A quarter of a century ago, the first non-alcoholic tonic (energy) drink appeared on the European market. Over the past years, the number of brands of such drinks has exceeded a hundred; they are sold in 169 countries around the world, and sales are increasing by 17% per year, despite the high cost of the product. And against the backdrop of this wild popularity, in one country or another, the sale of tonic drinks is being demanded to be limited, or even banned altogether, although they contain neither alcohol nor drugs. Well, they didn't deserve to be banned, but they should be handled with care.
Four elements
Let's start with the fact that tonic drinks are not intended to quench thirst, but to maintain the physical and mental strength of a tired person who does not have the opportunity to rest. This task is as old as time. People have been cheering themselves up for a long time. The most common stimulant was caffeine. Its source in India and the Middle East was coffee; in China, India and Southeast Asia - tea; in America - the yerba mate plant, cocoa beans, guarana leaves and cola nuts. Other tonic plants were also used, including ginseng, eleutherococcus, and Rhodiola rosea. In medieval Japan, sweet energy drinks with ginseng extract were very popular. The first information about them appeared in the 18th century, and their industrial production began in the 20th century. These drinks are still very popular in Southeast Asia.
The appearance of energy drinks in Europe is associated with the name of the Austrian entrepreneur Dieter Mateschitz. In 1984, he became acquainted with Asian energy drinks, appreciated them and modernized them to suit European tastes. In 1987, the first non-alcoholic energy drink, Red Bull Energy Drink, appeared on the European market, carbonated and with less sugar than its Asian prototype. Then the American companies Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola released their brands of non-alcoholic energy drinks, and now there are much more manufacturers. The recipe for drinks varies, but they always include tonic components, amino acids, B vitamins and carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates, glucose and sucrose serve as sources of energy. Glucose in the body breaks down quickly, sucrose - a little longer. Carbohydrates also include a glucose derivative - glucuronolactone, which promotes the removal of metabolic products. Half a liter of energy drink contains about 54 grams of sugars, that is, a quarter cup. Responding to the demands of the times, most manufacturers are producing low-calorie tonic drinks without sugar, with artificial sweeteners, and energy drinks without an energy source have joined the list of such strange products as non-alcoholic beer and decaffeinated coffee.
B vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B6 and B12) improve cognitive function and stimulate metabolism. By participating in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, they contribute to the release of energy. A separate line on the list is inositol, or vitamin B8, which protects cell membranes from damage, stimulates mental activity, improves concentration and memory, reduces brain fatigue, and helps survive stress. Inositol is recommended to be taken during exams.
The main amino acids in energy drinks are L-carnitine and taurine. Carnitine is synthesized in the body and is involved in lipid (fat) metabolism. In addition, L-carnitine stimulates hematopoiesis, prevents the formation of blood clots, and helps restore strength after heavy physical exertion.
Taurine is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, its name comes from the Latin “taurus” - ox, because taurine was first isolated from bovine bile extract. This is a very common compound that is synthesized in the body of most mammals and is present there in significant quantities (in humans - 1 g per 1 kg of live weight). Taurine increases physical endurance and stress resistance, participates in the supply of hemoglobin to tissues, promotes the breakdown fatty acids and removal of harmful substances.
The main tonic component of the vast majority of energy drinks is the plant alkaloid caffeine. Caffeine gently stimulates the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, helps to concentrate, improves performance and increases endurance. Some energy drinks also contain other tonic ingredients, most often ginseng and eleutherococcus. Guarana extract, the main source of caffeine added to energy drinks, contains, in addition to caffeine, the alkaloids theobromine and theophylline.
The components of energy drinks are selected in such a way as to quickly release energy from sugars and a person’s own fat reserves and accelerate the elimination of metabolic products. Their combination should make drinking the drink as effective, enjoyable and safe as possible. Now we'll talk about safety.
As much as possible
Experts and the media most often pay attention to two components of energy drinks: caffeine and taurine. Taurine in small doses is not dangerous, it is even included in infant formula. An adult can safely consume 3 g of taurine daily, but it is unknown what will happen if more is taken regularly. Opponents of energy drinks especially emphasize this circumstance. However, the amount of taurine contained in the daily norm of energy drinks cannot affect health. However, people usually think about taurine when they get tired of criticizing caffeine.
According to most doctors, caffeine is the only component of non-alcoholic energy drinks whose consumption should be limited. The main complaint against it is unwanted side effects, we wrote about this. An adult can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day (this is contained in approximately 200 ml of espresso or about a liter of regular instant coffee).
