lifestyle

[FACT OR FAKE #33] Energy Drinks Are Good For Your Health

The recent death of Indonesian copywriter Mita Diran serves as a reminder on the potential dangers of consuming a mixture of energy drinks and alcohol to stay awake for extended periods of time. As a result, the team at SAYS has decided to investigate the potential dangers (if any) of consuming energy drinks.

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According to a study, energy drink use is associated with behaviors such as marijuana and other illegal drug use, smoking, and drinking alcohol among adolescents and young adults

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Little is known about the long-term consequences of using energy drinks, but their high caffeine content and, in some cases, the inclusion of alcohol may make them dangerous additions to your diet.

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Back in March, 2013, at a scientific meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans, researchers reported that 180,000 deaths worldwide may be associated with the rampant consumption of sugary drinks

The findings are based on an analysis of data from the 2010 Global Burden of Diseases Study. The researchers linked local consumption rates to chronic diseases.

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These beverages contribute to excess body weight, which in turn, increases the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, noted Gitanjali Singh, a co-author of the study at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

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Over all, the drinks are associated with 133,000 diabetes deaths a year, 44,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 6,000 cancer deaths, the researchers concluded.

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So if you think that energy drinks are harmless and keeps you awake for an all-nighter, think again. The recent death of a copywriter serves as a reminder on the dangers of consuming a mixture of energy drinks and alcohol to stay awake

FACT: Drinks containing caffeine and taurine, two common ingredients in brands like Red Bull and Monster, might actually change the way your heart functions

The study used 18 healthy participants who, an hour after consuming an energy drink, experienced increased heart contractions.

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And though that might be OK for healthy, young people, the contradictions can wear down heart muscles over time and be especially harmful for people with preexisting heart conditions.

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While drinking too much energy drinks can seriously affect your health, on the other hand, having energy drinks on occasion may not be that bad. Here are some ups and downs of it.

Due to our fast-paced lifestyles, the energy drink industry is booming. Energy drinks are consumed for several reasons: improved athletic performance, weight reduction, mood enhancement for the midday slump, or boosts late into the night.

Regular and excessive energy drink use poses several risks that you should be aware of.

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Extreme caffeine content in these beverages may cause emotional problems such as irritability, restlessness and nervousness due to its impact on serotonin and endorphin levels. Caffeine-sensitive individuals may experience these issues more intensely than others. Those with anxiety or depression may experience stronger ups and downs.

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Some of the physical risks that involve are rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms, increased blood pressure, dehydration resulting from intake of caffeine and other ingredients, seizures, chest pains, and in extreme cases, risk of heart attack or sudden death. Although these symptoms are unlikely for most individuals, it is best to take caution when consuming them.

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Although a popular trend, it is dangerous to pair alcohol with energy drinks. Alcohol can contribute to the effects of energy drinks and increase the risk for heart-related symptoms

Those who drink alcohol along with energy drinks have a greater risk for extreme intoxication because their assessment of their intoxication is reduced (due to depressant-stimulant actions).

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Drinking even just one energy drink in the morning can contribute to difficulty sleeping at night. Caffeine and other stimulants can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and focus on important tasks. You may feel like you have the energy to complete a task but may not be able to complete it as efficiently.

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Always take caution when consuming energy drinks. Make sure to look at ingredient labels before you drink them, they vary substantially in caffeine content, additional stimulants and other ingredients.

You can replace them with water, fruit juice or sports drinks, which also work as great energy enhancers. Boost your immune system and energy levels naturally with a healthy diet and natural supplements.

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