Energy Drinks Impacts Discussion and Responses

 

 

After completing the Nutrition Lesson, you probably have a good understanding of how fats and excess carbohydrates can contribute to higher fat deposits and a higher BMI. But what about beverages, specifically, so called “Energy Drinks”? Please do some on line research into “Energy Drinks” and post your thoughts and feelings regarding their impact on the health of our society. Do you think they are acceptable, maybe in moderation, maybe as a supplement to water, or maybe not at all?

Your response in the discussion board should be at least 200 words. When you respond to another student please use at least three complete, sentences with punctuation and grammar. Please make sure your responses are appropriate. In addition to your response, give a thoughtful response to two of your classmates answers. (3 Total)

reply to LaTania

Energy Drinks

The energy drink industry has grown dramatically over the past 20 years, culminating in nearly $10 billion per year industry. I realize that some people use the energy drinks as a booster to get them through the day; however, some people consume multiple cans a day. It may not seem like a problem at the time, but it is worrisome to me. There were people I work with that drank 5 to 6 a day and then they are running around work unable to concentrate. There is also a growing concern with people having energy drinks along with alcohol. Energy drinks can mass the signs of alcohol inebriation, enabling individual to consume more. This is a very dangerous situation.

Too many energy drinks can cause heart, kidney, and dental problems, as well as risk-seeking behavior and poor mental health per Dr. Josimer Mattei, Assistant Professor of Nutrition based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. Most energy drinks include water, sugar, caffeine, certain vitamins, minerals, non-nutritive stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and ginseng. Some contain 100 mg caffeine per fluid ounce, which is eight times more than regular coffee at 12 mg according to Science News. Based on this information, I think energy drinks should be limited to avoid harm to your health or possibly none. We all need to be careful about what we put in our bodies. Remember, we are what we eat and drink.

reply to Jennifer

DB – Energy Drinks

Who hasn’t turned to Red Bull or NOS when they need a quick pick up? Energy drinks certainly provide a quick boost of energy, but do they have a place in one’s diet? That is a question that only the individual can answer. Of course, there are some pros to consider. That burst of energy is usually fueled by caffeine and some B vitamins, as well as a few other nutrients. From my perspective, that is better than a soda. Then one has to consider the downside of energy drinks. One energy drink typically has 8-10 teaspoons in a serving. While on par with a soda, most cans are actually 2 servings, which is a lot of sugar. From there we all know the insulin response that happens. Paired with the caffeine crash, and that spells headache, literally. Lastly, there are the implications of too much caffeine, blood pressure, and inability/non-restful sleep.

At the end of the day, energy drinks seem to be like sodas with a little enhancement. Do they have a place in the diet scheme? I’d have to say that there place is in the same category as soda, which is ultimately a highly processed food. The fact that vitamins paired with so much sugar, renders a reduced value in my opinion. What one does with it from there is up to them, but it certainly makes one think a little more before having that tasty peach Red Bull.