There are several myths around the consumption of energy drinks and its effects. AVNI KAUL busts a few
An energy drink is a kind of drink having stimulant compounds, generally, caffeine, which is marketed as giving mental and physical stimulation (branded as energy, but different from food energy). They could or could not be carbonated and might also contain sugar, other sweeteners, herbal extracts, amino acids, and taurine. They are a subset of the bigger group of energy products, which includes bars and gels and separate from sports drinks, which are promoted to enhance sports performance. There are several brands and varieties in this drink category.
Coffee, tea and other naturally caffeinated drinks are generally not considered energy drinks. Other soft drinks such as aerated drinks may contain caffeine but are not considered energy drinks either. Though it is safe for a healthy adult to drink a total of 400 mg of caffeine a day. This claim is also confirmed by one of the panels of the European Food Safety Authority.
Energy drinks have the impacts of caffeine and sugar, but there is little or no evidence that the wide variety of other ingredients have any impact.
However, like several things, there are several myths about energy drinks.
Myth 1: Energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine
Fact: The large majority of energy drinks available that are consumed in India like the Monster, Red Bull, and several prominent brands have similar or lower levels of caffeine compared to the home-brewed coffee which many people enjoy on a daily basis. And many consists of half the caffeine of a similarly-sized coffee shop coffee. A 473.176 ml energy drink normally contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, while the same size coffee shop coffee contains around 300 to 330 milligrams. Moreover, caffeine has been considered to safely be consumed around the globe for hundreds of years.
Myth 2: Energy drinks and caffeine drinks are the same
Fact: Myth, energy drinks and energy shots are not the same. Mainstream energy drinks made and distributed by companies are branded as conventional beverages and thus, regulated as such. They are also present in package sizes comparable to those of other non-alcoholic drinks. Energy drinks are normally marketed as dietary supplements and are sold in package sizes where the quantity is usually about 59.1471 ml. Most well-known brands also normally contain a much higher concentration of caffeine.
Myth 3: Energy drinks are harmless
Fact:The sugar and caffeine in energy drinks can be excessive. Excessive caffeine can cause anxiety, a higher heart rate, and increased blood pressure. And the sugar well as much as 15 tsp in a single serving which is far beyond the daily recommendation of six teaspoons for women and nine teaspoons for men.
The writer is Nutritionist Wellness Coach & Certified Diabetes Educator, Founder of NutriActivania