Energy drink facts for kids
Energy drinks are drinks that companies say can give you more energy. They often contain special ingredients like vitamins and stimulants, which are substances that make you feel more awake. Some popular energy drinks you might know are Red Bull and Monster Energy. Many young people enjoy these drinks. About 66 out of every 100 energy drink sales are to people between 14 and 35 years old.
Contents
What's Inside Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks usually have a mix of ingredients that work together to give you a boost. The main ones are often caffeine, sugar, and different vitamins. They might also include other things like taurine or plant extracts.
Caffeine: The Wake-Up Ingredient
Caffeine is a natural stimulant. This means it can make your brain and body feel more alert. You can find caffeine in many things, like coffee, tea, and chocolate. In energy drinks, caffeine is the main reason people feel a sudden burst of energy. It can help you feel less tired and more focused. However, too much caffeine can make you feel jittery or have trouble sleeping.
Sugar and Sweeteners
Most energy drinks contain a lot of sugar. Sugar gives your body a quick source of energy. This can make you feel a sudden rush. Some energy drinks use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to reduce calories. Both sugar and sweeteners affect the taste of the drink.
Vitamins and Other Add-ins
Energy drinks often have B vitamins like B6 and B12. These vitamins are important for your body to turn food into energy. However, getting extra B vitamins from drinks usually doesn't give you more energy if you already get enough from your food. Other ingredients like taurine (an amino acid) and plant extracts like guarana or ginseng are also common. These are often added because they are believed to help with energy or focus.
Why Do People Drink Them?
People drink energy drinks for different reasons. Many teens and young adults drink them to feel more awake, especially when they are tired. Some might drink them to help them focus during schoolwork or gaming. Others use them to get a quick energy boost before sports or other activities.
Important Things to Know
While energy drinks can give you a quick boost, it's good to know a few things about them. Because they have a lot of caffeine and sugar, they can affect your body.
How They Affect Your Body
The caffeine in energy drinks can make your heart beat faster. It can also make you feel restless or nervous. If you drink them too close to bedtime, they can make it hard to fall asleep. The high amount of sugar can also lead to a "sugar crash" later, where you feel tired after the initial energy rush.
Staying Hydrated
It's important to remember that energy drinks are not the same as water or sports drinks. Water is the best way to stay hydrated, especially when you are active. Sports drinks are designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during intense exercise, but energy drinks are different.
Making Smart Choices
For young people, it's usually best to get energy from healthy foods, enough sleep, and regular exercise. If you choose to drink energy drinks, it's important to do so in moderation. This means not drinking too many and being aware of how they make you feel. Reading the nutrition label can help you understand what's in the drink.
Images for kids
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Various brands of energy drinks
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A Nutrition facts label for an energy drink.
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Assortment of energy drinks displayed in a store in Bangkok
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A Red Bull distribution truck
See also
In Spanish: Bebida energizante para niños
