Are Energy Drinks Really That Bad for You? And What Are the Healthier Alternatives?

Doesn't look appealing

In today’s modern world, energy drinks have become the go-to pick-me-up for students, professionals, athletes, and even busy parents. 

With promises of improved focus, enhanced stamina, and a quick energy boost, they’re hard to resist. 

But are energy drinks really that bad for you? And if they are, what are some safer and more effective alternatives?

What's Inside an Energy Drink?

Most energy drinks contain a mix of:

Caffeine – anywhere from 80mg to over 300mg per can (a typical cup of coffee has about 95mg)

Sugar – often upwards of 20g per serving, though some are sugar-free

Taurine, B vitamins, guarana, ginseng – various ingredients marketed as performance-enhancing

While these ingredients may provide a temporary energy surge, they come with significant risks, especially when consumed in large quantities or combined with alcohol.

The Health Concerns

Experts have raised several red flags about energy drinks:

Heart problems: High caffeine levels can lead to elevated heart rate, raised blood pressure, and in extreme cases, heart rhythm issues.

Sleep disruption: Caffeine can remain in your system for up to 8 hours, interfering with sleep and leaving you more tired the next day.

Anxiety and jitters: Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, and even panic attacks in sensitive individuals.

Weight gain and dental health: The high sugar content can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.

Risk for teens and children: The NHS warns against energy drink consumption in under-16s, and many UK supermarkets have banned sales to minors.

So... Are They Really That Bad?

Occasional consumption in moderation may not cause harm for healthy adults. However, if you're relying on energy drinks regularly to get through the day, it's a sign your energy levels may need addressing in a more sustainable way.

Healthier Alternatives for a Quick Energy Boost

If you're looking to avoid the crash-and-burn of energy drinks, here are some safer options to keep your energy up:

Water

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue. A big glass of cold water can do wonders for alertness.

Green or Black Tea

Lower in caffeine than coffee or energy drinks, and rich in antioxidants. Green tea in particular offers a gentler, longer-lasting energy lift.

A Handful of Nuts or Seeds

Packed with healthy fats and protein, these can stabilise blood sugar and offer a slow-release energy source.

Banana or Apple

Natural sugars combined with fibre and nutrients make fruit an ideal energy snack.

A Short Walk or Fresh Air

Sometimes physical movement is the best way to kick-start your brain. Even 10 minutes can help.

Cold Shower or Face Splash

Stimulates circulation and sharpens mental focus.

B Vitamins from Food

Instead of relying on synthetic blends, eat foods rich in B vitamins such as eggs, spinach, legumes, and whole grains for long-term energy support.

In Summary

Energy drinks may deliver a temporary buzz, but the risks, especially for young people, shouldn't be ignored. Though they’re not inherently evil, but they’re far from essential. When you need a lift, consider turning to more natural and less risky methods.

Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?

Energy drinks always look luminous 

Energy drinks have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, often marketed as a quick fix for fatigue and a boost for productivity. 

These beverages, which typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, promise increased energy, improved concentration, and enhanced physical performance. 

But are they really as beneficial as they claim to be? Or do they pose significant health risks? Let’s dig into the details.

The Ingredients in Energy Drinks

Caffeine: The primary active ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine. It is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve alertness and reduce the perception of fatigue. However, the caffeine content in energy drinks can be exceptionally high, often exceeding that found in a standard cup of coffee.

Sugar: Many energy drinks are loaded with sugar, contributing to their high-calorie content. Excessive sugar intake is associated with various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems.

Other Stimulants and Additives: Ingredients like taurine, guarana, ginseng, and B vitamins are commonly added to energy drinks. While these substances can have stimulating effects, their combined impact, especially in high doses, is not well understood.

The Health Risks

Cardiovascular Issues: High caffeine intake can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. In extreme cases, this can result in palpitations, arrhythmias, or even more severe cardiovascular events, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Metabolic Concerns: The excessive sugar content in energy drinks can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health: Regular consumption of energy drinks has been linked to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. The stimulating effects of caffeine, coupled with other additives, can exacerbate these issues, particularly in young people and adolescents.

Addiction and Dependence: Caffeine is an addictive substance, and regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Are There Any Benefits?

While energy drinks can provide a temporary boost in alertness and physical performance, these effects are often short-lived and come at the cost of subsequent crashes in energy levels. For some individuals, particularly athletes or those in need of a quick energy boost, energy drinks can be beneficial if used sparingly and responsibly.

Moderation and Alternatives

The key to minimising the health risks associated with energy drinks is moderation. The NHS recommends that adults should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. Given that a single energy drink can contain upwards of 150 mg, it's easy to exceed this limit.

Instead of relying on energy drinks, consider healthier alternatives such as:

Hydration: Sometimes, fatigue is a result of dehydration. Drinking water can often help improve alertness.

Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can naturally boost energy levels.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can enhance overall energy and improve sleep quality.

Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get enough rest is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health.

Conclusion

While energy drinks can offer a quick and convenient energy boost, the potential health risks associated with their consumption are significant. The high levels of caffeine and sugar, along with other stimulants, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health. Moderation is essential, and exploring healthier alternatives can provide a more sustainable and safe way to maintain energy levels. Ultimately, making informed choices about energy drink consumption is crucial for long-term health and well-being.

Make Mushrooms the Mane Event in Your Bar This Summer: ZOOZ Set to Energise Non-Alc on-Trade Sales

Modelled on the classic Italian Spritz, and designed  to be enjoyed at Apertivo hour, ZOOZ is a premium energy drink sold in 200ml glass bottles. 

ZOOZ is a first for Personal Trainer and former pro athlete Daniel Soos. It's the first cocktail brand that he has launched. 

Daniel spent a number of years working on and developing his own range of functional blends and smoothies.

He has also witnessed the booming mushroom trend in the gym first hand with his clients. He reports that in particular Lion's Mane and Cordyceps are the most popular.

ZOOZ is, he affirms, a result of needing to offer these ingredients in a delicious, aperitif-style liquid for those who, whilst wanting to continue their wellness journey whilst also wanting to enjoy their nights out with friends and being able to consume delicious drinks. 

Zooz is carefully made with health-promoting ingredients, has nothing artificial, no sugar and is suitable for people who can't tolerate gluten. 

And it's served in glass bottles for specific reasons. Using no plastic bottles and being 100% recyclable.

It's also specially formulated to boost what Daniel describes as the 'three pillars of energy': cognitive, physical and mental.

Lion's Mane is reported to boost cognitive enhancement and is used for a sustained energy boost.

Cordyceps and Ginseng are also used boost physical energy.

A B Vitamin Blend (B3, B6, B7, B12) helps our body use the energy-yielding nutrients contained in the drink.

Where does the flavour come from? It's citrus dominated, with bitter orange peel and lemon, with yuzu to add some balance. 

It has a  pleasing deeper orange hue, and has a rich, viscous mouthfeel, thus offering the discerning drinker a well-rounded drinking experience and is 100% not what people might have come to expect from traditional energy drinks. 

It's best served chilled over ice, with an orange peel garnish.

For On-Trade and Sales Enquiries, please contact Herchelle Perez Terrado | Herchelle@zoozdrinks.com | 0044 7917 032 764. 

Or visit https://www.zoozdrinks.com