Sometimes the only thing that can get us out of bed in the morning is the promise of a delicious—usually caffeinated—beverage waiting for us. However, some morning beverages are better for us than others. While good old black coffee, for example, can actually offer up a significant amount of benefits, there are a few options out there that could actually put your health at risk. In fact, there’s one caffeinated beverage in particular that experts warn may be a poor choice if you’re worried about your heart health: energy drinks.
We spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat to learn more about how drinking energy drinks in excess could take a toll on the health of your read. She broke down a few of the downsides to this energizing but detrimental beverage. Read on for more info on the risks at hand.
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Energy drinks and heart health
According to Sabat, "Energy drinks are among the morning beverages that can have a negative impact on heart health." This is due to a few factors, including their high caffeine and sugar content.
For starters, consuming high amounts of caffeine isn't a great idea for your cardiovascular health. "Energy drinks are often loaded with caffeine, which can lead to a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure," Sabat warns. "Excessive caffeine intake can contribute to irregular heart rhythms, increased stress on the cardiovascular system, and even potentially trigger heart palpitations or arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms." Yikes!
All of that caffeine can lead to high blood pressure, in particular. "The combination of caffeine and other stimulants present in energy drinks can lead to a significant increase in blood pressure," Sabat tells us. "This elevation in blood pressure, if prolonged and frequent, can contribute to the development of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease." Luckily, there are several steps you can take in order to manage your blood pressure, including switching up your diet.
It's also worth noting that energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages could lead to dehydration caused by increased urination. This can also lead to consequences when it comes to your heart: "Dehydration strains the heart by requiring it to work harder to maintain proper blood circulation," Sabat says.
Finally, it's important to consider the effects of sugar and calories, which energy drinks are frequently high in. "While not all energy drinks are high in sugar, some do contain significant amounts of added sugars or artificial sweeteners," Sabat says. We all know that consuming too much sugar can lead to a range of health risks, many of which could cause heart issues. "This can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which are detrimental to heart health," she says.
Ultimately, cutting out energy drinks—or at least limiting your intake of them—is a good idea for your heart health. In fact, it's a good idea for your overall health. As Sabat concludes, "Prioritizing beverages that provide hydration without excessive caffeine and added sugars is a wiser choice for promoting heart health."
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