The Truth About Energy Drinks: Are they Really Healthy?

by | Feb 15, 2023 | Health and Nutrition | 0 comments

There are so many different kinds of energy drinks on the market. How do you choose the healthiest ones?

Energy drinks are hugely popular with all types of people. They are formulated to taste great and give a boost of energy. Convenience and grocery stores are full of a wide range of energy drinks available in a rainbow of enticing colors and flavors. But are they safe? There is a big difference between the standard mainstream energy drink and a healthier yerba mate energy drink. Healthy energy drink consumption relies on the consumer to make smart choices and to drink them in moderation.

Avoid Unhealthy Ingredients

Just like most products on the market, not every energy drink is made of comparable ingredients. Some are definitely healthier than others. There are a few things that consumers should keep in mind when choosing energy drinks for daily consumption, including:

  1. Sugar Content

Make sure to check the sugar content on the label of any energy drink. Many brand-name energy drinks have the same or more sugar than regular sodas. Instead, choose a yerba mate energy drink that is sweetened with natural juices rather than one that is full of refined sugars.

  • Artificial Ingredients

Artificial sweeteners, unhealthy food dyes, and fake flavors are often on the ingredient lists of the best-selling energy drinks. Instead of ingesting these unhealthy ingredients, look for healthy alternatives that do not use artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. The natural flavors of the healthy ingredients should be enough to create a refreshing and delicious energy drink.

  • Caffeine content

While consumers are looking for some form of an energy boost when they purchase an energy drink, there is a limit between a healthy lift and too much caffeine. Watch out for energy drinks that include more than 90 mg of caffeine. Instead, choose a yerba mate energy drink that uses caffeine along with other healthy adaptogens to help their customers feel energized.

Possible Impacts of Consuming Too Many Bad Energy Drinks

There are a number of dangerous issues that can occur for those who drink too much of the wrong kinds of energy drinks. In fact, some sources state that there are over 20,000 emergency room visits each year in the U.S. that are linked to unhealthy consumption of energy drinks.

Caffeine content is certainly one of the most important things to watch when choosing a healthier energy drink. While some caffeine is safe, many of these drinks contain more caffeine than most people realize. Keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that adults should consume no more than a combined total of 400 mg of caffeine in a day. They also warn that adolescents should consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine each day. For individuals who drink two cups of coffee in the morning (which totals around 200 mg of caffeine) and then drinks a 16 ounce can of a high-caffeine energy drink, the combined total is the maximum recommend allowance for the day. Add on a second energy drink or an after-dinner cup of coffee and that person is over their limit.

Another danger with mainstream energy drinks is in the sugar content. Too much sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and even cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their sugar intake to 24 grams for women and 36 grams for men.

Benefits of Choosing Healthy Yerba Mate Energy Drinks

Luckily, there are healthier energy drinks to choose from. Look for beverages like yerba mate energy drinks that include a wide range of healthy juices, powerful adaptogens, and are low in refined sugar. These types of drinks are usually much more refreshing and delicious than their high-in-sugar and highly-processed counterparts.

Choose energy drinks that include natural adaptogens like Yanomami mushrooms, Suma root, acerola cherry, marapuama bark, green tea, yerba mate and guarana. These herbal additives help to gently boost energy, raise mood, improve focus, and reduce stress.

Overall, it is important to remember that energy drinks are not all created equally. It is important for consumers to check the labels and choose drinks that have reasonable amounts of caffeine, are low in refined sugar, and do not include artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. Look for a yerba mate energy drink that is healthy, refreshing, and revitalizing.