Food science in the news, Day-in-the-Life of a Food Scientist, caffeine safety, and the science behind energy drinks and other supplements.
From the author of "ARE YOU A MONSTER OR A ROCK STAR: A Guide to Energy Drinks -- How They Work, Why They Work, How to Use Them Safely" -- note this blog has moved to GreenEyedGuide.com
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Friends with the Monster (energy)?
Eminem & Energy Drinks - whether you love 'em or hate 'em, challenge your perspective.
To clarify my stance on this subject - I agree that minors are at risk for over-consuming caffeine. That said, I highly encourage all parents to teach their children to read labels - read labels as if you've got a deadly nut allergy. Parents need to set an example and read labels themselves, and not just for caffeine, but for sugars, fats, etc. My sole concern with most energy drink news stories is that by painting all energy drinks as dangerous, it breeds defiance (especially in teens). They'll consume an energy drink, think, "See, you were wrong - I'm fine" and the warnings lose credibility. Learning how to read a label and knowing how much caffeine is too much is the key to consumer safety.
To clarify my stance on this subject - I agree that minors are at risk for over-consuming caffeine. That said, I highly encourage all parents to teach their children to read labels - read labels as if you've got a deadly nut allergy. Parents need to set an example and read labels themselves, and not just for caffeine, but for sugars, fats, etc. My sole concern with most energy drink news stories is that by painting all energy drinks as dangerous, it breeds defiance (especially in teens). They'll consume an energy drink, think, "See, you were wrong - I'm fine" and the warnings lose credibility. Learning how to read a label and knowing how much caffeine is too much is the key to consumer safety.
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