Alcoholic energy drink: review, composition, harm. Are the harms of energy drinks exaggerated?

The intense rhythm of life of an active adult forces him to seek help from various stimulants in order to gain additional strength. Sleep is a pleasant thing, but if it is necessary to complete an urgent task, rest, as a rule, has to be postponed. For some, a contrast shower helps to cheer up, for others, sports, and for others, they cannot do without coffee. Among the modern destructive addictions that help you temporarily collect yourself and feel cheerful is the frequent consumption of energy drinks. Before suppressing fatigue with the help of such a remedy, it would be useful to understand whether there are any benefits and what are the harms of energy drinks?

The emergence of the first energy drinks

It is believed that drinks that are intended to stimulate brain and physical activity are an innovation of the third millennium. However, this is not the case. In Germany, the first energy drink was released back in the twelfth century, but it did not gain much popularity. But in the first half of the 20th century, the Englishman Smith-Klein Beechamon prepared such a drink for a team of athletes, which almost led to their mass poisoning. The strangest thing is that this fact has not reduced the British demand for energy drinks.

In the sixties, the Japanese, using Bichamon technology as a basis, created a new energy drink, which made Japan the most famous supplier of this product. In Europe, the first extensive production of invigorating drinks occurred in the eighties. It was created by the Austrian Dietrich Mateschets and gave the drink the name Red Bull. This energy drink generated huge demand, which became the impetus for the emergence of various analogues similar to it in properties.

How do energy drinks work?

The energy drink has an invigorating effect thanks to caffeine and glucose. In addition, all drinks in this category are carbonated, so they start working faster. For athletes, there are special energy cocktails that have a stimulating effect due to the presence of inositol, vitamins and sugar. After drinking a jar, the effect occurs within 5-10 minutes, and even faster on an empty stomach. The energetic state caused by the energy drink can last up to 4 hours. When the effect of the drink wears off, the person experiences extreme fatigue and an irresistible desire to get enough sleep.

Main components of energy drinks

The benefits and harms of energy drinks depend on the components that are present in them. What is contained in this invigorating drink that forces the body to squeeze out its last strength and actively fight fatigue?

Caffeine. It is a widely used mental and physical stimulant. After drinking a cup of black tea or coffee, after 15 minutes you can feel a surge of energy. Caffeine makes the heart beat faster and has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. Constant ingestion of this substance and lack of adequate sleep leads to irritability, depression and insomnia, and disruptions to the cardiovascular system are observed. If you constantly drink your daily dose of caffeine, it ends in abdominal pain, cramps and even death.
Taurine and vitamins B and D. The amino acid cysteine taurine, which is released in small quantities in the body, is responsible for concentration, increases endurance and helps to absorb minerals, therefore it is a component of many vitamin complexes for both children and adults. In fact, taurine is simply irreplaceable and is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of many serious diseases. However, its harmlessness has not been proven.
Levocarnitine and glucuronolactone. These substances are also necessary. They are found in many products. Carnitine accelerates metabolic processes and has a beneficial effect on reproductive function in men. Glucuronolactone is, in a sense, a sorbent, since it detoxifies and promotes the removal of harmful substances. Scientists are still finding out whether these components are harmful to humans.
Guarana and ginseng. Such components have an invigorating effect like caffeine. They are useful in small quantities, but as part of an energy drink, if consumed regularly, they can cause insomnia and irritability.

Harm from energy drinks

It is a mistake to believe that an invigorating drink adds energy - in fact, it brings even more exhaustion. The maximum harm from such exposure is caused to the nervous and cardiovascular systems. By forcing the adrenal glands to constantly secrete adrenaline, the energy drink artificially stimulates the functioning of all organs and systems. After the rush of energy subsides, the person feels even more exhausted.

