Devin Skolnick ’11
Web Features Editor
They have taken over the nation’s beverage industry with no signs of slowing. While Monster claims to “Unleash the Beast,” Red Bull advertises that it “Gives You Wings,” An increasing number of students relies on them for that extra boost.
Energy drinks are trendy products that contain excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar. They are taking a gulp out of the soft drink industry, yet have only been available in America for just over ten years.
The daily ritual of consuming caffeine–laden drinks amongst adults has begun to trickle down to their high school–aged children. Teenagers are now gulping down their own version of their parents’ morning java. Highly caffeinated drinks are readily available without age restrictions at any convenience store, gas station, and supermarket. They have become just as accessible as water.
However, due to a teenager’s smaller body mass, the effects of caffeine are also known to be stronger.
Although legal, it some believe that caffeine’s negative effects definitely weigh over its positive ones. According to nutritionist Alison Held, caffeine is linked to “dehydration, increased heart rate and blood pressure. It’s highly addictive, associated with behavioral problems in kids, and leads to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.”
She further explained that upon consumption, “the production of stress hormones increases, which can interfere with weight loss efforts and sleep. [It also] depletes people of vitamins and minerals, and increases anxiety.”
Even with all the negative consequences that caffeine has on the body, it also has a few health benefits. It slightly increases the body’s rate of metabolism and mental focus.
Not only is caffeine a main ingredient of all energy drinks, but sugar is as well.
Held explained how sugar’s most detrimental effects are its “ability to raise insulin levels, leading to Type 2 diabetes, its role in accelerating the aging process, and lowering immunity.” She continued to say that sugar does not have any positive health effects whatsoever.
While the energy drink market associates itself with extreme sports by sponsoring events and athletes, many Staples atheletes do not rely on them for a jolt.
“I do not drink them during games because I feel like they do not quench my thirst as well as water,” varsity baseball player Brendan Bernstein ’11 said. “I always bring a big jug [of water] to every game. It hydrates me.”
Varsity tennis player Danny Hirschberg ’11 prefers not to drink energy beverages as well. “I do not like them because of the crash that I get later,” Hirschberg said. “Also, they tend to make me jittery. In a sport such as tennis, it’s essential to be as relaxed as possible on the court.”
However, one student who asked to remain anonymous said he drinks energy drinks for the sheer purpose of “staying up late to do work” and to practice his musical instrument. Typically between the hours of 9–11 p.m., he drinks one of these beverages two to three times per week.
“I try to avoid drinking energy drinks, but unfortunately, I see them as a necessity in terms of forcing my body to stay up to do work,” he said.
After drinking one of these beverages, he said he “usually feels like running around” and is “very awake after the drink kicks in.” Sometimes, he said, this causes him to have trouble sleeping.
These beverages are not considered a healthy alternative to natural rejuvenation. Held recommends drinking a lot of water for its hydration and energy. Peppermint oil, which stimulates the brain and increases alertness, is another suggestion of hers.
Also, tea, although it includes caffeine, is a “balanced source” according to Held. Tea also “contains Theanine, which is high in antioxidants,” she said.
Staples does not offer any type of energy drink in its cafeteria. The Health and Wellness Regulations of 2008 include a state law declaring that beverages with added sugars or caffeine are not allowed to be sold directly to students.
In addition, the regulations state that “school food services shall encourage the consumption of nutrient–dense foods and assist students in complying with the USDA dietary guidelines for Americans by providing… foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sugars, and salt.”
Therefore, Staples does not offer energy drinks because state law prohibits them. Although these unhealthy beverages are not served, the school does offer various alternatives such as milk, water, fruit and vegetable juices, hot chocolate, and coffee.
