Why You Should Avoid These “Energy” Drinks
I know that none of my dear readers would ever drink it, but maybe someone you know indulges in the occasional can of an “energy” (caffeine and sugar) drink.
In 2008, Australian medical researchers found that just one can of such beverages can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young healthy people.
The caffeine-loaded beverage causes the blood to become sticky, a precursor to cardiovascular problems such as stroke.
One hour after they drank a well known energy drink, the study participants’ blood systems were no longer normal. They were abnormal like you would expect in a patient with cardiovascular disease.
This particular drink is banned in Norway, Uruguay and Denmark because of health risks listed on its cans. One can contains 80mg of caffeine, around the same as a normal cup of brewed coffee.
Researchers concluded that this drink could be deadly when combined with stress or high blood pressure, impairing proper blood vessel function and possibly elevating the risk of blood clotting.
There’s a recipe for caffeine-free chai tea in our healthy recipes section on our website to
check it out click here.
Source: Reuters, Aug 18 2008
by Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND. For heart disease prevention and health promotion, our naturopathic doctors can provide guidance as to what to have and what to avoid. Call us at 416-481-0222 or book online now.