The debate about energy drinks has been going on for a dozen years. Several years ago, they even tried to “reason with” the popularity of power engineering specialists: the chief state sanitary doctor proposed introducing restrictions on the production and sale of energy drinks. The main argument against them was a substantial one: "energy drinks" are absolutely incompatible with alcohol, since the drinks contain caffeine, which is in some way a psychostimulant.

Doctors have other complaints about the “power engineers” as well. Some experts argue that for some potential patients in drug addiction hospitals, these drinks can become the first step to the use of psychostimulants. More specifically - to drugs of psychostimulating action. Perhaps there is a reason for such fears.

The composition of the drinks itself is also of concern. Usually, in addition to caffeine, they include the amino acid taurine, which promotes nervous excitement, glucose, and vitamin B. How these components together, even without alcohol, affect the human body is still little understood. Stimulate human activity for a while? Without a doubt! And then what? Prostration.

“It is no coincidence that in some European countries energetic drinks you will not find it on free sale, say the skeptics. - Only in pharmacies! Anything that is little studied should not be widely available. "

So drink or not drink "energy"? And if so, how can a safe dose be determined? The editor-in-chief of the journal "Narcology", Candidate of Medical Sciences Aleksey Nadezhdin helps to understand the problem.

"Energetic" "energetics" strife
- The problem is that under the term "energy" two lines of different products coexist. The first is soft drinks that contain caffeine, taurine, and a number of vitamins. The second is cocktails, which, in addition to these components, also contain alcohol. It is this type of "power engineers" that is dangerous. Yes, their production and sale should be strictly regulated, even better - banned. The combination of alcohol and caffeine in one drink is dangerous to humans. And because of toxicity, and because it leads to inappropriate behavior. Caffeine masks and modifies the effect of alcohol in a special way. This further stimulates the consumption of such "energy drinks".

Non-alcoholic energy drinks, however, are only dangerous if consumed in liters. Or, again, mix with alcohol. If you adhere to the rules of use, then, at least, they saved the lives of more than one driver.

Why are "energy drinks" considered "club drinks"?
- At youth parties with endless movement, dancing, such drinks are very popular. Energy “mixes” promote this activity. And here is alcohol in pure form on the contrary, it is too relaxing. But in general, there is not so much caffeine in "energy drinks": each can is comparable to 1-2 cups of coffee. This is in principle safe, but only if caffeine is not "spurred" by alcohol. Alcohol makes these mixtures highly toxic compounds. The result is toxic damage to internal organs. Especially the liver and brain.
But even in a pure, “non-alcoholic” form, it is better not to overextend the “energy drinks”. Caffeine is a double-edged sword. In moderate doses, it has a positive effect on humans, has the so-called antioxidant activity. Overdose, on the other hand, is insidious in its consequences. Leads to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache. Anxiety, fear too side effects caffeine. So everything is good in moderation.

The "first step" to addiction? Not true!
- I disagree when some of my colleagues say that "energy workers" can lead to much greater dependence. If only because the content in them of a psychoactive substance, caffeine, is about the same as in a strong cup of coffee.
Let's figure it out. Caffeine is an integral part of not only coffee, but also tea. Especially green. So what? In the same China, tea has been consumed for thousands of years. But did its use lead to the tragedies of this civilization? Vice versa! Harm - only in a regular overdose.
The same is with the "energetics": drink, but know when to stop. Don't treat them like regular "soda". The measure is always individual. In any case, even for very healthy person- no more than two cans per day!

Serafim BERESTOV

Energetics Carbonated drinks containing substances that stimulate the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems of the human body, creating the effect of a surge of strength and vivacity.