During pregnancy, caffeine metabolism slows down, so its effects last longer. In addition, caffeine increases the tone of the uterus and constricts the placental vessels, which is harmful to the unborn child. Therefore, pregnant women should reduce their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg.. Even more stringent restrictions exist for children, whose nervous system is very sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Children 4-6 years old are allowed 45 mg of caffeine per day, 7-9 years old - 62.5 mg, children from 10 to 12 years old - 85 mg. The norm for adolescents over 13 years of age is 2.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. As a cardiovascular stimulant caffeine is definitely harmful for hypertensive patients.
A daily dose of 750-1000 mg leads to the development of caffeine addiction and withdrawal syndrome. It is expressed in the fact that people who have spent 12 to 24 hours without caffeine suffer from headaches, sometimes very severe, and complain of fatigue, drowsiness, bad mood, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and absent-mindedness.
In case of excessive consumption of energy drinks, caffeine poisoning is possible. In the United States alone, several dozen cases are reported annually. Symptoms of poisoning - nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, dizziness, tremors, high blood pressure, tachycardia - are well known, but they are easily confused with other anxiety disorders. Therefore, both the patient and doctors cannot always make the correct diagnosis.
To be fair, we note that not only fans of energy drinks, but also passionate coffee and tea lovers are at risk of caffeine poisoning. To avoid unfortunate consequences, we first need adequate labeling of products, which indicates the amount of caffeine and other ingredients. And in this regard, high-quality energy drinks are safer than coffee, because the can of the drink indicates how much caffeine it contains, but the cup of coffee does not.
The National Standard was introduced in 2007 Russian Federation“Non-alcoholic tonic drinks” - GOST R 52844-2007, which defines the requirements for the composition and labeling of the product. A working group of the non-profit organization “National Consumer Protection Fund”, the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, the All-Russian Research Institute of Brewing, Non-Alcoholic and Wine-Making Industry of the Russian Agricultural Academy and largest manufacturers non-alcoholic tonic drinks interested in ensuring that there are no complaints about their drinks: Red Bull LLC, PepsiCo Holdings LLC and Coca-Cola Export Corporation. The standard defines non-alcoholic tonic drinks as “non-alcoholic beverages special purpose containing caffeine and/or other tonic components in an amount sufficient to provide a tonic effect on the human body.” This amount is strictly defined: caffeine should be no less than 151 and no more than 400 mg/l. So Coca-Cola, with its 100-130 mg of caffeine per liter, does not belong to energy (tonic) drinks.
The standard also stipulates that non-alcoholic energy drinks must contain no more than two energizing ingredients, and all ingredients, their concentrations and sources of caffeine must be listed on the labels.
The standard also specifies daily norm drink consumption. In Russia, it is limited to 500 ml per day, that is, about 160 mg of caffeine, about the same as in a large mug of strong coffee. The packaging indicates how many cans you can drink per day. Energy drinks should not be sold in liter containers.
There are no restrictions on the sale of non-alcoholic energy drinks in our country; the consumer is protected only by labeling, which clearly indicates who can have these drinks and in what quantity, and who is not allowed. The literate will read, the intelligent will take note.
Some countries have adopted standards for daily caffeine consumption that are similar to those in Russia. In the UK and Canada, pregnant women are not allowed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day from all sources, adults - 400 mg. The set of international food standards of the EU countries, the Codex Alimentarius, does not provide for restrictions on the daily consumption of non-alcoholic energy drinks and the caffeine content in them. In fact, he doesn’t even classify energy drinks as a separate category, but classifies them as carbonated, flavored water-based drinks. In the United States, there are also no restrictions on the content or daily consumption of caffeine. So be careful with drinks produced for the American market by a little-known company: one can can contain up to 500 mg of caffeine, which exceeds the safe daily intake, and sometimes the caffeine concentration is not specified at all.
Who needs it
The national standard defines non-alcoholic tonic (energy) drinks as specialty drinks. Their intended consumers are truck drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel; people who work around the clock; students who, on the last night before an exam, try to learn everything they've been taught all semester. One serving (250 ml, 80 mg of caffeine) eliminates drowsiness, increases attention and reaction speed, and increases endurance. In many situations, an energy drink is more convenient to drink than coffee because it is not hot.
Many studies have been devoted to the effectiveness of energy drinks. They are often funded by manufacturers who are eager to prove that their caffeine solution is as good as any other.
