It is important that you go through the monster energy drink ingredients before trying it. There are two sides to every coin. Only after you go through the ingredients list, you will be able to see both sides clearly. Know more here.
The market is full of many energy drinks that claim to provide instant energy and nutrients to your body. Monster energy drink features in this long list. It is known for its monstrous effect on stamina and energy levels.
This highly caffeinated drink is very popular with athletes, students and shift workers. It is the preferred substitute for tea or coffee as it helps provide instant energy boost.
Although it increases stamina, there’s a dark side to it as well. It is known to have several side effects when consumed in excess. The side effects are a result of its varied components. Let us discuss them to get an idea about the pros and cons of consumption.
Ingredients List
There are two varieties of monster energy drink sold. These include the classic and the low-carb version. The ingredients in both the varieties are same, only the nutritional content differs.
Monster Energy Drink Contents
- Ascorbic acid
- Added color
- Carbonated Water
- Caffeine
- Carbonated water
- Citric acid
- Cyanocobalamin
- Glucose
- Glucuronolactone
- Guarana Seed
- Inositol
- L-Carnitine
- Maltodextrin
- Niacinamide
- Potassium sorbate
- Potassium
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Riboflavin
- Sodium benzoate
- Sodium Chloride
- Sodium Citrate
- Sucralose
- Sucrose
- Taurine
Nutritional Facts
The classic version has about 100 calories and the low-carb version has just 10 calories. Let us take a look at the nutritional value by going through the contents, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23 (2010) .
| Nutrient | Value per 100 grams |
| Proximate | |
| Water g | 88.45 |
| Energy kcal | 42 |
| Energy kJ | 176 |
| Ash g | 0.27 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference g | 11.25 |
| Sugars, total g | 11.25 |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium (Ca) mg | 3 |
| Iron (Fe) mg | 0.01 |
| Magnesium (Mg) mg | 1 |
| Potassium (K) mg | 3 |
| Sodium (Na) mg | 75 |
| Copper (Cu) mg | 0.01 |
| Vitamins | |
| Riboflavin mg | 0.71 |
| Niacin mg | 8.33 |
| Vitamin B-6 mg | 0.83 |
| Vitamin B-12 mcg | 2.5 |
Side Effects
Now, let us discuss some of the contents to understand the benefits and the ill effects. The only content that screams through the list is caffeine. Caffeine in moderation does no harm, but 160 mg sounds just too much. It is a stimulant that has many side effects. These include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia and nervousness. One becomes addicted to it if consumed in excess. The body becomes tolerant to the effects of caffeine. So one drinks more and more to experience the stimulating effects. This leads to many health issues such as heart palpitations, heart diseases, and even affects the sleeping pattern causing insomnia.
There are high levels of carbohydrates which can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract. As the rate of absorption becomes slower, it may cause dehydration in the body. It becomes difficult for the system to quickly replenish the lost fluids.
There is about 54 grams of sugar in a 16 oz can. The instant high energy provided by the sugar is not very long-lasting. This leaves one feeling more fatigued than usual. The person begins to crave for more energy and thus, consumes more of the energy drink. This sudden increase and decrease in the blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, lethargy and in extreme cases may lead to coma.
This was some information related to monster energy drink ingredients. Remember, anything in moderation will cause very little harm. Do not make it a point to survive on energy drinks after every workout or strenuous activity.
You can avoid the dangers by keeping your consumption to minimum. Take care!