Energy drinks can cause irreparable harm if you consume more than two cans. A person’s blood sugar rises and blood pressure rises, which can result in a hypertensive crisis. The case when a completely healthy eighteen-year-old athlete drank three cans of energy drink in a row and died right on the field a couple of hours after that gained wide resonance.
The effect of energy drinks on the body, when they are consumed together with alcohol in excessive quantities, can all be fatal.
Constant ingestion of caffeine into the body when consuming energy drinks harms the water-salt balance, as it causes increased urination and removes salts that a person needs. In addition, caffeine is a narcotic substance, so addiction to it occurs quite quickly, and at one point yesterday’s dose may not be enough.
The harm of energy drinks also lies in the fact that they deplete the body’s energy reserves, and do not bring additional strength, as many believe. Therefore, a few hours after drinking a can, a person feels completely “squeezed out.” This is where the addiction comes from: when fatigue sets in at the wrong moment, the need arises to drink another can, and so on in a circle.
Long-term and regular use of energy drinks worsens the condition of a person who suffers from liver, kidney, heart diseases, diabetes and nervous disorders;
The dyes and sour taste of energy drinks slowly lead to problems with the digestive system. One fine day, after drinking another jar, there is a risk of discovering gastritis or an ulcer.
Taurine and glucuronolactone are present in energy drinks in quantities exceeding the daily human need for these components by 250 times. The harmfulness of an excess of these components has not been proven, however, together with caffeine, they lead the body to a state of exhaustion and have a bad effect on the heart.

In addition, there is a group of people for whom drinking energy drinks is contraindicated, among them:

children under 18 years of age. The harm of energy drinks for teenagers and young children is very significant, since all the systems of their body are not yet strong, and the heart is in a state of growth, so death is possible;
pregnant and lactating women. It is obvious that for such conditions the use of energy drinks is prohibited. Even after childbirth, when a woman does not feed her baby and feels very tired and lack of sleep, she cannot turn to such invigorating remedies, since the mother is still very weak. And talking about how harmful energy drinks are to a fetus or a breastfed child is downright scary.
people with serious illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, gastritis or stomach ulcers, chronic depression, etc.

In addition, if a person constantly feels tired, then this is not normal. Before resorting to invigorating drugs, you need to undergo an examination and only then decide whether it is worth drinking energy drinks at all and whether this will cause even more harm to the body.

Is there any benefit

Despite the harm, energy drinks are in good demand among the population. If such statistics are present, then, apparently, there are benefits from this invigorating drink. What is the use of using it anyway? There are several options here:

increased performance. If you need to get ready and finish an important task or get to your destination, but you no longer have the strength, their benefits are obvious. Athletes choose vitamin-carbohydrate drinks - these are more harmless energy drinks, while students prefer caffeine-containing ones during sessions;
convenience. If a cup of coffee in transport is inconvenient, then a tin of energy drink is very appropriate;
supply of vitamins to the body. Glucose, which is contained in energy drinks, improves brain function.

However, all these points are relevant if you do not turn the use of energy drinks into a daily necessity. As they say, everything is good in moderation.

Rules for the use of energy drinks

study the composition of the energy drink and make sure that there is no allergy to any of the components;

do not drink more than two cans or 500 ml of invigorating drink per day;
get a good night's sleep when the energy drink wears off;
do not drink one can after another, but take a break;
for athletes it is better to drink an energy drink before training, and after it you need to give yourself a rest;
Do not combine energy drinks with taking medications, drinking coffee or tea;
Do not mix energy drinks with alcohol;
Do not drink energy drinks every day or during illness.

Symptoms of an overdose of invigorating drinks

The harm that energy drinks have on the human body can result in poisoning. If you notice symptoms of an overdose of energy drinks, you should immediately call an ambulance and try to induce vomiting in the victim (if there is none). Leaving a person alone in such a situation is highly discouraged. In such cases, in a medical facility, a gastric lavage is performed and a drip is placed in order to prevent the absorption of substances into the blood as soon as possible. Overdose symptoms:

redness of the skin;
increased blood pressure;
disorientation and tremors;
excessive sweating;
insomnia;
aggression towards others and excessive irritability;
recurring diarrhea;
hallucinations and lethargy;
tachycardia;
dry lips, increased urination, which indicates dehydration;
fainting.

Finally, I would like to say that not only energy drinks increase productivity and restore vigor. Sometimes, in order to feel full of energy, it is enough to change your diet, eat more greens and fruits, exercise and drink enough water. It is these factors that contribute to the improvement of the general condition. It is better to draw strength from an energy drink only when there is an urgent need. In situations where you can do without it, you should choose a different path, taking into account how the energy drink affects the body.

Energy drinks 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 vigor.