1. Energizers (stimulants)
2. Isotonics (sports catalysts)

Power engineers are produced large quantity firms, but they differ only in labels, the composition of large accounts in them is almost identical:

• Caffeine
• Taurine
• Ginseng
• Schisandra
• Guarana
• Vitamins B2, B5, B6, B12, C, PP
• Melatonin
• Matein

What is Isotonic

Isotonics are presented on the market in two forms - in liquid and in powders. And the formulas of their composition are very different from each other. Most often, the following components are found in isotonic drinks (they are also called iso-osmotic):

• Sugar
• Mineral salts
• Acid regulator
• Vitamins C, E, B1
• Maltodextrin
• Beta carotene
• Flavoring additives
• Food coloring

Isotonics Drinks or dry mixtures, which contain components that intensively replenish the deficiency of fluid, minerals, salts and vitamins during physical exertion, through a special formula similar to human blood plasma.

Harm

The effect of energy drinks on the body

Many people believe that by consuming an energy drink, they replenish the energy resources of their body. In fact, this is not the case. Energetic only stimulates the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. As a result, the human body, experiencing stress, begins to work with an increased load, throwing a large dose of adrenaline into the bloodstream, causing the effect of euphoria or hyperactivity. In this state, the body's durability decreases, and the resource of internal organs is significantly reduced.

With the constant use of energy drinks, a person depletes his internal reserves of the body and depresses the nervous system, which can lead to:

• Loss of strength
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Depression
• Lethal outcome

Composition of energy drinks

Many energy drinks, which contain a large amount of vitamin B, cause heart palpitations and tremors in the limbs.

The dose of caffeine in energy drinks can be very harmful to your health. After consuming one can of energy, caffeine is excreted from the body within 3-5 hours, after which the body needs rest. If at this moment you drink coffee, tea or drink another jar of an energy drink, then the daily allowable dose of caffeine will be exceeded several times, and this can lead to an increase or decrease in pressure, tachycardia.

The amount of taurine in energy drinks exceeds the daily requirement by hundreds of times. In case of overdose, it can cause:

• Stomach ache
• Exacerbation of ulcers
• Gastritis
• Arrhythmia
• Interruptions in cardiac activity

It is for this reason that the sale of power engineers is prohibited in a number of countries.

Some energy drinks contain glucuronolactone, "veiled" in different spellings. This drug was developed by the US Department of Defense. It was tested on American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The main purpose of the drug was to raise the morale of soldiers. As a result of the test, it turned out that glucuronolactone simply destroys the human body, causing brain tumors and progressive cirrhosis of the liver. As a result, the drug was banned as a hazardous chemical.

Caffeine is addictive. Therefore, those who like to “recharge” after a while begin to increase the number of cans of energy drink drunk per day, and some switch to alcohol-containing energy drinks.

Caffeine combined with alcohol hits the heart hard. The fact is that these two substances have a multidirectional effect. Alcohol has a depressing effect, and caffeine has a tonic effect, as a result, the heart cannot adapt and begins to work in the wrong rhythm.

Caffeine, which is part of the energy drink, has a strong diuretic effect. Usually, after drinking an energy drink, people do not drink water, since the energy drink is used not only to recuperate, but also to quench their thirst. In fact, the result is the opposite. The body is dehydrated.

D-ribose is a carbohydrate required for ATP synthesis and can lead to overexcitation and muscle pain.

Artificially synthesized vitamins D6, B12, C can cause gastrointestinal disorders, and vitamin C also causes allergies.

Ginseng can lead to overexcitation and high blood pressure.

Due to the large amount of sugar and acids contained in the composition of energy drinks, their use upsets the acid-base balance in the mouth, as well as destroys the enamel of the teeth.

Harm of isotonic drugs

Isotonics do not harm the body, with the exception of individual intolerance to certain components in the composition.

Benefit

The benefits of energy drinks

Energy drinks stimulate the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and endocrine system, causing a surge of strength, a feeling of vigor, lack of fatigue, and improve thought processes.

Glucose, a number of vitamins and herbal ingredients in energy drinks, accelerates the oxidation process in the body, which gives muscles and internal organs extra strength.

