Monster Energy Drinks are popular among athletes, students and just about anyone who uses caffeinated beverages as a "pick-me-up". MonsterEnergy.com reports that Monster Energy Drinks contain an energy complex that includes several B-vitamins and caffeine and guarana, two stimulant ingredients that are found in many other energy drinks. According to Northwestern University, energy drinks may improve both athletic and cognitive performance. Despite the benefits of Monster Energy Drinks, these high-powered drinks have health hazards that you should be familiar with.
Dehydration
One potential health hazard of Monster Energy Drinks is dehydration. According to the University of Rochester in New York, caffeine and guarana, the primary ingredients in Monster Energy Drinks, act as diuretics. Brown University notes that this is especially concerning if you are losing fluid from exercise. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, light-headedness and physical fatigue. Make sure you are properly hydrated before and during your workouts. Water is preferable to caffeinated drinks for replacing lost fluid and preventing dehydration.
Cardiovascular Risks
Monster Energy Drinks also present cardiovascular risks. The University of Alabama at Birmingham reports that guarana, one of the primary ingredients in Monster Energy Drinks, has triple the caffeine content as caffeine in a cup of coffee. UAB states that energy drinks can lead to jitteriness, increased heart rate, crash episodes and high blood pressure. These cardiovascular side effects can be magnified if you have a pre-existing heart condition. John's Hopkins University reports that a study of 496 college students who consumed energy drinks found that 19 percent of students claimed that they experienced heart palpitations. If you have a history of high blood pressure, please speak to your doctor before consuming Monster or any other energy drinks.
Deadly Combination with Alcohol
Combining Monster Energy Drinks and alcohol can have deadly results. Brown University reports that combining alcohol, a depressant, and an energy drink, a stimulant, can be very dangerous. This combination is so concerning that Utah, Michigan and Washington states have banned energy drinks that contain alcohol as of November 2010, according to Northwestern University. According to the University of Florida, energy drinks can reduce how impaired you feel and may lead you to consume more alcohol, leading to higher intoxicated levels. If you consume alcohol and Monster Energy Drinks, make certain that you are properly hydrated, exercise extreme caution and do not drive.
References
- Northwestern University: Energy Drinks May Boost your Bounce But Beware of Side Effects
- John's Hopkins University: Caffeinated Energy Drinks May Present Health Risks
- University of Alabama-Birmingham: Energy Drinks: Healthful or Harmful?
- University of Florida: Alcohol, Energy Drinks Add Up to Higher Intoxication Levels, Increased Driving Risk
- Northwestern University: Hangover for Alcoholic Energy Drink Industry
- Potsdam University: Mixing Alcohol & Energy Drinks May Spell Disaster
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