Research presented to the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions indicates that energy drinks increase blood pressure and disturb the heart's rhythm.
(read the "breaking news' here)
PROBLEM: "researchers checked the QT interval of 93 people who had just chugged one to three cans of energy drinks."
Once more, the bottom line from the press is "energy drinks are dangerous" instead of "Why the heck are you CHUGGING this product?" and "Don't 'CHUG' even one can of a caffeinated product, let alone three."
We don't 'chug' coffee, do we? It's hot, therefore we typically sip it. Furthermore, how many people have ever ordered three grande coffees just for themselves? How many of those people thought it was a good idea to consume all three grande coffees in less than 5 minutes? That would be weird, right?
I think it's pretty uncommon for people to 'chug' coffee or to consume multiples in a rapid succession, but it's not uncommon for energy drinks. Why isn't this difference in consumption practices being highlighted in the press? If you really want to help someone, News Media, how about reminding them that it's not a good idea to consume anything caffeinated in a short period of time. Caffeine takes at least 20 minutes to get to the brain so there's NO WAY, NO HOW you'd feel it the second you swallow it. I get that there's a Placebo Effect but still, it's not tequila.
I don't deny that energy drinks can be hazardous for certain groups of people (people on certain medications, those who are pregnant, nursing or under the age of ~18...you know who you are). However, I think the biggest problem regarding energy drink safety is the lack of education toward how to drink the product. It doesn't seem like rocket-science but for some reason people are consuming energy drinks differently than they would a soda or a cup of coffee. WHY?
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