Energy drinks (stimulants)
Isotonics (sports catalysts)

Energy drinks are produced by a large number of companies, but they differ only in their labels; the composition in most of them is almost identical:

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

What are Isotonics

Isotonic drinks are presented on the market in two forms - liquid and powder. And the formulas for 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 activity, through a special formula similar to human blood plasma.

Harm

The effect of energy drinks on the body

Many people believe that by drinking an energy drink, they replenish their body's energy resources. Actually this is not true. The energy drink only stimulates the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. As a result, the human body, experiencing stress, begins to work with increased load, releasing a large dose of adrenaline into the blood, causing the effect of euphoria or hyperactivity. In this state, the wear resistance of the body decreases, and the resource of internal organs is significantly reduced.

With the constant consumption 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
Fatal outcome

Composition of energy drinks

Many energy drinks containing large amounts of vitamin B cause rapid heartbeat and trembling in the limbs.

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

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

Stomach ache
Exacerbation of ulcer
Gastritis
Arrhythmia
Interruptions in cardiac activity

It is for this reason that the sale of energy drinks is prohibited in a number of countries.

Some energy drinks contain glucuronolactone, “veiled” in the composition by different spelling variations. 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 increase the morale of soldiers. The test revealed that glucuronolactone simply destroys the human body, causing brain tumors and progressive liver cirrhosis. As a result, the drug was banned as a dangerous chemical.

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

Caffeine combined with alcohol causes a severe blow to the heart. The fact is that these two substances have opposite effects. Alcohol has a depressant 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 energy drinks are used not only to restore strength, but also to quench thirst. In fact, the result is the opposite. The body becomes dehydrated.

D-ribose, a carbohydrate necessary for ATP synthesis, can lead to overexcitement and muscle pain.

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

Ginseng can lead to overexcitement and increased blood pressure.

Due to the large amount of sugar and acids contained in energy drinks, their consumption disrupts the acid-base balance in the mouth and also destroys tooth enamel.

Harm of isotonic drinks

Isotonic drinks 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 energy, a feeling of vigor, lack of fatigue, and improve thought processes.

Glucose, a number of vitamins and botanicals found in energy drinks, speeds up the body's oxidation process, 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 a feeling of increased energy is felt almost immediately after drinking the energy drink due to the gases.

The energy drink can be consumed wherever it is convenient thanks to its compact and convenient packaging.

The benefits of isotonic drinks

Isotonic drinks quickly replenish fluid loss in the body during heavy physical activity.

Drinking an isotonic drink supplies the body with a complex of carbohydrates, replenishes glycogen reserves during exercise, and vitamin B1 is involved in the metabolism that occurs in the body and in the process of carbohydrate absorption.

Isotonic drinks also help compensate for calcium and magnesium, which are lost during active sweating and are necessary for the normal functioning of muscles. That is, isotonic helps muscles replenish vital minerals, helping to increase endurance, improve strength, prevent cramps and speed up the recovery process after exercise.

The protective vitamins C, E and beta-carotene included in isotonic drinks limit the production of free radicals during sports activities.

Drinking energy drinks

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

Do not allow children under 12 years of age to drink energy drinks and try to protect teenagers under 18 years of age from using them. Energy drinks are harmful to a growing and developing body.

Avoid drinking energy drinks after exercise. This leads to dehydration and increased blood pressure.

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

Don't drink more than two cans of energy drink per day and do it no more than twice a week.

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

After drinking an energy drink, be sure to give your body a rest.

Drinking energy drinks is strictly prohibited for: elderly people, pregnant or lactating women, people suffering from glaucoma, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased excitability. People suffering from sleep disorders, nervous disorders and caffeine intolerance.

If you are actively involved in sports or experience heavy physical activity, you can use Isotonics. They promote rapid recovery of the body and have virtually no contraindications.

I honestly don't understand how anyone can drink energy drinks. Even on a purely intuitive level, you understand that this is a rare disgusting thing that not only will not recharge you with energy, but, on the contrary, will take away this energy and generally deprive you of your health if used frequently. However, intuition is intuition, but to figure out what it is and What are the harms of energy drinks? costs.

