The energy drinks or hypertonic beverages are those containing no alcohol, dedicated to reduce or avoid fatigue and exhaustion of the consumer, providing increased physical strength and increase their mental capacity.
Its composition varies according to the brand, but most are made up of caffeine, vitamins, carbohydrates and natural organic substances; like taurine. What these drinks do is inhibit neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting tiredness, sleep, fatigue and empower those who are responsible for concentration and feelings of well-being.
This means that once the effect of energy drinks wears off, it is normal to feel tired or down, since even though they contain high levels of glucose, these drinks do not really eliminate muscle or general exhaustion.
What should you know about energy drinks?
To know if energy drinks are beneficial or harmful, its composition and the effects of these components on the body must be better understood.
1. Caffeine:
Caffeine is a drug, it can be natural or synthetic, and it is responsible for stimulating the central nervous system, which facilitates the association of ideas, memorization and perception of the senses. It is also responsible for increasing blood pressure, promotes urine formation and increases heart and lung activity.
Among its side effects is the fact that it stimulates gastric acid and pepsin suppuration. It often develops into gastric intolerance, in addition to the dependency it could cause.
Extra fact:
It takes about 10 g of caffeine to cause the death of a 70 kg adult, the equivalent of 100 coffees, 200 cans of Coca-Cola or 50 kg of chocolate.
Caffeine in energy drinks:
All energy drinks contain caffeine, some contain natural caffeine that comes from mate herbs, guarana seed extracts or cola nuts, others (on the contrary) contain synthetic caffeine, this depends on consumer preference.
2. Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are the main nutrients in the body, as they provide the body with energy. There are 3 types of carbohydrates:
1. Sugars
2. Fiber
3. Starches
The body breaks down sugars and starches to convert them into energy, but consuming too much prevents rehydration during physical activity.
Extra fact:
High carbohydrate intake slows stomach emptying and intestinal absorption.
Carbohydrates in energy drinks:
Most energy drinks contain glucuronolactone, this is a carbohydrate that the body produces naturally and is added to beverages in supplement form to increase energy, the excretion of toxins and a feeling of well-being. However, there are no scientific studies to validate this argument.
Each 240ml of drink has 0 to 70g of glucose, sucrose, malt dextrins, fructose and galactose, however there are drinks in diet or light version that replace carbohydrates with sweeteners, which can be the same or worse as harmful, know this information about artificial sweeteners.
3. Vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins are substances that the body requires to develop and grow optimally, they are generally obtained from the food we eat, although there are some vitamins, such as D and K, that the body produces normally.
On the other hand, minerals help the body to grow and perform certain functions such as: building bones or transmitting nerve impulses.
Extra fact:
There are two types of minerals, trace elements, which are needed in small quantities, and macro minerals, which the body needs in large doses.
Vitamins and minerals in energy drinks:
Most energy drinks contain B vitamins, calcium, vitamin C and magnesium, although these benefits were not intended for athletes, since they already have these vitamins if they have a balanced diet, and nowadays, it may be doubtful to trust in the quality of energy drinks that are on the market.
Beneficial or harmful?
Energy drinks were created for consumption in a specific situation, therefore whether it is beneficial or harmful depends clearly on consumption and is linked to subjectivity.
It could be said that they are beneficial, since in a context where a subject needs to do certain activities and does not have the energy they need, the drink would help to carry them out. It also provides vitamins to the body, but like any artificial product, it becomes harmful when consumed in excess, because due to its high level of caffeine it could, in addition to causing different problems in the body, cause addiction. So it is advisable not to drink frequently and the best advice is to replace energy drinks with natural isotonic drinks, which you can make at home.
In summary, a can of energy drink could not be harmful if we take certain precautions such as:
· Avoid frequent consumption.
· Eat before you drink it.
· Reading the labels, in addition to the nutrients, also reports the amount of product they recommend in a day.
· Do not consume with the intention of hydrating.
· Do not mix with alcoholic beverages.
Consuming a diet high in added sugars, such as those found in sweetened beverages, candy, baked goods, and sugary cereals, is a contributing factor in weight gain and chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Altai Balance Supplement Reviews