Energy drinks have become a popular way to wake LFHS students up for an early morning, or to help get them through a long day. However, some of the most popular energy drinks, like the drink Celsius, are equivalent to four to five cups of coffee, making them harmful to students’ health. Although these brands are common amongst LFHS students, they can lead to health problems in the future.
These energy drinks are typically advertised using fun flavors and through the apparent “benefits” of drinking them before workouts. For instance, the label on Celsius says that the drink burns body fat and accelerates metabolism. However, Celsius, Alani, C4 Energy and Bang Energy all contain 200 mg or more of caffeine– a very high amount. High amounts of caffeine can lead to dehydration and affect sleep patterns in the short term, but they can also contribute to long term effects like increased risk of heart problems and digestive issues. Here are some healthier energy drinks options to keep you awake and give you energy while maintaining your health.
V8 +Energy
V8 +Energy is naturally made from fruit and vegetables. It contains only 80 mg of caffeine and has no added sugar. A great source of Vitamin B and C, V8 +Energy is available in four flavors: orange pineapple, strawberry kiwi, black cherry and lemon lime. It can be found in Target, Walmart and on Amazon.
ZOA Energy
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ZOA energy drink contains 160 mg of caffeine and has no sugar. It also has Vitamin B and C, amino acids and electrolytes. It comes in ten flavors: green apple, cherry limeade, frosted grape, strawberry watermelon, pineapple coconut, super berry, holiday punch, tropical punch, white peach and wild orange. ZOA Energy can be found at Target, Walmart and on Amazon.
Zevia Soda
Zevia Soda contains 120 mg of organic caffeine– produced from green tea leaves– has plant based natural sweeteners and is free from artificial colors. It also doesn’t have artificial preservatives or sugar. The Zevia Energy comes in eight flavors: peach passionfruit, watermelon, raspberry lime, pineapple paradise, mango ginger, kola, strawberry kiwi and grapefruit. It can be found in Walmart, Target and on Amazon.
Gorgie
Gorgie contains 150 mg of caffeine and has zero sugar. It has the vitamin Biotin, which is beneficial for your skin, nails and hair. Gorgie Energy has seven flavors: tropical punch, watermelon splash, peach tea, mango burst, electric berry, citrus and orange twist. It also comes in variety packs. Gorgie can be found on Amazon or at Walmart.
Sparkling Ice Caffeine
Sparkling Ice Caffeine contains only 70 mg of caffeine and has zero calories. It has no sugar yet has antioxidants and vitamins B12, B3 and E. The caffeine is sourced from coffee beans and green tea extract. The drink comes in five flavors: black raspberry, triple citrus, strawberry citrus, orange passionfruit and watermelon lemonade. It can be found on Amazon, or in stores like Walmart and Target.
Energy drinks provide short amounts of energy boosts. When searching for a better energy drink option, look for drinks that have zero sugar and no artificial additives. Good nutrition will give more sustained energy from calories in foods like oats, nuts, peanut butter and whole grains. And remember: energy drinks should never replace meals.