First, let's just look at the label:

Substances that tonic the nervous system (synthetic caffeine, plant extracts of guarana, lemongrass, etc.)
Direct energy carriers are carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose)
Elements that stimulate metabolism (B vitamins, as well as vitamin-like substances (for example, taurine)
Flavorings, dyes, food additives.

Energy drinks: the harm is certain

What effect can this mixture have? The essence of energy drinks is to give a surge of strength and energy. It would seem that the effect of such a drink fulfills its mission: after drinking a jar, you get the feeling that the energy is just over the edge. In fact, the energy drink does not add energy one iota. And it affects the body, mobilizing internal resources (i.e., what it, the body, has stored for itself for the future), which causes a short-term surge of strength. Those. It’s as if they “sweep out” our energy in advance. Now you feel good, you are cheerful and energetic, but this energy is taken “on credit” from the body, and you will have to give it back.

If you drink the drink once, the effect will not be too destructive and noticeable, but if you drink them constantly, the body will exhaust its reserves and, in the end, you will achieve the opposite effect: instead of vigor, you will get overworked, and in addition a number of unpleasant consequences: rapid heartbeat, increased pressure, impotence and ultimately depression.

Harm from energy drinks: risk group

Who gets hooked on energy drinks most often? These are mainly students during the session who do not have time to complete their work on time, some athletes in fitness clubs, tired drivers, nightclub regulars - all those who are tired, but should feel full of strength and energy. Target audience: students or working men aged 17-24. A bright, beautiful jar that is no different from a can of soda, and “inspiring” advertising attract the attention of children and young people. However, it says nothing about the dangers of energy drinks.

And having become addicted to such drinks, the next step is alcohol-containing cocktails. At the same time, the combination of energy and is very dangerous and can lead to the most dire consequences. By drinking a can of energy drink, a person seems to sober up, but after a while, caffeine enhances the effect of alcohol on the brain. Alcohol and caffeine have opposite effects (one is stimulating, the other is depressing). As a result, the heart literally breaks in half and, as a result, wears out very quickly.

Harm from energy drinks: contraindications

As for me, the very phrase “energy drink” is a contraindication to its use. According to doctors, energy drinks are nothing more than fortified substitutes, only much more dangerous to health. However, the official contraindications to them are as follows:

All energy drinks contain caffeine or plant extracts containing it (like guarana). One standard 200 gram jar contains from 90 to 150 mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to 1-2 100 gram cups of strong coffee. Therefore, energy drinks cause the greatest harm to people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. In addition, caffeine has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to exacerbation of ulcers and gastritis.
Do not assume that an energy drink is a source of vitamins, even if they are listed in its composition.
Such drinks are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, children and adolescents, people with glaucoma, sleep disorders, increased excitability, and sensitivity to caffeine.
Even the manufacturers themselves indicate that the consumption rate is no more than one can per day. However, when purchasing, who remembers the dangers of energy drinks and follows this recommendation?

In countries such as New Zealand and Australia, energy drinks are completely prohibited - both sale and production. In Denmark, France and Norway they are sold only through pharmacies and are considered medicines. At the same time, any attempts in our country to at least somewhat limit the sale of such drinks in places where young people gather run into an impenetrable wall of bureaucracy.

Don't think that the problem is being made out of nothing.

Victims of energy cocktails regularly appear around the world. Some people's hearts can't stand it while working out in the gym. But even without much physical activity, taking energy drinks leads to increased heart rate and increased blood pressure.

In the city of Penza, two years ago, a 17-year-old girl, a student at one of the universities, died. Death occurred due to bleeding into the pancreas, which was caused by an “overdose” of energy drinks...

Energy drinks force you to waste the body's internal resources without giving anything in return. The harm of energy drinks is undeniable in any form. It is better not to drink them at all, especially since they are not vital. However, if you can no longer imagine life without an “inspiring” jar, try to limit yourself and not drink 1 jar more than twice a week.

Ksenia Poddubnaya

To manage everything at the modern pace of life, you need to constantly be on your toes. For this purpose, stimulants are often used, which have an effect better than a cup of strong coffee. However, the harm of energy drinks on the human body is very significant, although the manufacturers of such products and even some doctors consider them safe.

Energy: what is it?

An energy drink is a drink that is created using a variety of stimulants and other components: dyes, flavors, vitamins and others. By consuming them, a person influences his central nervous system, thus suppressing fatigue in order to prolong wakefulness, concentrate, and increase mental activity for several more hours.

