The next time you pick up an energy drink, find the nutrition label and be prepared to be amazed. Especially if you are overweight and you are trying to get healthy these drinks have no business in your body.
Reason one is the absurd amounts of sugar these drinks have. Think about it. A Rockstar contains up to 102 grams of sugar in a single can. If you look up the USDA’s daily recommendation you will find that they urge you to consume no more than 22 grams of sugar per day if you ingest 1600 calories per day. A Rockstar has over 4X the amount of sugar you should take for the entire day!
The second reason you should avoid energy drinks is because of the stimulants manufactures add to give you that “boost in energy”. Typically you will find guaranine, taurine, caffeine, and/or ginseng added to these drinks, in addition to sugar. All these ingredients have been know to cause: insomnia, high blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), difficulty breathing, seizures, anxiety, arrhythmia ( irregular heart beat ), heart palpations, and various allergic reactions. Oh yeah, did I mention that each of these stimulants is extremely addictive?
Although energy drinks are wildly popular here in the US, other countries aren’t so keen on them. Did you know Red Bull was banned in France after an 18 year old athlete died from drinking 4 cans? Since Red Bull exceeds the amount of caffeine French laws allow in a consumable product, they have banned the drink. Denmark and Norway have also followed suit and also ban the drink.
The third and final reason you should put down the energy drink is because it is a diuretic. What this means is it causes fluid loss. In fact most nutritionists are most concerned with this side effect because the typical American doesn’t drink nearly enough water as it is. Only 34% of Americans drink the 64 ounces of water per day recommended by the USDA. However any nutritionists will tell you that you actually need much more water than that.
I can’t imagine any successful athlete who needs his or her body to perform at its top level week after week would result to drinking energy drinks as a source of energy. Yet if you watch some of these energy drink commercials, that’s exactly what you are lead to believe. After researching energy drinks, you’ll realize that they are especially dangerous to drink if you are exercising because the combination of sweating with the diuretic effects can easily lead to severe dehydration.
Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend energy drinks to anyone, but I would especially advise those concerned about health and in particular weight gain to steer clear. Instead simply purchase a water bottle and carry that around with you. You’ll feel more energized, better rested, and healthier. In short you’ll look and feel great!
James Richardsen is a writer for myadrenalfatigue.com, a site that specializes in helping those suffering from low energy and fatigue. MyAdrenalFatigue.com helps you to maximize your energy levels through natural means by focusing on your fitness physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All 4 areas have tremendous energy consequences.
James Richardsen is a memeber of myadrenalfatigue.com,a site that specializes in helping those suffering from low energy and fatigue. MyAdrenalFatigue.com helps you to increase your energy levels through natural techniques by focusing on your fitness physically,mentally,emotionally,and spiritually. All 4 areas have tremendous energy consequences.
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