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Energy drinks, soft drinks& caffeineMany energy drinks and soft drinks are marketed to appeal to teenagers. Theyhave very little nutritional value, and can contain high amounts of sugar andcaffeine.Some European countries have already banned energy drinks due to the highcaffeine content!What is caffeine?? A stimulant drug that acts on the brain and nervoussystem.Name of drink Caffeine content Sugar contentRed Bull (250mL can) 80mg 27.5g (6.5 tsp)Mother (500mL can) 160mg 52g (12 tsp)V (250mL can) 78mg 26.3g (6 tsp)Coca-Cola (375mL can) 49mg 39.8g (9.5 tsp)Diet Coke (375mL can) 48mg 0gCoke Zero (375mL can) 36mg 0gDiet Coke Caffeine Free 2mg0g(375mL can)Pepsi (375mL can) 40mg 41.3g (10 tsp)Pepsi Max (375mL can) 44mg 0gThe major health concern regarding energy drinks is their high caffeinecontent. Caffeine takes 5 – 30 minutes to circulate in the body once it has beenconsumed, and its effects will last as long as it is in the blood (usually around12 hours).Negative effects of caffeine include:- Insomnia - Hypertension - Headache- Nervousness - Anxiety - Sleep problems- Bed wetting - Diarrhea - Irritability- Rapid heart rate - Dehydration - Restlessness- Physiological dependenceWe also know that caffeine can affect a growing brain!These effects are already being observed amongst young teenagers who often drinkenergy drinks on their way to school. They exhibit more disruptive class behaviourand poor concentration, with some teens ending up in hospital emergency wardssuffering from heart palpitations.Scientists have also found that the attention span of kids who consume energydrinks on a daily basis eventually decreases, while energy drink consumption hasalso been linked to risky behaviour. Recent research has also suggested a linkbetween soft drink consumption and violent/aggressive behaviour in teens.So, what can you do to boost your energy instead??-Go outside and breathe in some fresh air-Listen to some fast beat music-Do some exercise-Drink lots of water-Make sure you are getting enough restful sleep-Eat a healthy, well balanced diet (and don’t skip breakfast!)-Have a big stretch20 21