After drinking an energy drink, the tonic effect lasts twice as long as from a cup of coffee, and the feeling of a surge of strength is felt almost immediately after taking the energy drink thanks to gases.

The energy drink can be used wherever it is convenient due to its compact and convenient packaging.

The benefits of isotonic

Isotonic drugs quickly replenish the loss of fluid in the body during heavy physical exertion.

The use of isotonics supplies the body with a complex of carbohydrates, replenishes glycogen stores during exercise, and vitamin B1 participates in the metabolism in the body and in the process of assimilation of carbohydrates.

Isotonics also help to compensate for calcium and magnesium, lost during active sweating, and necessary for the normal functioning of muscles. That is, isotonic helps muscles replenish vital minerals, helping to increase endurance, improving strength performance, preventing cramps and speeding up the recovery process after exercise.

Protective vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, which are part of isotonic drugs, limit the production of free radicals during exercise.

Drinking energy drinks

When consuming energy drinks, do not mix them with alcohol. This will cause a sharp jump in pressure and can lead to a hypertensive crisis.

Do not allow children under 12 years old to use energy drinks and try to protect adolescents under the age of 18 from them. Energy drinks are harmful to a growing and developing body.

Do not consume energy drinks after exercise. This leads to dehydration of the body, increased blood pressure.

It is better to refrain from using energy drinks in the heat. At high temperature the vegetative and cardiovascular systems are already working at full capacity, trying to balance the temperature of the body, and the energy drink, accelerating the processes in the body, warms it up even more. In addition, most often energy drinks are sold cold, which further aggravates the situation, since the body begins to experience stress from the temperature drop. All these factors can cause vegetative crises with hypertensive or hypotonic slopes.

Do not consume more than two cans of energy drinks a day, and do so no more than twice a week.

After drinking an energy drink, do not drink caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, etc.) for 5-6 hours to avoid becoming a victim of an overdose.

After consuming an energy drink, be sure to rest your body.

It is strictly forbidden to consume energy drinks: the elderly, pregnant or lactating women, people suffering from glaucoma, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, increased excitability. People suffering from sleep disorders, nervous disorders and with individual intolerance to caffeine.

If you are actively involved in sports or are experiencing heavy physical activity, you can use Isotonic. They promote quick recovery organism and practically have no contraindications.

Why are energy drinks harmful? This drink is a mixture of various stimulating substances. They pose a peculiar danger to the human body.

And yet, what is the harmfulness of energy? After all, it would seem that they contribute to improving performance. In fact, the harms and benefits of this product are unequal. This drink has externally positive sides, but its components have a negative impact on human health. You can find out how harmful an energy drink is by reading this article.

What is an energy drink?

Its use affects the central nervous system. Thus, it suppresses fatigue to prolong wakefulness, increase mental activity for several hours. But this effect is temporary. After it, there is a decline in human strength.

This drink is composed of a mixture of substances. Some of them are positive, such as vitamins, while others are very harmful. This will be discussed in more detail in the next section of the article.

About the composition of the drink

For today there is great amount types and manufacturers of this product. But their composition is practically no different.

The energy drink also contains ginseng and guarana. These natural extracts help cleanse the liver and flush lactic acid out of cells.

Matein in the drink promotes weight loss and dulls hunger. Glucose, sucrose and fructose are carbohydrates that keep people awake and stimulate the brain. In addition, B vitamins are added here. They, in turn, are necessary to normalize work. nervous system.

When comparing three energy drinks, such as Burn, Adrenaline Rush, Red Bull, we can say that the first option is the most high-calorie one. It also contains the largest number caffeine and taurine.

How do drinks affect the body?

The positive effect of power engineers is observed only at the beginning. It is at this moment that a person feels an increase in both physical and mental performance. After hyperactivity, exhaustion sets in. The human body is tired after a shake-up.

Also, the use of these products has a negative effect on sleep. Namely, people complain that it is very difficult for them to fall asleep and they often have nightmares. Because of such a bad rest, a person does not feel cheerful and energized.