Energy drinks help students by increasing their nighttime performance: they banish drowsiness, improve concentration and memory, and reduce reaction time. A serving of energy drink increases endurance, blood pumping volume and oxygen consumption by 8-10%. This reaction is within the physiological norm, but considering that in modern sports competitions the participants are separated by centimeters or fractions of a second, the effect is noticeable. Until recently, caffeine was on the list of doping substances; the International Olympic Committee removed it just a few years ago.
What's not written on the label
In general, energy drinks have proven to be effective and are readily consumed. And they even think that the more they drink, the better results they will achieve. Now is the time to remember that caffeine consumption must be limited. This task rests entirely with the consumer, since there are no official restrictions on the sale of non-alcoholic energy drinks. However, there are situations when even the most responsible and informed consumer will not avoid an overdose.
Let's imagine a student who has to study all night and also figure something out in the morning during an exam. The daily allowed dose of energy drink will not be enough for him. By one o'clock in the morning he gets tired and drinks the first can of energy drink, let's say the smallest one - 80 mg of caffeine. The drink lasts for two to three hours, and no later than four in the morning our student drinks the second portion, at seven o’clock the third, and before the exam the fourth. Five hundred milliliters, a dose that is safe for daily consumption, is doubled. For healthy person a one-time overdose will pass without a trace. However, we must keep in mind that after the tonic effect comes fatigue, lethargy, and decreased ability to work. This is a natural physiological response to any stimulant, not just caffeine. And the larger the dose of the stimulant, the stronger and longer its inhibitory effect will be.
A person who cheered himself up with energy drinks all night will be completely defeated in the morning. He will need rest, and let him provide it for himself, and not go to celebrate the successful completion of the exam by drinking another jar of tonic. Unfortunately, the labeling does not warn about this, which is a pity, because there are people for whom night vigils are a way of life. They drink energy drinks so they can stay out all night or play games. computer games. They have no time to sleep during the day - they need to work or study. So they invigorate themselves all day with strong tea, coffee or an energy drink in order to survive until the evening and sit down at the computer, and then complain of tachycardia and chest pain. Or, half asleep, they cross the road without looking both ways. But are energy drinks to blame?
In 2007, 28-year-old English motorcycle racer Matthew Penbross made a splash around the world. He drank four cans of energy drink daily, despite frequent complaints of chest pain. Energy drinks replaced food for him; due to work, Matthew did not have time to eat. And so, having already undermined his health, this poor fellow, during long, important races, drank eight cans of energy drink, 80 mg of caffeine each, in five hours, and his heart could not stand it - it stopped. The doctors were nearby and young man managed to save. When he was strong enough to make statements, he filed claims against the labeling. Yes, he read on the can that you can drink no more than a certain amount, but no one warned that an overdose could be fatal.
The jar is small, the label is even smaller. Warnings for all occasions simply won’t fit there, and the likelihood that energy drinks will be released with an accompanying brochure is extremely low. Therefore, let’s formulate a few more simple rules, which do not fit on the label.
- An energy drink does not replace food and sleep, it only helps you survive in an emergency, and then you need to eat and rest. You cannot regularly use energy drinks to keep you awake at night, otherwise you will upset the person. nervous system and will develop tachycardia. You need to drink the drink in small portions, 250 ml, no more than once every three to four hours.
- You shouldn't go to the other extreme, trying to cheer yourself up with a tiny amount of caffeine. If the dose of a stimulant is insufficient, it will not have a tonic effect, but it will certainly have a depressant effect. This old rule is confirmed by recent research conducted at Loughborough University (Human Psychopharmacology, 2006, 21, 299-303). Sleep-deprived participants were offered an "energy drink" containing only 30 mg of caffeine or a decaffeinated placebo of the same flavor. The stimulant could not overcome drowsiness, and people who drank it reacted more slowly and made more mistakes on control tasks than participants in the experiment who received a placebo.
With or without alcohol?
There are two complaints about drinks containing caffeine. We have just discussed one of them, the danger of overdose. The second problem is the combined consumption of energy drinks and alcohol. They dilute alcohol with energy drinks for taste, like other soft drinks, or drink it specifically to drink more alcohol, believing that caffeine reduces the effect of intoxication. Some manufacturers are targeting fans of a fun nightlife, and not crams and professional drivers, as evidenced by the names of their energy drinks with the words “gorilla”, “sex” and “cocaine”.