It would seem that what is bad about these products? After all, they improve performance. But this is only at first glance. The benefits and harms of energy drinks are not equal. Despite the outwardly positive characteristics, we should not forget that their components have a negative effect on people. Most of them adversely affect the central nervous system.

Compound

Currently, there are a huge number of manufacturers and varieties of energy drinks in the world. Their number and range is constantly growing. And there are practically no differences between them. They all have identical composition, which includes:

caffeine is a substance that stimulates the brain and significantly increases the heart rate;
melatonin is an antioxidant that regulates the human daily rhythm;
taurine is a powerful antioxidant that speeds up metabolism in the body;
matein, which allows you to lose weight and dull the feeling of hunger;
ginseng, guarana - natural extracts that cleanse the liver and remove lactic acid from cells;
L-carnitine, which oxidizes fatty acids;
glucose, sucrose, fructose - carbohydrates that stimulate brain function and prevent a person from falling asleep;
phenylanine – to impart taste;
B vitamins – normalizing the functioning of the nervous system.

The effect of energy drinks on the body

The positive effect of energy drinks on the body occurs only at the beginning of their use, when people feel a replenishment of energy resources and an increase in physical and mental performance. But after euphoria, hyperactivity, and the ability to work under increased load comes exhaustion. After stress or shock, the body turns out to be very worn out and tired.

In addition, such products negatively affect the duration and quality of sleep. It is difficult for a person to fall asleep, he suffers from insomnia, and having dozed off, he sees nightmares and easily wakes up from the slightest noise or irritant. Such rest does not bring joy, does not add strength, does not give a feeling of vigor.

Regular use of such stimulants can cause depression, aggressiveness, suspiciousness, headaches, anger, and often leads to loss of strength, depression, loss of orientation, irritability and even death.

In addition, organic lesions may appear:

Increased blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure.
Prolonged sinus tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
Interruptions in the functioning of the heart.
Decreased immune system defenses.

Overdose

abdominal pain;
arrhythmia;
increased temperature;
gastritis;
interruptions in heart function;
exacerbation of ulcers;
diarrhea;
vomiting;
hallucinations, both auditory and visual;
frequent urination;
confusion;
fainting.

Harm and danger

A single use of an energy drink in moderate quantities by an adult, healthy person is unlikely to cause a negative reaction. However, regularly drinking it in large quantities or abusing it one day may prove unsafe for health. The effect of the components of this product on the human body can cause the most negative reactions and diseases:

Disruption of the central nervous system.
Development of diabetes mellitus.
Various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Mental disorders.
Thrombosis.
Deterioration of the heart and cardiovascular system.
Decreased libido.
Epilepsy, anaphylaxis.
Deterioration of attention, decreased ability to work, loss of interest in others and in life.
Addiction.

And the harm for teenagers can be even more serious, even fatal.

Consequences

If you regularly use such stimulants in your diet, the consequences of the body’s reaction to them can be the most terrible and disastrous:

accidents due to sudden loss of consciousness;
hearing loss, bleeding, convulsions;
miscarriages (in pregnant women);
suicidal behavior;
gastrointestinal disorder in the form of vomiting, diarrhea;
prolonged headaches;
arrhythmia;
the appearance of mental abnormalities and disorders;
development of various phobias;
loss of concentration and performance;
death from constant use of energy drinks.

It is advisable not to use energy products for anyone, ever. However, they are especially dangerous for the following categories of people:

Children.
Teenagers.
Pregnant and lactating women.
People with chronic diseases.
Old age.
With diseases of the heart, kidneys, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system.
Patients with diabetes, glaucoma, chronic high blood pressure and much more.

These products contain a lot of caffeine, taurine, melatonin, phenylanine and other substances harmful to health.

Benefit

It cannot be denied that these types of stimulants are sometimes beneficial. But this is only in cases where they are used infrequently and in moderation. From time to time, mental labor needs additional reserves to complete some work. But here you should be careful and not drink too much energy drinks.

Of course, they will energize a person for a while, give him strength, give him a feeling of cheerfulness, drive, improve thought processes, and relieve fatigue. Vitamins and herbal components add strength to muscles and internal organs.