So how harmful are energy drinks? Frequent use of this kind of drinks leads to depression, suspiciousness and aggressiveness. They also experience disorientation and irritability.

What else are energy drinks harmful for? They can lead to organic damage. There is an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure. A person has a malfunction in the work of the heart, as well as a decrease protective forces immunity.

What is the threat of an overdose?

As you know, the drink contains taurine. Its amount exceeds the daily norm by several times. With excessive use of energy drinks, an overdose may occur. It is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, gastritis and heart failure, abdominal pain and fever, arrhythmia and exacerbation of ulcers. Signs that can occur with an overdose also include hallucinations and increased urination, fainting, and confusion.

In this case, you need to seek help from a specialist. From all that has been said, we can conclude that drinking energy drinks every day is harmful and dangerous. Therefore, do not test your health and body. Drink these drinks only when absolutely necessary.

What is the danger of an energy drink?

A single use of a drink in moderation by an adult will not cause a negative reaction in the body. But you can't abuse it every day. Otherwise, it becomes hazardous to health.

So why are non-alcoholic energy drinks harmful? The use of this drink leads to disruption of the central nervous system, as well as the development of diabetes mellitus. This product is dangerous with education different kinds pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and mental disorders.

In addition, in people who regularly drink energy drinks, there is a deterioration in attention and loss of interest in life, a decrease in libido. Some of them cannot live a day without this drink, that is, in this case, we are talking about addiction.

Also, this product adversely affects the work of the cardiovascular system and heart. In addition, these patients most often develop diseases such as thrombosis and epilepsy.

Can teenagers use it? Why are energy drinks harmful to children? For them, the harm from this drink is more serious. Here they can have fatal outcome... Therefore, in no case give your children this kind of drinks. Based on how dangerous they are for the health of an adult, it's not even worth talking about small ones.

What are the consequences?

This is talked about if a person uses them regularly in his diet. Then the consequences can be dire.

People complain of frequent headaches and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The latter is expressed in the form of nausea and vomiting. In women in a position who abuse this kind of drinks, miscarriages occur. In addition, accidents due to loss of consciousness, the development of various fears, loss of working capacity, suicidal behavior, hearing impairment and seizures are observed.

Also, some people develop psychical deviations and arrhythmia. As a result of all this, death often occurs. This is due to the long and regular use of these drinks.

Who shouldn't use energy drinks?

In general, it is advisable not to use such drinks for anyone. But they are especially contraindicated in the first place for children and the fair sex in a position that nurses women.

This category also includes elderly people, patients with chronic diseases, diabetics. Also, energy drinks should not be used by those who have diseases of the kidneys and heart, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract. The same goes for people with high blood pressure and glaucoma.

So which is more harmful: coffee or an energy drink? If the first option contains only caffeine, then in the second, this component is joined by such harmful substances like taurine, phenylalanine and melatonin. Therefore, in this case, the energy drink is more harmful. But overdoing it with the amount of coffee you drink per day is also not worth it. This is especially true for people with a tendency to high blood pressure.

What are the benefits of the drink?

It also happens that energetics have a positive effect. But in this case we are talking about the moment when this drink is consumed in moderation and rarely. Sometimes the mental work of a person needs an additional reserve. For example, when you urgently need to finish some important work... Here you need to be careful and not overdo it with the use of the drink.

Energetics will temporarily give a person strength and vigor, help relieve fatigue and improve thinking processes. Herbal ingredients and vitamins add strength to muscles and internal organs.

The effect of drinking this drink will last much longer than a cup of coffee you drink. But in the latter, there are not so many harmful substances.

How to use energy drinks correctly?

If, nevertheless, it is necessary, then they should be consumed in limited quantities and not so often. This will allow avoiding the negative influence of the energetic on the human body. As mentioned above, under no circumstances should it be given to adolescents, especially young children. Their growing body is especially susceptible to the influence of harmful substances.

