Are the 3 Worst Energy Drinks Healthy or Harmful?

Are the 3 Worst Energy Drinks Healthy or Harmful?
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Energy drinks are caffeine-packed drinks used to boost energy levels and encourage wakefulness. College students cramming for exams or athletes looking for an extra push are just a few examples of the people who consume energy drinks. Here is a look at the top 3 worst energy drinks based on sugar, caffeine, or alcohol content along with tips on healthier choices.

Number One - Highest Sugar Content

This sugar-laden energy drink weighs in with a diet-busting 102 grams of sugar. Having trouble visualizing 102 grams? Imagine one-half cup of sugar – or 24 teaspoons – in a heap. Most people do not dump a half cup of sugar in their coffee, so why consume it in an energy drink? Rockstar Punched Guava also contains 330 milligrams of caffeine, or 15 grams per ounce, making it a poor nutritional choice for sugar and caffeine content.

  • Rockstar Punched Guava
  • 22 ounces
  • 102 grams sugar
  • 330 milligrams caffeine

Replace the Rockstar Punched Guava with a low sugar choice like ZizZazz Explosive Energy Powder – just one gram sugar per 16 oz package. This low sugar energy powder is convenient to use and lets you make a fresh energy drink every time. There are four tasty flavors from which to choose or buy the ZizZazz Energy flavor sample pack and taste-test all four flavors:

  • Pomegranate Mango
  • Cherry Lime
  • Tangerine
  • Lemon Raspberry

Eat it straight from the package, or mix it with your favorite beverage. This energy drink powder is available in individual packages or 16, 28, 32, and 72 count boxes.

Number Two - Highest Caffeine Content

Do the math and find out this energy drink is saturated with caffeine - 140 milligrams per ounce. If that does not scare you, be sure to read the complete warning statement on the website. This product is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age, and the suggested serving size is one-half bottle every seven hours but not more than one full bottle per day. Here is the data:

  • Redline Power Rush
  • 2.5 ounce bottle
  • 350 milligrams of caffeine

Replace this high-caffeine beverage with Clearly Canadian dailyENERGY for a low 4 milligrams per ounce of caffeine. This energy drink furnishes a safe level of caffeine with a minimal sugar hit – just three teaspoons for a 20 ounce bottle.

Number Three - Alcohol and Caffeine?

Why energy drinks need the addition of alcohol is anyone’s guess, but the combination of a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol) is not the best nutritional mix from any viewpoint. Skip this one - Sparks Energy Drink with six percent alcohol – and opt for GURU Lite Energy Drink. With just 10 calories, 2 grams sugar from natural cane sweeteners, and naturally occurring caffeine, GURU is a better all-around choice.

Energy drinks are good servants but poor masters. Used properly, they provide energy boosts, enhance alertness, and may provide herbal supplements or other nutrients. As with all nutritional products, do the due diligence, know what you are consuming, and evaluate the health benefits versus any potential risks. By following this guide, you can avoid the 3 worst energy drinks.

References

Zizzazz, ZizZazz Product information, accessed 04/06/2010

Clearly Canadian, daily ENERGY, Nutritional Information, accessed 04/06/2010

GURU, GURU Energy Drink, Nutritional Information, accessed 04/06/2010

Rockstar 69, Rockstar Energy Drink: Punched Guava, Product Information, accessed 04/06/2010

Redline Rush, Redline Power Rush, Product Information, accessed 04/06/2010