aren’t just a fad—they’ve become increasingly popular among college students. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 40 percent of college students report drinking energy drinks. But while many people think energy drinks are harmless, there are actually several reasons why they should not be consumed. For example, energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, guarana, ginseng, and other stimulants. These substances can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, palpitations, heartburn, headaches, tremors, and even seizures. Additionally, energy drinks often contain sugar, which can lead to weight gain. Energy drinks also contain alcohol, which can increase blood pressure and lead to dehydration.
Sleeplessness
Energy drinks are often marketed towards young adults, who may need all the extra focus they can get to study hard for upcoming exams. However, many teens might not realize that energy drinks can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and other negative side effects. Some energy drinks also contain alcohol, which can lead to serious health problems if consumed in excess. Teens should avoid using energy drinks because they can cause serious harm.
Sugar
Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, which can cause anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and other side effects. Some energy drinks also contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to health issues like diabetes, obesity, tooth rot, and kidney damage. Teens who struggle with weight issues should avoid energy drinks because they may make them gain weight.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an addictive stimulant found naturally in coffee beans. It is responsible for many of the effects associated with energy drinks. Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, guarana, ginseng, yerba mate, ginkgo Biloba, and other ingredients. These ingredients can cause headaches, heartburn, upset stomach, increased blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, and more. Some energy drinks may even contain alcohol. Teenagers should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. If you are concerned about your teen consuming too much caffeine, talk to them about what they are drinking and why. You could also try limiting the amount of caffeine they consume each day.
B Vitamins
A great source of energy comes from eating foods rich in B vitamins. These nutrients help your body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which gives you energy. Foods like fish, beef liver and chicken are all excellent sources of B vitamins. But if you’re looking for something even healthier, try adding beans to your diet. Beans are packed with protein and fiber, both of which help keep you feeling fuller longer.
See also
Adaptogenic Herbs
Adaptogens are herbs that boost your immune system and increase energy levels. They also help you deal with stress and fatigue. Some of the best ones include Licorice Root, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Astragalus, Ginseng, Milk Thistle, and Holy Basil.
Biotin
Biotin is a vitamin B7 that is naturally produced by plants. It is also available in supplement form. When combined with other vitamins, biotin can help your body absorb them better. Some examples of foods containing biotin are avocado, banana, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, garlic, kale, lettuce, mushroom, onion, pepper, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, turnip, wheat germ, and yeast extract.
Are Energy Drinks Bad for Teenagers?
If you or your teen drinks one or more energy drinks daily, we highly recommend trying energy drink substitutes. The high amounts of caffeine and sugar in these drinks can quickly take its toll on the human body, causing health problems that can last long into the future. But if you try to eat healthily and rarely push the limits of your caffeine or sugar intake the occasional can is unlikely cause any problems and can give you a boost during a tough day or a tough test.
Summary
Energy drinks are not recommended for daily consumption because they contain large amounts of caffeine, which can disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to anxiety and nervousness. Caffeine also causes you to retain water, which leads to weight gain. Energy drinks often contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay and other health issues.