Energy Drinks: The Bad and Good
By Brandi Goodman
Energy drinks have become incredibly popular over the years. With so many brands to choose from, numerous flavors, and easy access in stores and gas stations, people have become accustomed to consuming them. Many critics have touted the beverages as nothing but bad for your body, but there's also some good that makes them a valid option -- at least on occasion.
Good: They Give You Energy
Energy drinks provide what their name says. They give you the energy you need to make it through the next few hours. When you've woken up late for work and need a pick-me-up, this isn't such a bad choice. Just stick to one drink here and there to get the quick benefit without becoming reliant on the substance.
Bad: They Have Too Much Sugar
Red Bull is a popular energy drink option. Look at the nutrition label and you'll see that the average can of this beverage contains 39 grams of sugar. This is far too much in just one serving of something, let alone in one day. It's recommended to have less than 25 grams of sugar per day for women, and 36 grams for men.
Good: There Are Sugar-Free Options
Skip the sugar-filled choices and look for the energy drinks with a sugar-free label. This will at least help you cut back on the sugar content you're receiving. It often reduces your calorie intake as well. Coca-Cola makes a Coke Energy Zero while Rockstar has a sugar-free beverage as well.
Bad: They're Easy to Abuse
Lots of younger people abuse energy drinks. Many are mixed with alcohol, making it easier to binge drink. It's a serious cause for concern. Emergency rooms have also reported seeing significant increases in the amount of energy drink and alcohol-related cases they have to treat. If you're going to have an energy drink, use it for its intended purpose and not to mix with liquor.
You shouldn't be consuming energy drinks on a regular basis. Most have far too much sugar and more caffeine than your body really needs. Not to mention, the high-calorie count far exceeds what you need from one drink. Water should of course be the drink of choice when you're looking for energy. However, there is some good to the concoction that makes it an alright choice when you're really in a bind and need the alertness quickly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntsville, Ala.