CBS is reporting that energy drinks jack up heart heart and blood pressure, due to caffeine levels found in Red Bulls, Rockstars, etc. I’m glad to the info is being published, and it really makes me wonder what misconceptions surround these mini jolts-in-a-can.

“In a small study, they found that drinking just two cans of a popular drink increased blood pressure and heart rate within four hours.” - CBS

I’d say that within four minutes I’ve felt an increase the amount of work my heart’s doing (followed by a crash, but I’ll get into that later). I’m not a regular Red Bull slammer, but I have dabbled with the occasional 8.3 ounce aluminum packages of taurine/caffeine combo enough to decide I was better off sticking to good ol’ herbal tea. Antioxidants along are reason enough to have one or two (or five) cups a day!

Take a page from the book of common sense, let’s quickly review several questions we should be asking when contemplating an “energy drink”. Sound good? Good.

• Do I really need a temporary boost in energy?
• Will the crash (end of sugar rush) affect me during work hours?
• Do the ingredients conflict with allergies/medications?
• What alternatives do I have available?
• Is the cost-to-productivity ratio justified?

Posing these questions before cracking open a brew of heart stimulator will lead you down a healthier path.

Additionally, here’s everything you need to know about a Red Bull. Rockstar drinks and such will vary, but this is a good reference for 8.3 oz energy beverages.

Ingredients:
Carbonated water, sucrose, glucose, sodium citrate, taurine, glucuronolactone, inositol, niacin, D-pantothenol, pyridoxine HCL, vitamin B12, natural and artificial flavors, colors, caffeine

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1 can; Amount per serving: Calories: 160; Total Fat: 0g; Sodium: 290mg; Protein: less than 1g; Total Carbohydrates: 40g; Sugars: 39g; Niacin: 140%; Vitamin B6: 360%; Vitamin B12: 120%; Pantothenic acid: 70%

Share This