This product works much better, faster than a cup of coffee, and the effect of its use lasts much longer. But this will pass after some time, even if you are constantly “reinforced” by them. And in the future it will only be harmful to the health of energy drinks.

Video: the harm of energy drinks.

Rules of use

Energy drinks should be drunk in small quantities and infrequently to avoid their negative impact on a person. Do not give to children and adolescents under any circumstances. A growing and developing organism, like no other, is exposed to harmful substances.

You should not drink energy drinks with alcohol to avoid pressure surges and hypertensive crisis.

They are also contraindicated in the heat, when the cardiovascular and autonomic systems are working at full strength. The drink will only warm up the body even more. Even when cold, it is very harmful due to temperature changes.

After sports training, it is also advisable to refrain from this product, because it will increase blood pressure and lead to dehydration.

To protect yourself from addiction, it is recommended to drink energy drinks no more than twice a week and no more than two cans a day. At the same time, you should also stop drinking tea, coffee and other products containing caffeine for at least 5-6 hours to avoid an overdose.

Despite the fact that a person has received a boost of vivacity and energy, he still needs proper rest in order to recover from the additional load. This should never be forgotten.

Alcoholic energy drink is a very controversial drink. Why? Energy drinks have a stimulating function, but alcohol has a depressing function.

The opposition is obvious! The energy drink “masks” the influence of alcohol, which is why many people do not take it into account and weaken control over the amount they drink. The result is more active consumption of alcohol, which subsequently causes natural fatigue, which is still interrupted by the effect of the stimulating drink. However, first things first.

Compound

This is the first thing you should pay attention to when talking about alcoholic energy drinks. So, they contain the following substances:

Glucose and sucrose in large quantities. These are easily digestible carbohydrates, the main source of energy.
Caffeine. Stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates the pulse, enhances cardiac activity, promotes the accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which leads to adrenaline-like effects.
Theobromine. It is close in composition to caffeine and has a similar effect - it stimulates the heart muscle.
Taurine. It has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the emulsification of fats in the intestines, and has a cardiotropic effect. In general, it improves energy processes.
Glucuronolactone. This is a natural metabolite of glucose, a direct “precursor” of taurine, which helps improve mental activity.
L-carnitine. Has a neuroprotective effect.
Vitamins B and D-ribose. Substances necessary for every person, because they improve metabolism.

Extracts

They are also included in low-alcohol energy drinks. The most common are:

Guarana extract. An effective stimulant - it contains twice as much caffeine as coffee beans.
Ginseng extract. This is a source of all kinds of useful substances. These include saponins, xatriols, active polyacetylenes, peptides, polysaccharides, acids (folic, nicotinic, pantothenic), essential oils, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, chromium, titanium, zinc... in general , it’s impossible to list everything.

By the way, another common addition is black carrot juice. It contains a large amount of antioxidants - 12 times more than in a regular orange fruit.

Alcohol

And this is the main component of low-alcohol energy drinks. And everyone knows how harmful it is. Alcohol has a toxic effect on our entire body.

And now we are not even talking about such consequences as an increase in the likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. Alcohol is a depressant. A substance that depresses the activity of the central nervous system and often provokes mental disorders.

Possible consequences

Everything, of course, depends on the individual characteristics of the body, but the combination of caffeine and ethanol may not cause the most pleasant reaction. Because the surge of energy caused by all stimulants and sugar will be instantly blocked by the effect exerted by the breakdown products of ethyl alcohol. So here are the possible consequences:

Excessive stress on the psyche. As a result, behavior is difficult to control.
Abnormal load on the cardiovascular system, increased contractions.
CNS disorders. They are provoked by both excess caffeine and alcohol.
Risk of developing diabetes, weight gain.
Load on all internal organ systems.

Well, the most important consequence, which not a single person who drinks alcoholic energy drinks can avoid, is the long recovery of the body. Everyone knows that the breakdown products of alcohol take a very long time to be eliminated.

addictive

A consequence that needs to be mentioned separately. Alcoholic energy drinks are very addictive and addictive. Over time, a person notices that he needs to drink a lot more tonic strong drink in order to achieve the effect that previously occurred from one jar.

