Like other energy drinks, monster energy drink can also raise the level of energy, reduce fatigue, and increase mental alertness. However, an overuse or injudicious use of this energy drink can cause several side effects, which are discussed in this article.
Monster energy drink is a type of energy drink, manufactured by the Monster Beverage Corporation. It is one of the most popular energy drink brands. This energy drink is claimed to be very effective in boosting the level of energy and mental alertness. Though the product does not contain any harmful or toxic ingredient, it can cause a few side effects when consumed excessively. Many people, especially teenagers tend to abuse energy drinks. It is of utmost importance to limit the consumption of energy drinks to avoid their side effects.
Nutrition Facts
It contains a number of ingredients, like caffeine, carbonated water, carbohydrates, sugar, taurine, inositol, vitamins, and certain herbal extracts like ginseng and guarana seed extract. The company manufactures several types energy drinks, but we are going to analyze the nutritional value of only the original (green) and the LO-CARB MONSTER ENERGY (blue).
8 oz or 240 ml of the original monster energy drink contains 100 calories, 27 g carbohydrates or sugar, 1000 mg taurine, 60 mg vitamin C, 20 mg niacin, 2 mg vitamin B6, 6 mg vitamin B12, 1.7 mg riboflavin, 180 mg sodium, 200 mg panax ginseng, and 2500 mg energy blend. The lo-carb (blue) monster drink is low in carbohydrates and calories. 8 oz or 240 ml of this drink contains about 10 calories, 3 g total carbohydrates, 2 mg vitamin B6, 60 mg vitamin C, 20 mg niacin, 60 mcg vitamin B12, 1.7 mg riboflavin, 1000 mg taurine, 180 mg sodium, 20 mg panax ginseng, and 2500 mg energy blend.
Monster Energy Drink Risks
This energy drink contains a very high level of caffeine. The 16 oz can of monster drink contains about 160 mg caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic, and its excessive intake can cause a number of problems, like insomnia, irritation, a jittery feeling, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure. Caffeine can cause the excretion of more fluid from the body, as it has diuretic properties.
Another major ingredient of both the original and the lo-carb energy drink is taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that was first extracted from the bile and semen of bulls. However, taurine can be found in the human body as well, and we get enough of this amino acid (about 100 mg) from our diet. The presence of a high level of taurine or synthetic taurine in energy drinks, can cause side effects like anxiety and rage.
Other side effects of this energy drink are gastrointestinal problems, which can be mainly attributed to its high carbohydrate content. A high level of carbohydrates can adversely affect the absorption of other nutrients, which in turn can manifest in gastrointestinal problems. A high level of carbohydrate can also slow down the rate of fluid absorption in the body.
A high amount of sugar is added to this energy drink, as sugar can provide instant energy. But the effects of sugar last only for a short period of time, and so the level of energy drops all of a sudden when the sugar leaves the bloodstream. As the level of blood sugar drops, one can experience fatigue. However, this side effect can be avoided to a great extent by using the lo-carb or the blue monster energy drink.
However, one can still experience a few side effects, which are associated with the high levels of caffeine and taurine. The stimulant herbs, such as ginseng, as well as guarana seed extract found in this energy drink can also cause a few side effects, like nausea and dizziness, especially when it is taken excessively.
These side effects can be avoided to a great extent by limiting the consumption of energy drinks. Before taking these drinks on a regular basis, it is advisable to weigh their benefits and side effects. Pregnant women, children under the age of 10 years, and individuals sensitive to caffeine should avoid energy drinks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.