Energy drinks with added alcohol have even appeared on the Russian market, and in the United States - alcoholic drinks containing caffeine and some other ingredients that are usually found in non-alcoholic tonic drinks (for example, taurine and B vitamins). Both options should be classified as alcoholic drinks, not tonics. Large companies producing non-alcoholic energy drinks do not promote the combined consumption of their products with alcohol.
Caffeine does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body. A non-alcoholic energy drink or coffee actually alleviates some of the signs of intoxication: headaches, dry mouth and poor coordination. However, other symptoms, such as changes in gait, deterioration in vision and diction, as well as the ability to drive, are not affected by the addition of energy drink.
According to studies conducted in many countries, students who drink alcoholic mixtures with energy drinks are more likely to have accidents and other unpleasant incidents than those who consume undiluted alcohol.
Experts from Utrecht University, the University of Vienna and the University of the West of England analyzed a large amount of scientific literature on the combined use of caffeine with alcoholic beverages and concluded that energy drinks do not affect the amount of alcohol consumed (“Drug and Alcohol Dependence”, 2009, 99 ( 1-3), 1-10). If we were talking about experiments on mice, when one group is given energy drinks, the other a placebo, and then they watch how much they drink vodka and how they then behave in a maze, one could talk about the effect of the drink on alcohol consumption and behavior.
But with people the situation is different, they themselves decide what to drink, and the choice depends on the personality of the drinker. According to data collected by researchers, people who mix alcohol with energy drinks are choosing a risky lifestyle with booze and drugs. They love thrills, are aggressive, and tend to break rules. traffic, so they often end up in all sorts of unpleasant situations. So all the problems are associated with excessive alcohol consumption, and not with energy drinks. From a scientific point of view, there is nothing wrong with mixing non-alcoholic tonic drinks with alcohol, provided, of course, that consumers are clearly aware of the amount of pure alcohol they drink and know their limit.
Health
Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of energy drinks, many continue to drink them, especially young and middle-aged people.
Millions of students and workaholics around the world consume energy drinks or caffeine mixed with alcoholic drink to increase your performance.
But what actually happens to our body when we drink such a drink?
Here is a step-by-step guide explaining the changes in our body, starting from the first 10 minutes and ending with 12 days after drinking just one can of this drink.
It is worth noting that studies have proven that energy drinks, as well as alcoholic drinks, have the same effect on the adolescent brain as the most powerful drugs.
The harm of energy drinks
© Mauro-Matacchione/Getty Images
The first 10 minutes after drinking one can of energy drink
Caffeine begins to penetrate the blood.
Heart rate and blood pressure begin to increase.
In 15-45 minutes
If you drink the drink quickly, after 15 minutes you will feel more alert and more concentrated. But if you drink the drink slowly, this effect will occur in about 40 minutes.
In 30-50 minutes
Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and as a result, your liver releases large amounts of sugar into your blood. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked and you no longer feel sleepy.
Blood sugar levels spike, causing a spike in insulin. The liver responds to this by converting sugar into fat.
In 1 hour
Your body begins to feel a sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You quickly run out of energy and you begin to feel very tired.
An hour after drinking the drink, you will want to go to the toilet, and you will get rid of the water that was in the drink. This water was enriched with valuable nutrients, but instead of using them for their intended purpose, these substances came out along with the water.
Impact of Energy Drinks
© cyano66/Getty Images
In 5-6 hours
During this time, the amount of caffeine in the body decreased by half. For women taking birth control pills, this period can be up to 10 hours.
In 12 hours
During this time, the human body completely gets rid of caffeine in the blood. Still, the speed of caffeine cleansing depends on many factors, from age to physical activity.
After 12-24 hours
Withdrawal begins. About a day after drinking the energy drink, an unpleasant surprise awaits you. If a person often drinks such a drink, then during this period he begins to feel lethargic, exhausted, headaches and constipation appear.
In 7-12 days
Studies have shown that by this time the body becomes more resistant to regular consumption of a certain dose of caffeine. This means that you will no longer experience the same unpleasant feelings to the same extent.
Read also:
Non-alcoholic energy drinks
© spfdigital/Getty Images
Today, anyone can buy a sweet non-alcoholic energy drink, even a schoolchild. While teenagers and older people continue to drink energy drinks and end up in the hospital, advertising continues to talk about how this or that drink invigorates and inspires.
