Energy drinks have risen in popularity since 1987 when first introduced in Europe and later the US. While manufacturers claim energy drinks increase energy and athletic performance, the medical community questions the high sugar and caffeine contents in these beverages. Energy drinks contain significantly more caffeine than coffee, ranging from 80-500mg per can compared to 65-100mg in a cup of coffee. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can treat headaches and combat fatigue, but regular high intake is not recommended.

1. Energy Drinks

2. Energy drinks have become
increasingly popular since they were
first introduced into the European
market in 1987 and then in the U.S.
about 10 years later.

3. Manufacturers of these products
claim to increase energy, endurance,
burn fat and improve athletic
performance.

4. The medical community has begun to
question the amount of sugars, and
safety of caffeine levels and other
supplements in these beverages.

5. Caffeine

6. Energy drinks contain high levels of
caffeine, at 80 to 500 mg per can
when compared to 65 to 100 mg for
a cup of coffee.

7. Caffeine is a central nervous system
stimulant and diuretic. Three cups of
coffee -- about 3 -- offer a maximum
recommended daily amount of 250
mg of caffeine.

8. Another ingredient often found in
these types of drinks is guarana seed
extract, from a plant that is native
to the Amazon. Guarana is high in
caffeine content.

9. Positive Effects

10. Caffeine is the main supplement in
most energy drinks.

11. It is an appetite suppressant, and
has been used effectively in the
treatment of migraine headaches
and to combat short-term drowsiness
and fatigue.

12. According to a UC Davis publication,
Guarana has been scientifically
linked to increased energy, appetite
suppression and athletic

13. Thanks
Healthyworld.in