CW Vol 2. Ed. 5 - The Dangers of Sugary (Natural and Artificial) Energy Drinks
Energy Boost or Health Drain?: While energy drinks are a common go-to for a burst of energy, these beverages often contain excessive sugar, artificial ingredients, and high levels of caffeine that can negatively impact your health. Regular consumption has been linked to: weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and energy crashes that leave you feeling more fatigued than before.
Additionally, energy drinks often contain artificial sweeteners and additives such as aspartame, sucralose, and synthetic B vitamins that may contribute to digestive issues, mood swings, and even metabolic disorders. According to Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, a certified doctor of natural medicine, chiropractor, and clinical nutritionist, consuming these ingredients over time can increase the risk of insulin resistance and negatively impact gut health.
Sugar Overload: What is in Your Drink?: Here’s a breakdown of the sugar content in some of the most popular energy drinks:
Red Bull (8.4 oz can): 27 grams of sugar = 6.75 teaspoons Monster Energy (16 oz can): 54 grams of sugar = 13.5 teaspoons
Rockstar Energy (16 oz can): 63 grams of sugar = 15.75 teaspoons
Celsius Energy (16 oz can): 0 grams of sugar, but it is sweetened with sucralose!
To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends a daily sugar intake of no more than 9 teaspoons for men or 6 teaspoons for women. Just one can of your favorite energy drink can easily exceed this limit. Excess sugar intake has also been linked to inflammation, hormone imbalances, and an increased risk of cancer, as highlighted in Dr. Axe’s research.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener about 600 times sweeter than sugar. While marketed as a zero-calorie alternative, research suggests that sucralose may contribute to increased blood pressure, elevated glucose levels, and negative effects on gut health, insulin response, and metabolism over time.
For better energy solutions and smart strategies to cut back on energy drinks, click here!
1/29/2025