Doctors in many countries, including Russia, have long been warning about the dangers of such drinks, that energy drinks cause problems with the cardiovascular system, potency, can cause insomnia and quickly deplete the body’s energy reserves.
Well, if you mix such a drink with alcohol, the situation gets even worse. This mixture can cause heart rhythm disturbances, cause seizures, and even lead to kidney failure. It is worth noting that deaths have been repeatedly recorded after consuming energy drinks with alcohol.
Relative benefits of energy drinks
© HandmadePictures/Getty Images Pro
1. For a short period of time, a person receives a boost of vigor and energy.
2. It is possible to choose a drink with a high concentration of caffeine or with a large amount of vitamins and carbohydrates. The former help cope with drowsiness, and the latter increase the level of endurance during physical activity.
3. The vitamins in such drinks can stimulate vital processes in the human body, and glucose can quickly enter the bloodstream and provide energy to the muscles and brain.
4. Thanks to its convenient packaging, energy drinks can be taken with you anywhere and consumed almost anywhere. For some, they can replace a cup of coffee.
5. Most 8-ounce cans of the energy drink contain 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than the 400 milligram limit recommended by doctors. Coffee may contain more caffeine than an energy drink (about 300 milligrams on average).
Why are energy drinks harmful?
© HandmadePictures/Getty Images
1. Drinking more than 2 cans of energy drink per day can significantly increase your blood pressure and may also increase your blood sugar levels. The result is hypertension and diabetes.
2. Since deaths after consuming energy drinks have been officially recorded in Europe, in some countries they can only be purchased in pharmacies.
3. The vitamins contained in energy drinks do not form a balanced complex.
4. If a person suffers from a disease of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, pancreas or liver, then consuming energy drinks will only worsen the situation. The same applies to those who are predisposed to the above diseases.
5. The energy drink itself does not provide energy, but opens the channels of the body where internal resources are contained. As a result of using energy reserves, the body is depleted, a person may experience nervous overexcitation, and with frequent use, fatigue increases, insomnia, irritability appear, a person is more prone to nervous breakdowns and depression.
6. With regular consumption of energy drinks, the body gets used to caffeine and over time asks for a larger dose, and a large dose of caffeine depletes the body and encourages frequent urination, and this in turn removes salts from the body (in a fairly large volume).
7. A large concentration of B vitamins can lead to disruption of the nervous system, increase heart rate, lead to tremors in the limbs and greatly weaken the body.
8. The dose of amino acids taurine and glucuronolactone in one can of energy drink exceeds the daily norm by 500 times. And if you consider that they are consumed together with caffeine, then such a mixture can lead to severe exhaustion of the human nervous system.
9. Caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks irritate the stomach lining, which means your risk of developing stomach ulcers and gastritis increases.
10. Energy drinks are high in sugar, which means high in calories. Caffeine, as a stimulant, can cause anxiety, nausea, dehydration and increased heart rate.
11. Between 2007 and 2014, in the US alone, the number of people hospitalized due to energy drink use doubled. These data were shared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Composition of energy drinks
© Stockbyte/Getty Images
There are also extracts of guarana, tea or mate, which also contain caffeine.
Sometimes the manufacturer calls caffeine differently: mateine or theine, but in fact it is the same caffeine.
Other stimulants, such as theobromine and theophylline, which are homologues of the same caffeine.
* Carnitine.
This component promotes the rapid oxidation of fatty acids. This means that it enhances the overall metabolism in our body. As a result, a person’s level of muscle fatigue decreases.
* Taurine.
Some believe that this component of energy drinks, as it accumulates in muscle tissue, leads to improved muscle (and heart) function. However, medical experts claim that taurine has absolutely no effect on muscles. Despite this, in one can of energy drink its volume can range from 400 to 1000 mg. This begs the question: why is it needed then?
* There are also vitamins (in particular B vitamins), such as carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose).
It is worth noting that the body needs B vitamins, and if you are deficient in them, your body will tell you about it. But an excess of these vitamins (which an energy drink can provide) can hardly be considered beneficial for a person.
Energy drinks are a relatively recent invention of mankind. Although their components have been used as invigorating agents since centuries before the invention of aluminum cans. It seems that the invention of energy tonics is a panacea for students during the session, workers on deadline days, fitness athletes going for a record, tired drivers and nightclub visitors and everyone who is very tired, but must continue to be in a cheerful state of mind and body. Drink a jar - and you no longer nod off, but can continue again and again...
