Question (Sep 14, 2009 at 1:10pm)

Sep. 14, 2009 at 1:10pm

Joe, I've cut back on coffee to moderate caffaine, but I'm addicted to energy drinks such as Red Bull. Am I making a problem for myself?

Posted in Questions by Anonymous

Comments (1)

Joe says:

Caffeine in moderation can actually be a health benefit. Studies show that caffeine can have a positive impact on reducing the risk of depression, colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes. And the powerful antioxidants found in coffee and tea have been linked to lower cardiac risk. According to the American Heart Association, "moderate consumption" is 300 milligrams of caffeine, or about 3 cups of coffee a day.

However, caffeine drinks such as Red Bull, Rockstar and Spike Shooter can easily put you past the "moderation stage." Spike Shoter, for instance, contains 300 milligrams in a single serving. Says Dr. Junaid Khan, a cardiac surgeon with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley, California, "People don't realize how much caffeine they are getting in these drinks. The combination of caffeine and sugar can act as a diuretic, causing dehydration. Young kids think these energy drinks are like Diet Coke, and they're not."
1 | Sep. 14, 2009 at 1:21pm

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