Energy drinks offer those who feel they need an extra boost throughout the day the pick-me-up they are looking for. Since their emergence, there has been a constant debate on whether these energy punches in a can are dangerous. Fans of energy drinks stand firm that they are not. Others aren’t buying it. Like with so many things in the world, energy drinks do have hidden dangers many people aren’t aware of. If you’re curious as to how many Monster energy drinks are dangerous, we have your answer. Here’s a look at 5 energy drink dangers you need to know before you make your next purchase.
Top 5 Energy Drink Dangers
1. Dehydration
Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. In some cases, you’ll find nearly double the caffeine in an energy drink than you’ll find in a cup of regular coffee. Caffeine is a natural diuretic. This means it increases your need to urinate. In some instances, this can be a good thing. However, if you’re drinking too many energy drinks and taking too much caffeine into your system, you could find yourself urinating too much and essentially drying yourself out.
2. Heart Issues
According to Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Texas, drinking energy drinks can lead to heart issues. Among these issues is Afib or Atrial Fillibration. This is when the heart speeds up and causes an irregular heartbeat. It is believed that large doses of caffeine can lead to this or several other types of heart complications.
3. Insomnia
One of the most well-known dangers of energy drinks is insomnia. Due to the high levels of caffeine and sugar in some of the most popular energy drinks, it is common for drinkers to find themselves unable to sleep regularly. Insomnia can be acute or short-term. When you can’t get a good night’s sleep, you feel tired throughout the day and often have issues focusing on what’s happening around you.
4. Anxiety
Ingesting high amounts of caffeine, the main ingredient in energy drinks can lead to anxiety. According to the National Library of Medicine, research shows that energy drinks can cause anxiety and depression, especially in young men.
5. Too Much Sugar
When people talk about energy drinks, it’s normally the caffeine content they are concerned with. Many of these drinks have another hidden issue people don’t take into account. Sugar. For people who enjoy several energy drinks a day, the potential of ingesting too much sugar is possible. This can lead to diabetes and other complications thanks to these sweet drinks.
The Caffeine in Energy Drinks
By using the claim of being a dietary supplement many energy drinks avoid many of the FDA’s regulations. This means it is difficult to know the true amount of caffeine in an energy drink. While most claim amounts around 280 milligrams per 16-ounce can, this can be misleading. Many energy drinks have additives like guarana which can up the caffeine content per can.
Caffeine’s Side Effects
Many of the dangers energy drinks pose to our bodies are thanks to the caffeine content inside. When too much caffeine is ingested, side effects can occur. Here’s a look at the most common side effects caused by caffeine. You’ll notice these side effects are very similar to the dangers you may experience when drinking energy drinks.
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
Conclusion
As you can see, many experts believe energy drinks are dangerous to the body. With the high levels of caffeine and added sugars, it’s easy to understand why. If you’re a fan of these sweet, energizing drinks, proceed with caution and moderation. Your health is more important than any drink on the market.
Featured Image Credit: Danny Howe, Unsplash