These drinks must not be consumed with alcohol. Otherwise, there may be an increase in blood pressure. Also, they should not be drunk in the heat. It is at this time that the autonomic and cardiovascular systems are fully functioning. The energetic will help to warm up the body more. Also, it should not be consumed chilled. Because it will be harmful due to temperature changes.

It also cannot be used after training. Drinking it after exercise will lead to high blood pressure and dehydration.

In order not to get used to it, you should drink an energy drink no more than twice a week. A couple of cans can be used these days. But then you can not drink tea, coffee and other products that contain caffeine. These steps will help you avoid overdose.

After using the energy, a person receives a certain charge of vivacity and strength. But do not forget that this effect is temporary and the human body also needs good rest. This is necessary in order to recover from the additional load.

What is more harmful?

This section of the article will provide a comparison different types drinks with in question.

What is more harmful - alcohol or energy drinks? It all depends on the rate of consumption of these drinks. Thus, red wine has a positive effect on the digestive tract and promotes the expansion of blood vessels. In addition, the latter become more elastic.

As a result, there is a decrease in the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system. It also improves appetite and mood. In this case, we are talking about moderate alcohol consumption. If you overdo it with it, then there will be a poisoning of the body. The negative effect occurs on the liver and heart, as well as brain cells and intestines. Alcohol also replaces water in cells with "alcohol-containing" water. The result is aging of the body. And the energy drink helps to produce the hormone adrenaline. This also results in wear and tear on the human body.

In both cases, there is harm from excessive drinking. But alcohol is still less dangerous if used in moderation.

And what is more harmful - beer or energy drink? Much has been said about the last drink. The consequences of its use were also considered. Let's turn to beer. This product, due to its yeast effect, helps to improve digestion. But also don't forget about the expression "beer belly". This is due to the excessive consumption of this drink.

It is best to drink live, unfiltered beer with a reduced ethyl alcohol content. Both products have a common flaw: addictiveness. Also on the negative side of beer is that it speeds up blood flow. But when comparing the two products, we can say that the energy drink is more harmful. Since its effects are considered hazardous to human health.

conclusions

Thus, "Flash" (energetic) is harmful or not? Overused, of course, yes. It should be noted that the use of this drink is prohibited in some countries. If you need extra energy, then do not overdo it with energy drinks. Since there can be disastrous consequences, which were previously mentioned.

Cocaine is recognized as the most harmful energy drink. It has three times more caffeine than a regular drink of this type. In the United States, where it was released, the sale of this product was banned. But all the same, on the Internet, you can stumble upon offers of this type.

Do not risk your health, do not consume energy drinks. And if necessary, then adhere to the rules for their use.

Energy are popular among people who are forced to engage in vigorous activity for a long time. These people do not have time to complete tasks due to lack of strength, which they are trying to find in the notorious drinks.

The problem lies in the misunderstanding of the harm from this, because how can a “fortified invigorating cocktail” created by skilled marketers harm? And yet, medicine is strictly negative towards such fluids. To realize the truth, it is worth weighing the real pros and cons.

What it is

Energy are non-alcoholic drinks aimed at stimulating the active work of the body. Their main goal is to get the mind and body to function as efficiently as possible without feeling tired.

A miracle cure appeared in 1938. Then the first invigorating drink called Lukozade was created, which was used to stimulate athletes. The latter showed excellent results, but then ended up in the hospital with food poisoning. On a very long term the product has ceased to be produced.

However, in 1994, the Redbull company appeared, creating its own brand and seemingly high-quality products, which have become one of the most sought-after energy drinks on the market. No poisoning followed, so other corporations gradually emerged, wishing to get their "piece of the pie" in a promising new niche. Today there are more than a hundred brands producing invigorating cocktails. And these are only the most famous in the CIS.

Video: Energy drinks harm and benefit.