Manufacturers claim that their drinks bring only benefits and produce more and more new varieties. If everything is so rosy, why did legislators try to issue a law limiting the distribution of the miracle drink? Let's figure it out.
Caffeine. All energy drinks without exception contain it. Acts as a stimulant: 100 mg of caffeine stimulates mental activity, 238 mg increases cardiovascular endurance. To get this effect, you need to drink at least three cans, but energy drink manufacturers recommend drinking no more than 1-2 cans per day.
Taurine. One jar on average contains from 400 to 1000 mg of taurine. This is an amino acid that accumulates in muscle tissue. It is believed that it improves the functioning of the heart muscle. However, in lately Among doctors, opinions have emerged that taurine has no effect on the human body at all.
Carnitine. It is a component of human cells that promotes the rapid oxidation of fatty acids. Carnitine increases metabolism and reduces muscle fatigue.
Guarana and ginseng. Medicinal plants with tonic properties. Guarana leaves are used in medicine: they remove lactic acid from muscle tissue, reducing pain during physical activity, prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis and cleanse the liver. Doctors, however, believe that the stimulating properties attributed to guarana and ginseng have not been confirmed by research.
B vitamins. Necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain in particular. The body may feel their deficiency, but increasing the dose will not improve your performance, mental abilities or something else, as energy drink manufacturers try to convince you.
Melatonin. Contained in the body and is responsible for the daily rhythm of a person.
Matein. A substance that is part of the South American green tea mate. Evergreen tree extract Ilex Paraguarensis helps cope with hunger and promotes weight loss.
Facts "Pro"
— If you just need to cheer yourself up or activate your brain, energy drinks are great for these purposes.
- You can find a drink that suits your needs. Energy tonics are divided into groups for people with different needs: some contain more caffeine, others contain vitamins and carbohydrates. “Coffee” drinks are suitable for inveterate workaholics and students who work or study at night, while “vitamin-carbohydrate” drinks are suitable for active people who prefer to spend their free time in the gym.
— Energy drinks contain a complex of vitamins and glucose. There is no need to talk about the benefits of vitamins. Glucose is quickly absorbed into the blood, is included in oxidative processes and delivers energy to the muscles, brain and other vital organs.
— The effect of drinking coffee lasts 1-2 hours, from energy drinks - 3-4. In addition, almost all energy drinks are carbonated, which speeds up their impact - this is the third difference from coffee.
— The packaging allows you to consume energy drinks in any situation (dance floor, car), which is not always possible with coffee or tea.
Facts against:
— Drinks can be consumed in strictly dosed quantities. Maximum - 2 cans per day. Drinking more than normal may result in a significant increase in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
— In France, Denmark and Norway, “energy drinks” are prohibited for sale in grocery stores; they are sold only in pharmacies, as they are considered a medicine. And recently, Swedish authorities began investigating the deaths of three people allegedly caused by drinking energy drinks.
— The vitamins contained in energy tonics cannot replace a multivitamin complex.
— People with blood pressure or heart problems should avoid these drinks.
— The opinion that tonic saturates with energy is absolutely unjustified. The contents of the jar, like a key, open the door to the body's internal reserves. In other words, the jar does not give energy, it sucks it out of you. A person uses his own resources, or, more simply, borrows them from himself. The debt, of course, sooner or later has to be repaid, paying with fatigue, insomnia, irritability and depression.
— Energy drinks, like a drink containing sugar and caffeine, are unsafe for a young body.
- Many energy drinks contain large quantities vitamin B, which can cause rapid heartbeat and trembling in the arms and legs.
— Fitness enthusiasts should remember that caffeine is a good diuretic. This means that you cannot drink the drink after a workout, during which we lose water.
— In case of overdose, side effects are possible: tachycardia, psychomotor agitation, nervousness, depression.
— Tonics contain taurine and glucuronolactone. The taurine content is several times higher than in all other products; the amount of glucuronolactone contained in two jars can be almost 500 times (!) the daily dose of this substance. How these components work in such doses in our body is unknown even to scientists. It is unclear how they interact with caffeine. That is why experts from the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Union officially state that the safety of using taurine and glucuronolactone in such doses has not been established and further studies are required.
As you can see, there are more arguments against than arguments for. And yet, it is quite possible that there may come a time in your life (hopefully a one-time event) when you feel the need to drink a can of energy drink. In this case, read the rules for using tonics to help you avoid harming your beloved body.