And everyone knows that excessive addiction to such cocktails is a direct path to drunkenness and alcoholism. And it is not just words. In energy drinks, the “degree” is practically not felt (although it is present in considerable quantities), so a person simply knocks over one can after another, without even noticing it.

Famous example: Jaguar

“Jaguar” is an alcoholic energy drink whose name is on everyone’s lips. It cannot be called “weak”, since the ethyl alcohol content is 7%. And this is more than in strong beer. Previously, by the way, Jaguar was produced with a content of 5.5% and 9%.

In addition to alcohol, this drink contains water, citric acid, sugar, caffeine, taurine and extract from Paraguayan holly (mate) leaves. It determines the sweet-tart taste of the cocktail.

In addition to the above, the composition contains dyes (carmine, anthocyanin and caramel), as well as flavors and vitamins. Energy value is approximately 100 kcal.

Jaguar is harmful. Sodium benzoate (E211), which is part of it, can cause DNA changes in large quantities and is the cause of Parkinson's disease and cancer. And the dye E129, which causes the red color of the drink, is a carcinogen, banned in 9 European countries.

List of popular drinks

In continuation of the topic under discussion, I would like to list a list of alcoholic energy drinks that are somewhat popular.

Revo. The “classic” version is a drink in a silver can with a sour-fresh taste. There is a “cherry” modification in red containers and a “grapefruit” modification in orange. All contain 9% alcohol. Shizandra (8%) and Revo Angel (6%) versions are also available.
Strike. Inexpensive drink with 8% alcohol content. One can of it creates the same effect as 3-4 cups of strong black coffee and a 50-gram shot of vodka.
Hooch. A budget option with 7% alcohol content and a wide range of flavors. There are apple, lemon, grapefruit, orange and black currant.

However, only the famous inspiring non-alcoholic Red Bull, diluted with vodka, is more popular than all the listed options. But you need to knead it yourself - the manufacturer does not produce “ready-made” versions.

Benefit

Well, enough has been said about the dangers of alcoholic energy drinks. But wherever there are disadvantages, there are definitely advantages! So what about the benefits? Oddly enough, but it is present.

At the very beginning, the substances included in these cocktails were listed, and they are really useful. True, their positive effect is smoothed out by alcohol, but still.

However, in certain situations, even an alcoholic energy drink can help. He won't let you fall asleep if you really want to sleep, but you can't. For example, when deadlines are running out at work. Okay, but how can you work if alcohol gets into your body? It’s easy and simple, because in small quantities (you must remember in moderation!) alcohol relaxes, relieves unnecessary thoughts, and relieves tension. In such a relaxed state, work is much calmer.

Right choice

You shouldn’t buy the first energy drink you come across if you decide to cheer yourself up. When choosing a drink, you should be guided by the following rules:

The best energy drink is the one that contains only one tonic substance. It is better if it is a natural plant extract.
It is worth paying attention to the content of flavoring additives and dyes. There is no point in consuming excess carcinogens.
Don't be tempted by a half-liter jar. The daily norm is 250-300 ml.
You should immediately buy bottled water, at least 0.5 liters. Energy drinks dehydrate, you will have to restore the balance.

And one more thing: you don’t need to eat this drink with chocolate or wash it down with coffee. This is an extra energy shock to the body.

Turning to the law

There are some legal nuances regarding the topic under consideration. Namely, the law on the sale of energy drinks.

Everyone knows how in Russia they unsuccessfully strive to combat the sale of all kinds of psychotropic substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, etc. Tonic cocktails are no exception! In 2014, the State Duma tried to introduce a law on the sale of energy drinks. It was proposed to prohibit the sale of tonic drinks to minors.

Was the law passed? Not really. The ban was established only on May 1, 2017, only for Moscow and the region. Also, in these and some other regions (in Crimea, for example), they stopped selling Coca-Cola without presenting a passport! This is because the popular soda, which is even bought for children, contains caffeine, albeit in small quantities.

In fact, if you want to cheer up, it is better to choose an option without ethyl alcohol, if the question is which one to buy - alcoholic or not. The energy drink “Drive” can be a good option, as well as “Gorilla”, “Non Stop”, “Owl”, “MTV Up!”, “Adrenaline Rush”, “Monster” and many others. But it’s better to drink a cup of natural, freshly ground coffee. If you drink it in moderation, it will have a number of beneficial effects.