What provokes me to pick up trash? A definition of the term "energy drink" is missing both in the scientific literature and in the legislation. They usually contain different combinations and amounts of caffeine, B vitamins, plant extracts (guarana, mate, ginseng, ginkgo biloba), taurine, inositol, carnitine, and a high amount of sugar. ON THE DAMAGE OF ENERGY DRINKS TO RZI STUDENTS 10/22/2024. Energy drinks are soft drinks presented by manufacturers as providing energy. Their energizing effect is not associated with the high energy value, but with the stimulating effect on the functions of the body of the biologically active substances, vitamins and plant extracts included in their composition. A definition of the term "energy drink" is missing both in the scientific literature and in the legislation. They usually contain different combinations and amounts of caffeine, B vitamins, plant extracts (guarana, mate, ginseng, ginkgo biloba), taurine, inositol, carnitine, and a high amount of sugar. According to unofficial data, about 20% of children between fifth and seventh grade drink at least 5 energy drinks a week. On average, around 19,000,000 liters of energy drinks are consumed annually in Bulgaria. Their main application is to tone the body and increase working capacity. However, unwanted effects such as irritability, anxiety, heart problems, liver and kidney damage, excess weight, seizures, seizures, hyperactivity are also very often observed. It is clear from the content of energy drinks that they are not suitable for children. However, practice shows otherwise. Energy drinks can be purchased in almost all commercial establishments around the schools. Caffeine has an invigorating effect both physically and mentally. It can increase adrenaline levels, leading to addiction. 300 ml of energy drink contains as much caffeine as a very large cup of coffee. When caffeine is taken at once, a very large amount increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to fainting. Energy drinks can cause a hypertensive crisis. There are reports of children admitted to hospital after taking energy drinks with shortness of breath and palpitations. Energy drinks cause a false feeling of increased working capacity, but in fact they cause hyperactivity and faster exhaustion of the body. There is also a dangerous fashion among girls - losing weight with energy drinks. They dull the feeling of hunger, which is due to increased adrenaline. Given the huge amounts of sugar contained in these drinks, however, the effect may be the opposite and the pounds may go up instead of down. It happens that children use energy drinks instead of water. This could be harmful to the kidneys. Caffeine has a dehydrating effect and increases thirst. Experts advise replacing the energy drink with pure water. As an alternative, you can choose natural chocolate, the benefits of which are much greater than the harm. Prof. Stefka Petrova - expert in nutrition and dietetics: "Energy drinks are not known among young people as dangerous drinks. Very few of them know that abusing these drinks can lead to serious health problems.''There is no law in our country that prohibits the sale of energy drinks to children, except in school areas. According to experts, young people do not realize the harm of their frequent consumption. Energy drinks cause some extremely serious side effects. Among them are: overexcitement, tremors, upset stomach, chest pains, dizziness, seizures, insomnia and even cardiovascular attacks. Just because they're affordable and seem harmless doesn't mean energy drinks can't cause serious health damage. A few reasons not to resort to energy drinks: 1. They can cause increased feelings of anxiety and stress. Some of these have actually been found to contain more caffeine than is actually indicated on their labels. Caffeine in large quantities is known to cause panic, chronic stress and rapid heartbeat. 2. High sugar content. In addition to providing us with "artificial" energy, these drinks usually contain enviable amounts of sugar. For example, some have been shown to contain 15 teaspoons of sugar. Leaving the body's supply of sugar catastrophically high can leave us dehydrated, suppress immune system functions, increase inflammation, lead to tooth decay and weight gain. 3. Mood swings. If you regularly consume energy drinks, you will have to seriously rethink your choice. It is this specific neurotransmitter that is also known as the hormone of happiness. Depletion of this hormone is associated with low mood, anxiety and depression. I wish you a pleasant viewing!