These Healthy Swaps Can Replace Your Energy Drink
Whether you're a busy mom running after a toddler, a college student cramming for a final, or a nurse working a double shift, sometimes we just need a little extra energy to get through the day. When your feet are dragging, you might reach for a quick boost in the form of an energy drink, but that may not be the healthiest option, according to the University of Miami.
The massive amounts of caffeine found in energy drinks have been proven to cause adverse effects on your health. The CDC reported that energy drinks are linked to anxiety issues, sleep disturbances, and even problems with your heart. In fact, a 2016 study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation found that energy drinks can raise your blood pressure and change your heart rhythm.
So while it may be tempting to give your workout or study session an extra zing, consider the negative effects it could have on your health. Dr. John Higgins, chief of cardiology at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, told the American Heart Association, "What I say to people who are studying is to avoid energy drinks. And to people who are exercising, avoid them."
Healthy drinks to boost your energy
Just because energy drinks aren't good for you doesn't mean you're doomed to wander through your day like a sleep-deprived zombie. There are plenty of healthy alternatives to energy drinks that will keep you alert and awake while avoiding any unpleasant side effects.
According to Medical News Today, good old-fashioned water can act as a natural energy booster. When you don't keep your body hydrated, this can lead to significant dips in your energy levels (via WebMD). If you're keeping up with your water intake and still find you need an extra zing, however, you may want to try green tea. Healthline reports that green tea contains just enough caffeine to give you a boost, but not to the point where you feel anxious and jittery, as can happen with energy drinks.
Matcha tea, a form of green tea, is another great option if you're looking for a healthy way to stay alert. While both have comparable health benefits, the production process of matcha usually leads to a slightly higher caffeine content, which may be more attractive to you on those days when you need an extra kick (via Medical News Today).