There’s nothing like a Red Bull or Monster to get rid of drowsiness when you feel tired, right? But how dangerous are these energy drinks when consumed in excess?
Energy drinks contain high quantities of sugar, caffeine, and various other stimulants of which we are unaware. They can be dangerous to young minds and bodies due to their high caffeine levels.
According to an article published on Food For Mzansi’s sister publication, Health For Mzansi, learners and students are often not fully informed on the pros and cons of consuming energy drinks, thus believing that it will make them alert and have longer concentration periods.
A young learner, Junior Zikhali from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, says he is unaware of the dangers his regular consumption may possess. “I drink it to try and be active during the day. I consume about two energy drinks four to six times a week. I believe it is affecting me because it has become a norm, if I do not drink it, I do not feel like I can operate fully,” Zikhali explains.
There are some benefits
It’s not all bad though. There are some benefits according to fitness coach Bethany Tapp from Iowa in the United States.
She tells Health For Mzansi that energy drinks are beneficial for sports performance and physical activities. Some, she says, can be good for you as they contain a few B vitamins, while some have electrolytes that can help one stay hydrated.
Tapp, however, cautions that energy drinks contain stimulants that can be dangerous to your health.
Read the full article on www.healthformzansi.co.za
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Candice Khumalo.
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