Energy Drinks – Are they good for you?
I’ve known about energy drinks since the mid 1990’s when Red Bull commercials seemed to be on every tv ad. I’ve never really been that interested in the drink to want to try one as I felt that the energy spike you’d get from drinking it was just a short term fix. And, after watching a documentary last night on television I’m glad I didn’t. Click here to view the video. Health Canada says energy drinks are for adults only and yet one in three teenagers drink these energy drinks on a regular basis. They can be found anywhere you buy beverages, right beside the pop, juices and sports drinks. A study done at The University of Adelaide in Australia included 50 healthy young adults consuming sugar-free energy drinks. Tests were done and found that the profile of these young adults changed to that of cardiovascular problems associated with seniors, such as blood clots in the coronary arteries, heart disease and heart attacks. Other studies linked to health risks to energy drinks are increasing. There’s one showing an increase in blood pressure after consuming an energy drink; another linking the drinks to seizures; and one linking them to high risk behavior in youth. Caffeine can increase anxiety, panic, some stomach problems, and some cardiac arrhythmias.
It is said that anywhere between 200-300 milligrams of caffeine (about 3 cups a day) has little effect on the average adult. On the other hand, push 600 milligrams and you could experience the side effects many have reported including nausea, insomnia, heart arrhythmia, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, muscle tremors and headaches. People don’t sip energy drinks slowly like they do their piping hot coffee. And they don’t drink one over the course of an hour like they do their coffee either. Many people, young people especially, chase one can with another and chase that one with yet another. Plus you have those who mix the energy drinks with alcohol…a recipe for disaster!
Energy drinks should never be consumed by children as their nervous system is still developing.
The solution? Focus on low-glycemic foods (because they release energy slowly) that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in excess fats. Iron is also very important because it produces red blood cells that carry blood to exercising muscles. A first step is to eliminate “quick-fix” foods that contain simplex carbohydrate foods, like candy bars and soft drinks, which spike your energy level before it plunges quickly. By adding the following foods into your diet, you will notice an increase in energy.
Green vegetables – B vitamins, magnesium and iron can be found in all green veggies with broccoli, spinach and asparagus being the leaders. The constant intake of green vegetable in a raw or steamed form guarantees a high amount of healthy energy.
Whole grains such as whole grain breads, pasta and rice (high in fibre which can help slow the breakdown and absorption of sugar) and complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants similar to those in fruits and vegetables.
Whole cereals – responsible for an energetic start of the day. The carbohydrates and sugar in them is released gradually during digestion and that is how this energy boost can help a person stay sharp and still be responsible with their diet. The cereals are also an important source of B vitamins and are responsible for a good functioning of the spleen, the body’s energy battery.
Salmon – high in protein, and its high concentration of omega-3 fats and B vitamins can boost your cardiovascular health.
Beans – packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Add them to soups, burritos, pastas, and dip spread.
Dried fruits for snacking – high-energy, low-fat snacks are easy to pack and almost never go bad (apricots, figs, raisins)
Almonds – Ounce-for-ounce, this is the most nutrient-dense nut. Research has shown that adding two ounces of almonds to your daily diet increases your intake of vitamin-E and magnesium.
Yogurt – One cup of low-fat yogurt contains almost 13 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates-just what you need for great energy.
Parsley leaves – more vitamin C than the citrus fruit. As unbelievable as it may seem introducing them in a person’s diet boosts up the level of cell regeneration and helps the body get more energy.
Fruits – fruits are a food group that guarantees an energy intake due to the fructose level and the vitamins they all carry. The most energizing fruit are grapes, peaches and citrus fruit dew to their high fructose content. Fruit juice (unless homemade) gives energy but because of the sugar addition, after the sugar rush it produces, the energy disappears very fast.
Green Tea – source of antioxidants and an important resource of energy for the entire body. Green tea remains one of the top nutrition elements in providing energy.
The Culinary Chase’s Note: Start the day off right with a breakfast as it’s fuel to get you going in the morning. If you start to feel sluggish or tired mid afternoon, think about what you ate up until that point. Were you short on vegetables or fruit? Click here to view Dr. Weil’s food pyramid.
You are absolutely correct. Caffeine is an antidote for sleepiness, and should be viewed and used as the powerful drug it is. Caffeine is not for children. If we lived closer to a healthy life, we adults wouldn’t need caffeine either. In addition, the aspartame used to sweeten energy, vitamin, and soft drinks is metabolized into methyl alcohol in the body, causing blindness, seizures, joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and death. All these poisons are perfectly legal and permitted by the FDA in the US. Money talks.
Agree! We’ve become a society of instant gratification.
Will check out the video – on big nights out (rare ish) I go for the red bull because it allows me to stay up all night but otherwise I avoid it. I knew a guy at school who drank 3-4 a day and the doctor actually said if you don’t stop you will do yourself some serious damage. He took note and told us all that so I do know the consequences but thanks for sharing…xxx