Compound

The action of any power engineers directly depends on their composition, the main components of which are:

• caffeine;
• ginseng;
• guarana;
• taurine;
• B vitamins;
• sugar.

Additional components, flavors, flavor enhancers are usually different for each manufacturer's products. It is clear that they do not carry anything useful, and an excessive amount of the same sugar leads to diabetes and problems with blood vessels.

To understand the effect of ingredients, you need to know more about each of them.

Caffeine

Caffeine has long been known for its psychostimulating and tonic properties. It contains adenosine, which suppresses the connection with the central nervous system, due to which a person is not aware of fatigue. Under the influence of caffeine, adrenaline is produced, which maintains and even increases energy resources, as well as mental activity.

The disadvantages of coffee lie in the depletion of the central nervous system, restless sleep or insomnia, physical dependence, problems with the cardiovascular system. To prevent this from happening, it is enough to drink no more than two or three small cups of coffee or one can of energy drink a day.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid produced as a result of the metabolism of cysteine ​​and methionine. It is contained in food (especially meat and fish), therefore, a person even unconsciously consumes the necessary dose of the substance per day.

In energy drinks, the concentration of taurine exceeds 3180 mg / l, taking into account the daily dose of 400 mg / l. This amino acid is harmless to the body, but as an energetic component, it simply "takes place" without any benefit.

It is added for "fast stimulation of brain activity and usefulness for cell membranes," according to marketers. But in fact, no scientific evidence has been found for such loud words.

Ginseng

Ginseng extract increases physical endurance, improves mood and memory of a person, stimulates psychomotor activity, mental activity. In general, it is very useful plant, which is added to many teas, various liquids.

There is no need to talk about the minuses. One can only take into account the fact that during laboratory research scientists could not confirm or deny both positive and negative side eating ginseng.

B vitamins

Energy drinks also contain B vitamins, the amount of which exceeds the daily dose by 360% -2000%. However, do not grab the heart, because unnecessary vitamins are removed in the "classical" way and do not affect the body negative impact... But their presence in drinks is not justified in the same way as taurine.

They also play the role of "baits" to which the consumer is led. After all, after hearing the word "vitamins", we all consider the product useful, right? Marketers manipulate this skillfully. Alas, there is no need to wait for the desired effect.

Guarana

Guarana is an analogue of caffeine, extracted from the seeds of the Amazonian vine. The properties of this substance are similar to those of caffeine, only the effectiveness is several times higher. For approximate calculation 40 mg of caffeine equals 1 g of guarana.

Energy producers combine both ingredients to prolong the effect and make it as strong as possible. Thanks to this symbiosis, the body can stay awake for up to 5 hours without feeling tired. But then she will appear in full dress, forcing you to fall asleep on the go.

Benefit

This is not to say that power engineering is of no use at all, otherwise they would not become so in demand. The main argument “for” is the opportunity to cheer up and “find access” to the active work of the brain, sources of inspiration.

Pleases the time during which this effect is achieved. It comes almost instantly and lasts for at least three hours. For example, coffee or tea turns out to be not so effective, because they begin to act after 15 minutes, adding vigor for no more than an hour.

Another plus is ease of use. You just opened the can and you drink, even while driving. Coffee is usually consumed hot, so such tricks will not work with it - unless a thermos will help. In any case, the energy drink invigorates much better than coffee, tea or special medications.

Harm and contraindications

The harm of energy drinks outweighs the benefit. They resemble a small bomb that explodes and inflicts damage on all body systems. This is a carbonated sweetness that contains a lot of harmful or meaningless ingredients.

At a minimum, such a cocktail leads to the formation of caries, an increase in blood sugar, and a decrease in immunity. It drains the nervous system, the consequences of which are feeling unwell, decreased performance, loss of strength, irritability, depression.

• with gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers;
• To old people;
• pregnant women;
• with increased excitability and sleep disturbances;
• children and adolescents;
• suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, glaucoma, problems with blood pressure;
• with sensitivity to caffeine.

