The effects of energy drinks on the body Research Paper

The effects of energy drinks on the body - Research Paper Example The manufacturing companies portray the energy drinks as youthful, fun, and harmless. However, the effects of energy drinks vary among people depending on age, body activity and the ingredients therein. Some of the effects are good while others are harmful. This paper will analyze the effects of energy drinks on the body. Biologically, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system hence creating more awareness and activity. However, the large concentrations of caffeine and taurine in energy drinks have possible effects on human brain and low body immunity. It also causes breast shrinkage in females and some allergic reactions such as rashes. The high concentrations also cause stomach pain, nausea, dehydration, insomnia, low athletic performance, and anxiety. Ingredients of an energy drink can be addictive in the end, which causes headaches and irritation. Energy drink’s ingredients especially caffeine affect the heartbeat and blood pressure because of the stimulation they cause to the nervous system. Carnitine and Guarana, lead to weight loss and increased metabolism. Calorie and high sugar may otherwise lead to weight gain. Sugars increase the risk of diabetes and teeth cavities while caffeine weakens bones. Energy drinks when mixed with alcohol leads to dehydration (Reifeiss, 2011). High am ounts of caffeine in the energy drinks increase the risk of miscarriage, delivery of low-weight babies and difficulties during birth in pregnant women. The dehydration caused by energy drinks is harmful when combined with exercises among sportsmen (Health and wellbeing, 2010). Taurine, which is also contained in the energy drinks, helps in regulating heartbeat, energy levels, mild inhibitory neurotransmission, and muscle contractions. Vitamins B contained in energy drinks helps in converting sugars to energy in the body. Ginkgo Biloba helps in circulation, concentration, and memory retention. However, it has side effects like dizziness and