Rules of use
— Do not exceed the daily dose of caffeine - this is about two cans of the average energy drink. Taking more than two cans in a row can be harmful to your health: the body’s resources have already been exhausted, and therefore, instead of the desired effect, you will feel side effects.
— After the effect of the energy drink ends, the body needs rest to restore resources.
— Do not drink drinks after exercise - both increase blood pressure.
— Drinks should absolutely not be consumed by pregnant women, children and adolescents, the elderly, those with hypertension, or illnesses. cardiovascular system, glaucoma, sleep disturbances, increased excitability and sensitivity to caffeine.
Caffeine is removed from the blood after 3-5 hours, and even then by half. Therefore, you cannot mix tonics and other caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea) during this time - you may greatly exceed the permissible dose.
— Many drinks are very high in calories. If you drink energy drinks at the gym, drink them only before your workout. If your plans are only to restore strength, but you do not intend to lose weight, you can use such tonics both before and after classes.
— You cannot mix tonics with alcohol (as, for example, visitors to nightclubs often do). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and when combined with alcohol, its effect is greatly enhanced. As a result, a person can easily experience a hypertensive crisis.
Health and medical experts say that tonics are nothing more than fortified coffee substitutes, only more dangerous to health. And fruit juices and glucose, contained in many foods, can lift our spirit to the same heights. So it’s up to you to decide whether to use tonics or not. But now we have a reason to drink a cup of coffee with your favorite chocolate (instead of tonic) without remorse!
Initially, the formulation of energy drinks was developed by pharmacists.
In Britain, energy drinks helped (and very successfully) people during recovery from illness.
In Asia, night shift workers were kept alert and clear-headed. Our deadline is the best stimulator of work, and the prudent Japanese know how much the timing and quality of production depend on the condition of the employee.
You can understand how an energy drink works by looking at its composition. All components tone the nervous system and increase blood flow, increasing the body's performance, and prevent sleep.
Of course, all components mutually reinforce each other, but they can be divided into three subgroups according to their dominant effect.
Effect No. 1: a surge of vigor
Thanks to the tonic components, “energotonics” remove all obstacles, and we overcome fatigue.
Alkaloids (they are the ones that charge the body):
Caffeine is the main component of coffee, tea, and mate. Most “energy drinks” contain 150-320 mg/l. Speeds up the heart and stimulates the nervous system, increases performance and endurance
Theobromine and theophylline, which is similar in action, stimulate cardiac activity
Extracts of plants and herbs - guarana, mate, ginseng - are gentle accelerators for our body. Absorbed gradually and increases vitality, accelerate fat burning.
These are natural sources of caffeine, which is why they predominate in the composition of RAY JUST ENERGY.
Effect No. 2: concentration of attention
Caffeine simultaneously fights physical and mental fatigue. Other components charge our brain.
Amino acids:
Taurine is familiar to those who use sports nutrition. Stimulates nervous activity and brain function, improves reaction and coordination of movements
Glucuronolactone helps the body eliminate toxic metabolic products
L-glutamine is a source of energy for the brain, activates memory
But RAY JUST ENERGY does not contain these components, because their effect on humans has not been fully studied.
It contains natural brain activators - vitamins (B6, B7, B12). By themselves, they do not increase tone, but in combination with antioxidants they promote a surge of strength and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
Effect No. 3: taste and thirst quenching
Modern “energy drinks” have acquired one more property - taste. It is affected by water quality, the presence of flavoring additives and sugar.
Most "energy tonics" are carbonated. Due to carbon dioxide, they begin to act faster and are more reminiscent of the usual sweet water.
Maltodextrin (molasses) increases the energy value of the drink and sweetens it.
Flavoring additives add variety. RAY JUST ENERGY has 3 interesting combinations for lovers of new products:
Classic without additives
. strawberries+grapes+acai berries
. lemon+lime+mint
Do they help you cheer up? In my own way. Rather, the play of tastes is exciting and refreshing.
Energy time out
1-2 hours - that’s how long the “energetic energy” works. The maximum effect occurs after 60 minutes. You feel a surge of energy, and then its effect slowly fades away.
How an energy drink works depends on its quality. If cheap substitutes are used instead of natural ingredients, the result is weak and the benefits are questionable. And some of them are even harmful.