Side effects from overuse of energy drinks are heart palpitations, tremors in the limbs, fatigue, and drowsiness. And overdose leads to cardiac arrest and death or coma.

Scientists have found that the "killer" dose is 15-25 cans of liquid. The difference depends on the body's endurance, the frequency of invigorating cocktails, even the weight of a person. Therefore, you should not lean on energy, even if you urgently need to cheer up.

How to use it without harm to health

Despite all the warnings, energy drinks can be drunk without harm to health. To do this, it is enough to adhere to the daily dose of the substance - 2-3 cans. If you do not exceed it and allow the body to recover after taking the "potion", its effect will be neutralized.

You should not use it after playing sports, because the pressure will rise to dangerous levels. It is also undesirable to drink other caffeinated drinks within 3-5 hours after taking the energy drink.

Energy drinks and alcohol must not be mixed. Although the effect of the cocktail removes any inhibitions, relaxes the mind, tones the body - all this happens only in the first few hours. Further, there is a malfunction in the brain, blood pressure rises, and even a hypertensive crisis is possible.

conclusions

Energy drinks do more harm than good. The essence lies in their principle of action, because they do not bring energy, but take it out of the body's resources, take them, as it were, in advance. Therefore, in the future, when the miracle action has passed, the mind begins to slow down, and the body feels desperate fatigue, apathy, and drowsiness.

Frequent use invigorating drinks leads to various diseases, and an overdose - to death or coma. To reduce the harm from energy drinks, you should drink no more than two or three cans per day. At the same time, it is undesirable to drink coffee, tea or other liquids containing caffeine.

Answer to main question"Can you drink energy drinks?" - yes, when you urgently need to recharge with vivacity. But it is advisable to do this at least once a week, so that the body has time to "cleanse itself". Energy cocktails cannot be consumed every day. And it is important to monitor your own well-being so that in the right moment stay.

V modern world a person is in constant motion: he is in a hurry somewhere, plans something, and even when he is resting, he ponders his further activities. It is quite natural that at such a pace of life, the body's forces are depleted, and it just needs to cheer up. In this case, energy drinks become a real salvation, but are we not doing so much harm to our body?

What are energy drinks

Energy drinks are a relatively new invention of mankind, although their ingredients are used to raise vitality for many centuries. Manufacturers claim that their products provide a quick burst of vivacity and strength. This is achieved by stimulating the central nervous system through the use of certain active substances. The composition of each drink differs both in ingredients and in the concentration of stimulants in the mixture.

The energy drink also contains taurine, one can contains about 400-1000 mg of the substance. It is an amino acid that accumulates in muscle tissue. Many believe that it improves the functioning of the heart muscle, but recently doctors have come to the conclusion that taurine does not have any effect on the human body at all.

Such medicinal plants, like guarana and ginseng, have tonic properties. Guarana leaves remove lactic acid from muscle tissues, reducing pain during physical exertion, as well as prevent atherosclerosis and cleanse the liver. However, some medical professionals claim that the aphrodisiac properties of guarana and ginseng are not supported by research.

Also, the composition of energy drinks includes B vitamins, which are needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain in particular. The body will immediately feel the lack of them, but increasing the dose will not improve your performance or mental abilities, as the manufacturers of energy drinks try to convince us.

Energy drinks also contain matein, an extract of an evergreen tree that can help reduce hunger and promote weight loss.

To accelerate the absorption and assimilation of active substances, energy drinks are often carbonated by adding carbonic acid. It is also necessary to highlight a separate group of energy drinks - alcoholic energy drinks, which contain approximately 7-7.5% ethyl alcohol.

