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Angelina W.
Oct 21

Living Fit to Unleash the Beast? Behind Energy Drinks

By: Angelina W. and Ciana M.



Energy drinks are beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants that can increase our alertness, awareness, and attention and give us the energy to push through each day.

“I feel so tired… I think I need an ENERGY DRINK.”


So many of us feel the need to turn to energy drinks given our energetic schedules, especially with the school year starting. While it’s true that energy drinks can give us energy, what does it actually do to our bodies?


Energy drinks are beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants that can increase our alertness, awareness, and attention and give us the energy to push through each day. Students highly favor them as they can provide sufficient energy and caffeine to help them stay awake for all-nighters and more. While many only consider the “benefits” of energy drinks, it is important to consider the negative effects that energy drinks can have on our bodies.


It is recommended that an adult should consume around 400 milligrams of caffeine each day. As growing students and young people, we should try to consume even less caffeine. 


The large amounts of caffeine in energy drinks can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and heart failure. Energy drinks can also cause someone to experience anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness, caused by the excessive amount of caffeine present in energy drinks. High caffeine intake can damage one’s neurological and psychological systems. Basically, caffeine can cause harm to our brains and minds.


It is recommended that an adult should consume around 400 milligrams of caffeine each day.

Furthermore, the high sugar content and low acidity of energy drinks have been found to be highly associated with dental erosion–the gradual loss of your teeth surface. Given these health consequences,  using energy drinks as a daily pick-me-up may not be the best idea. 


Nonetheless, energy drinks are still found useful for students who intend to increase their awareness. When consumed properly, energy drinks could supply the desired amount of energy, higher alertness, better memory, and put one in a better mood. It is still recommended that students do not consume energy drinks daily.


Instead of drinking energy drinks with alarming amounts of caffeine and sugar, we break down 3 energy drinks below that have lower contents of sugar and caffeine.


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  1. Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink


The Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink contains 120 mg of caffeine derived from green tea leaves and 0 grams of sugar.  Sweetness is infused using organic stevia leaves and no artificial preservatives.



  1. Alani Nu Energy Drink

    Alani energy drinks have become a popular pre-workout energy drink since being promoted by several fitness influencers. Alani energy drinks contain 200 mg of caffeine, half of the daily recommended amount of caffeine. Alani energy drinks are also sugar-free, making them a slightly healthier option in the world of energy drinks. It also provides 110% of the daily recommended amount of nutrients, which are Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Niacin.



  1. Celsius

    This brand of energy drink also contains 200 mg of caffeine and 0 grams of sugar. It also exceeds the recommended percentage for several nutrients, including 118% of Vitamin B6, 250% of Vitamin B12, and 125% of Niacin.  Another reason why people love Celcius is because Celsius energy drinks contain natural sweeteners and the energy drinks are non-GMO, kosher, and certified vegan beverages. 


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Even though we might be tempted to switch out our energy drinks with these healthier versions, we should be trying to cut out all energy drinks completely! Instead of relying on energy drinks, here are 4 healthier routines to fight your energy drink addiction:

  1. Hydrate with water or tea: water and herbal tea can naturally improve your concentration, keep you hydrated, and boost your energy. 

  2. Improve your sleep schedule: mainly people rely on energy drinks because they lack sleep and have a poor sleep schedule. You can improve your sleep schedule by putting away your phone for 1 to 2 hours to make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep. 

  3. Take short breaks: if you are feeling tired and drowsy, it is better to stop and take a short break, instead of opening an energy drink. Taking short breaks can make you feel more energized and clear your sluggish mind.

  4. Have a workout routine: having a regular exercise routine can help boost your energy and make you feel more refreshed in the morning.



Energy drinks may give you wings, but that's only temporary as you eventually crash down. While energy drinks can give you quick bursts of energy, they also bring negative health consequences for your health. By choosing healthier alternatives to boost your energy, you can fuel your body with natural resources and maintain a steady energy level without the fear of crashing down!



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Works Cited


Alsunni, Ahmed Abdulrahman. “Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects.” National Library of Medicine. Oct, 2015. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682602



“Dental Erosion.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dental-erosion 


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