Many parents don't see much harm in the energy drinks their teens drink.. But doctors have accumulated a lot of complaints about energy tonics.

An explosive mixture The main claim is the caffeine content, because it is this ingredient that has a stimulating effect. A standard can of energy contains about 80 mg of caffeine.. About the same amount in a cup of coffee. However, the first impression of a small dose is deceptive..

“Labels often list the total caffeine content instead of the exact milligrams,” says Dr. Marcy Schneider, American Academy of Pediatrics.. “Meanwhile, caffeine can also be found in other ingredients, and in significant doses.”.

For example, in the herb guarana, an essential component of energy tonics, there is 3 times more caffeine than in coffee.. The leaves of this South American plant are used in medicine to remove lactic acid from the muscles and reduce pain, it is also credited with special stimulating properties - but studies have not confirmed them..

Another stimulant is taurine.. In a standard jar, it is from 400 to 1000 mg.

In addition, energizers contain glucuronolactone.. Its amount can be up to 200 times the recommended daily dose of this substance.! Experts from the Scientific Council on Food Additives of the EU are categorical: the safety of combinations of all these ingredients, and even in such doses, has not yet been proven and requires further study..

“Not only can these ingredients themselves have unpleasant side effects,” warns Dr. Schneider.. “We don’t yet know how each of these chemicals can enhance the other.”.

After all, it is likely that, collected in one jar, these substances are an explosive mixture.

Side effects Caffeine really stimulates brain activity and increases performance.. However, it has a number of proven side effects.. The most famous are heart palpitations and high blood pressure.. Caffeine makes you go to the toilet more often and promotes fluid loss. But if it is customary to drink a cup of strong coffee with water, then the energy drink is often perceived as a drink to quench thirst.. And dehydration comes much faster.. In excessive doses, this substance can cause abdominal cramps and pain..

It is no coincidence that in France, Norway and Denmark, energy drinks are equated with narcotic drugs and can only be bought at a pharmacy..

It would seem that coffee, which is also used as a stimulant, has the same side effects.. But scientists are sure that it is the lesser of two evils.. If only because coffee is usually drunk hot, and therefore slowly, and an energy drink is a cold drink that is drunk in one gulp, and the whole explosive mixture falls on the body immediately. In addition, these drinks are carbonated, which accelerates the absorption of caffeine.. And then, children and teenagers usually do not drink coffee..

recharge!

Under the scrutiny of scientists, the myth that these drinks charge with extraordinary energy could not resist.. Indeed, after drinking a can of energy drinks, a person feels an upsurge and a surge of strength.. If the effect of coffee lasts no longer than 1-2 hours, then from energy drinks it lasts 3-4 hours. But then there is an inevitable decline: there is drowsiness, apathy, irritability and a desire to cheer yourself up again.. For a growing organism, such artificial spurring is doubly dangerous, because in adolescence, the internal organs work to the limit.

Energy cocktails do not give energy, on the contrary, they take it away, forcing the body to use its own resources. And sooner or later you will have to pay for it - insomnia, increased fatigue, irritability.

So these drinks do not have any unusual " Energy is not provided by caffeine or theobromine, but by vitamins and glucose - which are present in many foods..

A cup of sweet coffee or tea with chocolate, a glass of fruit juice are just as energizing as energy drinks.. Only without sad consequences for the body.

Admission conditions Experts insist: children under 12 should not drink these drinks. They are not recommended for children under 18. Since caffeine has a diuretic effect, drinks should not be taken after workouts and any physical activity that causes us to lose fluid.. There is a risk of dehydration.

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