Avoid these items:
Glucuronolactone (the effect of high doses has not been studied)
. taurine (proven to not have the expected tonic effect)
. Acesulfame and saccharin (artificial sweeteners with carcinogenic effects)
. chemical dyes and preservatives
RAY JUST ENERGY consists only of natural ingredients that are much stronger and healthier for the body than their substitutes.
In any case, after a surge of strength, the body needs rest. The natural sequence of excitation - depression must be restored. Therefore, for 3-5 hours you should not drink coffee, tea and sweet waters with caffeine like cola.
Take a time out. Relax and get ready to achieve new, even greater results. And RAY JUST ENERGY will always help.
Quickly recharging your energy and almost instantly getting a powerful boost of energy for several hours is quite convenient and even tempting. However, every action must have a downside, and it’s not always as rosy and attractive.
We have been hearing for many years about the miraculous effects of energy drinks on various areas of perception, but we have not thought at all about what consequences these “magic” drinks can bestow on our body.
Origin and original composition of energy drinks
Even in ancient times, there was information about the miraculous effects of various elixirs and herbal infusions, helping to stay awake for a long time and feel full of strength. At the same time, the harm from such drinks was minimal - largely due to the natural origin and environmental friendliness of the components.
The first energy composition appeared in England and was launched into mass sale under the name “Lukozade”. The second producing country was Japan, which is now rightfully considered the leader in the production of such products.
Modern energy drinks have appeared relatively recently, and all manufacturers of original products of this type unanimously speak about the complete safety of their creations. At the same time, it is worth considering to what extent individual components can be harmless or, conversely, make a negative contribution to the life of various organs.
Energy Drink Ingredients
The components of energy drinks from different manufacturers are almost the same, at least the main ones are the same. The main components of the energy elixirs of our time are:
- Taurine. The synthesis of the substance occurs in the gall bladder, participating in a number of metabolic processes and improving cell nutrition. It is considered harmless in small quantities, but not in those in which it can be used as part of modern energy drinks.
- Caffeine. Can be replaced by theine or mateine. Mainly serves to enhance mental and physical performance, enhancing reaction and memory. At the same time, the pulse rate increases, the level of blood pressure (BP) increases, and in many cases arrhythmia may develop.
- Theobromine. Quite a strong stimulant.
- Melatonin. Provides the level of vital functions, activity, and circadian rhythm of a person.
- Vitamins and glucose.
It can also be noted that energy drinks are highly carbonated drinks containing carbonic acid. Thanks to it, the components included in the drinks are absorbed much faster, and the desired effect is achieved quite quickly. By law, manufacturers indicate on the labels or containers the exact composition of the drink they produce, as well as the safe amount of the product for consumption.
To drink or not to drink? That's the question!
The benefits of drinking energy drinks seem to be significant, but at the same time, the effect is temporary - with a duration depending on the specific product and its composition. The most harmless and even useful components of drinks are glucose and various vitamins, as well as carbohydrates. Even many famous athletes do not hide their preferences for energy drinks.
But constant research tirelessly confirms the negative, extremely negative impact on individual areas and the body as a whole. The excited, often euphoric state of a person after drinking energy drinks is replaced by even greater fatigue, insomnia and nervous irritation.
A number of proven factors are considered clear indicators that an energy drink is extremely harmful. The main ones include:
- Rapid increase in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- The effect is addictive and can significantly deplete the nervous system.
- The presence of multiple side effects in case of overdose, of which the most unpleasant are depression, cardiac dysfunction, and psychomotor overexcitation.
- High calorie drink.
The dark side of the coin - why are energy drinks harmful?
It is also worth considering the point that many representatives of modern youth simply do not pay attention to when they consume energy drinks excessively. It is highly undesirable to mix energy drinks with alcohol or drinks containing caffeine. Such abuse can lead to the most unpleasant consequences, so you need to think about what and at what time you can use the energy drink.
In addition, energy drinks in any form or quantity are absolutely contraindicated for certain groups of people: pregnant women, teenagers, children, the elderly, as well as people susceptible to various heart or chronic diseases. You should not drink energy drinks while undergoing medical intervention or taking medications.
Among the lesser evils that can result from the abuse of energy drinks is the disorder acid-base balance in the mouth and destruction of tooth enamel. And in some cases, the occurrence of allergic reactions could be observed.
Therefore, the debate about whether modern energy drinks are beneficial or harmful continues to this day, without ever coming to a common denominator. At the same time, it should be noted unequivocally and irrevocably: energy drinks can only be consumed in small doses, not too often, and only for those people who have no obvious contraindications.
