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Energy drinks may seem like attractive pick-me-ups if you don’t like coffee. But don’t gulp down those beverages just yet. Researchers from David Grant Medical Center and the University of the Pacific in California found that drinking around four cans of energy drinks can increase blood pressure and disrupt heart rhythm in a way that pure caffeine doesn’t.

Energy drinks are bad for your heart

Energy drinks are beverages with high levels of a stimulant ingredient – caffeine usually – as well as sugar and other additives. Manufacturers promote these drinks as capable of enhancing mental alertness and physical performance and claim that they are as safe as caffeine.

But the researchers stated that this claim is unfounded. They noted that while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies caffeine in doses of up to 400 milligrams (mg) as safe, little is known about the safety of other ingredients in energy drinks.

To learn more about the effects of these other ingredients, the researchers compared blood pressure and heart rhythm changes in 18 healthy volunteers after they consumed a commercial energy drink and then another beverage with the same amount of caffeine but none of the other ingredients.

Besides 320 mg of caffeine – the amount in around four cups of coffee – the energy drink contained four ounces of sugar, several B vitamins and a proprietary “energy blend” of the amino acid taurine and other ingredients.

The researchers measured the participants’ heart rhythm using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and found an ECG change known as QTc prolongation, which is sometimes associated with life-threatening arrhythmias, two hours after the participants drank the energy drink but not after the caffeine beverage. Many drugs have been withdrawn from the market just for causing ECG changes of a similar magnitude, according to the researchers.

The energy drink also increased the participants’ blood pressure by nearly five points and kept it elevated for six hours. Meanwhile, the caffeine beverage increased blood pressure by just under one point.

The researchers noted that while healthy people don’t need to worry about these blood pressure changes, those with heart conditions might need to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.

Jennifer L. Harris, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut, who wasn’t involved in the study, said that while energy drinks have the same amount of caffeine as coffee, they contain other ingredients that are not approved safe by the FDA.

“On top of that, energy drinks are highly marketed to adolescent boys in ways that encourage risky behavior, including rapid and excessive consumption,” Harris added. “As a result, emergency room visits by young people in connection with energy drinks are rising.”

8 Natural energy-boosting alternatives to energy drinks

Chuck that energy drink and gulp down the following energy-boosting drinks instead:

1. Tea – The caffeine in white, green and black teas can perk you up when you’re feeling sluggish. Other tea compounds like the amino acid L-theanine also help you feel mentally alert and relaxed.
2. Matcha latte – Opt for a matcha latte the next time you grab a cup of coffee. You get a lot more nutritional benefits by consuming a caffeinated drink mixed with matcha.
3. Green smoothie – Blend a smoothie with fruits and spinach to get nutrition, hydration, vitamins and energy all in one shot. You can also give your smoothie an extra caffeine boost by adding green or black tea.
4. Chia smoothie – Named after the ancient Mayan word for “strength,” chia seeds have been prized for their ability to provide energy since ancient times. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts love adding chia seeds to their diet to replenish their bodies after working out.
5. Oregano oil infused drink – The powerful antioxidants in oregano oil help fight fatigue-causing dormant viruses in your body. They also boost your digestion and immune system for overall health. Make an oregano oil infused drink by adding one to two drops of oregano oil to a glass of water. Drink once daily.
6. Kombucha – This fermented tea is packed with several nutrients like iron, which helps ward off anemia and symptoms like fatigue. It is also rich in probiotics that help boost gut health and prevent diseases.
7.  Beetroot juice – Studies show that beetroot juice boosts stamina and lowers blood pressure. Juice beetroot raw and mix it with other vegetables like carrot, cucumber and celery to dilute its potency.
8. Water – Nothing beats good, ol’ water when it comes to quenching thirst and boosting your energy. Oftentimes, all you need to feel energized is better hydration.

Guzzling energy drinks might seem like a good idea when you’re trying to stay awake at night. But beware of their harmful side effects, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. Opt for the healthier alternatives listed here to keep your heart healthy.

Sources:

NBCNews.com

TreeHugger.com

Healthline.com