How non-alcoholic energy drinks work on the body

In the first minutes after drinking an energy drink, a person, as a rule, feels a surge of strength, drowsiness and lethargy go away, the brain begins to work actively, and the muscles get the opportunity to show their strength. However, this energy had to come from somewhere. In this case, two mechanisms work: the absorption of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar) from the drink itself and their supply to organs and systems, as well as the use of the internal reserves of the body. It is the second mechanism of energy inflow that is the main cause of medical concern. They argue that the energy reserves in our body are reserved for an emergency, are used "out of turn." This means that the body is depleted in a few hours (usually this happens after 2-4 hours), as a result of which a person feels many times increased fatigue and weakness. Of course, you can take a new portion of energy, but the energy in the body is not infinite, and soon the moment will come when the body stops responding to stimulation and will require many hours, or even many days of rest. In addition, the intensive use of the body's reserves can lead to serious health problems. Lack of energy for the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, hormones, for the work of the brain, heart and respiration can cause severe failures in the work of important organs and even their organic damage.

Benefits of power engineers

The benefits of using energy drinks include the fact that they are great for raising your mood and stimulating mental activity. According to their purpose, energy drinks can be divided into 2 groups: those with more caffeine and those with more vitamins and carbohydrates. Therefore, everyone can find an energy drink according to their taste and needs. "Coffee" drinks are more suitable for incorrigible workaholics and students who have to work and study at night, but "vitamin-carbohydrate" cocktails are more consumed by active people who prefer to spend free time in gym.

As you know, energy drinks contain a complex of vitamins and glucose. Of course, there is no doubt about the benefits of vitamins, but glucose quickly enters the bloodstream, participates in oxidative processes and provides energy to muscles, brain and other vital organs. It is worth noting that the effect of a cup of coffee lasts for 1-2 hours, while energy drinks last for about 3-4 hours. In addition, almost all energetics are carbonated, which speeds up their action. Another advantage of energy drinks is their convenient packaging. It is quite possible to carry them with you and use them in any situation, which cannot be said about coffee or tea.

The harm of power engineers

Energy drinks can be consumed only in strict accordance with the dosage. Maximum dose is 2 cans per day, exceeding the same can lead to an increase in blood pressure or blood sugar levels. You also need to remember that the vitamins that are part of these drinks cannot replace the multivitamin complex. It is not recommended to use energy drinks for people suffering from heart disease, hypotension or hypertension. They are also contraindicated in pregnant women, children, the elderly, as well as those who suffer from glaucoma, sleep disorders, increased excitability and sensitivity to caffeine.

You should not believe that an energy drink will provide the body with energy, it opens the way only to the internal reserves of the body, that is, it is a kind of key. In other words, the drink itself does not contain any energy, but only uses our own. However, sooner or later, the use of one's own energy reserves will result in fatigue, insomnia, irritability and depression.

In addition, the caffeine found in the energy drink leads to a depletion of the nervous system. Its action lasts about 3-5 hours, after which the body needs rest. Plus, caffeine is addictive. Another disadvantage of such "cocktails" is that the combination of caffeine and glucose is very harmful for a young body. Most energy drinks are also high in vitamin B, which can cause heart palpitations and tremors in the limbs.

Fitness fans should be aware of the diuretic properties of caffeine. This means that it is not advisable to drink an energy drink after training, because a lot of fluid is already lost during the training process. If you exceed the permissible dose of the drink, then side effects are not excluded: tachycardia, psychomotor agitation, depression and increased nervousness. In no case do not mix energy drinks with alcohol, because caffeine increases blood pressure, and alcohol further enhances its effect, as a result, this can lead to a hypertensive crisis.

As you know, energy drinks contain taurine and glucuronolactone, while the content of taurine is several times higher than acceptable level, and the amount of glucuronolactone exceeds daily rate almost 500 times. Even scientists do not know the effects of these ingredients on the body, and how they interact with caffeine.

As you can see, there are much more disadvantages than advantages. However, in everyone's life, a situation may arise when one cannot do without an energy drink. In this case, you need to carefully study the rules for drinking the drink in order to protect your body.