Why You Should Avoid Drinking Energy Drinks

Do you start your day off with an energy drink? Millions of Americans prefer energy drinks over coffee. But while they both contain caffeine, energy drinks are typically packed with other ingredients, some of which can take a toll on your health. A new study has even found a direct correlation between the consumption of energy drinks and chronic disease.

Energy Drinks and Your Health

According to a study cited by WebMD, people who highly caffeinated energy drinks on a regular basis are more likely to develop heart and stomach problems than their counterparts who avoid these beverages. With heart disease already being ranked as the leading cause of death in the United States, this is concerning to say the least. Unfortunately, most people who drink these beverages don't realize the dangers they pose to their health.

When speaking about the findings, the study's lead author and researcher explained that energy drinks force the heart to work overtime, which means less oxygen for this vital organ and, subsequently, an increased risk of heart disease.

"It's more work for the heart and less oxygen supply for the heart. This could explain why there have been cases where kids have had a cardiac arrest after an energy drink," said the study's lead author and researcher.

About the Study

The study linking the consumption of energy drinks to heart and stomach problems was relatively small, consisting of just 44 young adults, all of whom were in their 20s. For the study, researchers asked participants to drink a 24-ounce serving of a popular energy drink. Researchers tested participants' cellular function both before and after the consumption of the energy drink. So, what did they discover? Researchers found that within 90 minutes of drinking the energy drink, participants' blood vessels had constricted, thereby reducing blood flow and potentially harming their heart.

What to Drink Instead

Energy drinks aren't the only beverage that will provide you with a quick pick-me-up in the morning. Coffee is just effective for this purpose if not more effective. And unlike energy drinks, coffee doesn't have the same detrimental effect on your heart and stomach. In fact, research has shown that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are less likely to develop heart disease than their non-coffee-drinking counterparts.

The bottom line is that you should think twice before starting your day with an energy drink. Even if it "wakes you up," it could harm your heart and stomach health.