The Cougarpolitan

Caffein Control

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 By Aaron WIlliams

As teenagers, we all struggle to stay awake throughout the day so that we can tackle the challenges that high school throws at us. So what’s the easiest solution for being in the dumps? Caffeine, and a bunch of it. To get that extra boost, people turn to coffee and to the widely popular “Monster” or “Red Bull”, drinks containing high amounts of sugar and caffeine. The addiction has become so bad recently that these energy drinks are being consumed more than water, a vital life source. So the main question is, are energy drinks bad for us? The high caffeine content in energy drinks is a giant plus in giving people that extra “push” during the day, but consuming more than one a day can be considered a health hazard. Even though they’re not deadly, consuming too many liquids with high sugar and caffeine content can result in the “jitters”, anxiety, panic, and stomach problems; drinking too many at a time won’t necessarily kill you, but can guarantee a good hospital bill. Teenagers are likely to get the worst of it when it comes to drinking so much sugar, such as stress from the day or lack of sleep that can cause a condition. Marketing for energy drinks mainly targets younger audiences (such as teenagers and children) and the fact that they taste great and can keep you hyperactive is enough information for most to ask the parents for some shopping money. But how much do we really know about what we’re buying? Scientific studies have shown that the sugar content in energy drinks is higher than the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves of, a limit that only stretches far enough to accommodate the common soda. There are even added chemicals (such as “taurine”) in energy drinks that aren’t proven to give extra energy. Energy drinks should be consumed in moderation—not as often as one might drink soda. Even though they do provide that extra boost in the day, it shouldn’t be treated as a necessity for the body. When somebody drinks an energy drink, they should remember the consequences of consuming too much, since they won’t have that much needed energy lying in a hospital bed. Caffeine shouldn’t be considered a part of a natural diet; it should be considered a “last resort”, just in case we think that we cannot survive the challenges of the day.