By Lillian Gutsch,
Staff Writer.
The majority of what teenagers drink is caffeinated, primarily being energy drinks. Whether it’s to stay awake, get ready for a sport or just because they taste good, energy drinks are popular amongst high schoolers. However, they can be fairly unhealthy to consume.
The benefits of most energy drinks are their cheap prices, vitamins that improve alertness and concentration, an increase in physical endurance and reduced fatigue. Yet they also cause many issues with one’s health, such as heart problems, increased blood pressure, anxiety and restlessness, as well as being very addictive.
Be that as it may, certain energy drinks have more beneficial or harmful effects than others. For example, the energy drink Celsius burns calories, has zero sugar and is vegan. On the other hand, it causes an increase of heart rate, insomnia and anxiety, and can even change your insulin response.
Another very popular energy drink, Monster, may increase your energy levels and elevate your mood, but it has more negative effects than you are aware of. It causes weight gain, dehydration, irregular heartbeat, sugar highs and even tooth decay. Monster increases energy levels, a common side effect of many energy drinks, such as Red Bull, which can also help with mental alertness and reduce tiredness. However, it can reduce your appetite and become addictive. It also contains an unhealthy blend of sugars and is low in nutrients.
“In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes has risen significantly, but concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. These concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction,” wrote Maria Luz Fernandez, PhD in Nutritional Sciences, in her article on PubMed Central about the health effects of energy drinks on young adults and teens.
“I don’t drink [energy drinks] too often; it is like a treat or if it’s an exhausting day,” freshman Brayden Boyle said. “Ghost, Monster, and Celsius. . . [have] a lot of caffeine. . . which you should not be drinking.” The caffeine level in energy drinks is the main cause of the insomnia, anxiety and increased heart rate you may feel after drinking one.
Many high school students bring energy drinks to school every day, sometimes even drinking multiple throughout the day. Most aren’t aware of these drinks’ effects on their bodies. For your own health, make sure you read, or at least scan, the nutritional facts before consuming energy drinks.
