Energy drinks have the main function of stimulating the central nervous system, reducing the feeling of tiredness and promoting an increase in alertness and physical performance. Due to these effects, they are quite popular among those who practice physical activities regularly or who need a boost to face the demands of everyday life.
Nutritionist Talyta Machado, who works in Brasília, explains that the energy drink works as a quick source of energy to “take away” sleep and increase mood. Some of the benefits are physical and mental energy, reduced fatigue and improved focus and concentration.
“Caffeine, the main compound present in energy drinks, acts on the brain, generating stimulating effects, which can improve alertness, increase concentration and heart rate,” she explains.
Can you take it every day?
Moderate consumption of energy drinks does not pose a significant health risk. However, concern arises when the individual drinks excessively, whether in terms of quantity or frequency. According to the nutritionist, drinking the drink every day can cause the body to adapt.
“Excessive and frequent caffeine can generate adaptations in the brain as it binds to the same receptor as adenosine, a neurotransmitter related to sleep. With frequent consumption, the production of the molecule can increase and give the user the feeling that they ‘always need more’ or that ‘it no longer has any effect’”, warns Talyta.
According to nutritionist Talita Ávila, who works in Valparaíso de Goiás, the use of energy drinks should not be done every day. “Daily, disordered consumption is not recommended, as it can interfere with blood pressure, not to mention the high sugar content that can contribute to the development of diabetes and obesity,” she says.
For Talyta, consumption should only be done in specific cases or when extremely necessary, such as when the person has not slept well and urgently needs to stay awake. According to her, natural sources such as traditional coffee or mate tea are more recommended. “The ideal is to always take care of rest and energy in a natural way”, she remembers.
Possible side effects
In addition to the effects of caffeine (when in excess), dyes, sugar and flavorings generate negative effects mainly in the intestine, creating an imbalance in the microbiota bacteria. The user may also end up developing insulin resistance due to excess sugar.
“Excess energy drinks can cause a rebound effect in some people, causing more tiredness after being metabolized, interfering with cardiovascular health and increasing the risk of diabetes and obesity”, explains Talita.
Who should not consume
- Children and teenagers;
- Elderly people over 60 years old, especially if they have heart problems;
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: the drink has high amounts of caffeine, and consumption of more than 200 mg of the substance can reduce blood flow.
- Hypertensive patients: energy drinks increase blood pressure and heart rate;
- Diabetics: due to the amount of sugar.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages, very common at parties, is also not recommended. “The energy drink contains taurine and caffeine, two stimulants, and the association with alcoholic beverages further enhances their effect. There is a risk of increasing blood pressure and causing a heart attack”, warns Talita.
How to choose the energy drink?
Talyta explains that energy drinks should not be a frequent option and recommends reading the labels. “Some brands are producing cleaner, sugar-free options, sweetened with stevia and thaumatin, without artificial colors, and some already add other nutrients that help the body’s energy function, such as coenzyme q10,” he says.
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