Energy Drinks Replacing Coffee?

Still wiping the sleep out of my eyes I arrive at work, seeing many others already there and in the same state as I am. Tired, not quite yet awake I reach to the counter to take a drink of my morning energy drink. Wait a minute, did I say energy drink. Isn't it supposed to be coffee? That used to be the case, but now more and more people are drinking various energy drinks at different times of the day instead of coffee. What is in these drinks and why are people drinking them over coffee now?

Energy drinks essentially contain caffeine, ginseng, taurine and sugar as their main ingredients which claim to get the job done. Let's take a look at the list. Caffeine, check. We already know that one works. Sugar, again check. We all know this one works, especially if you have children. What about ginseng and taurine? What are they and why are they in there?

Ginseng is an herb long believed to boost the immune system and to contain energy boosting properties. While it is a natural herb care and caution should still be exercised when intaking ginseng. Side effects can include rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure in those with heart disease. Lesser side effects can include anxiety, breast pain, drowsiness and headache. Moderation is the key as with anything we take.

What about this taurine? What is it and why would they put it in energy drinks? Taurine itself is an organic acid. We have taurine already in our bodies and it is found in the meat we eat. There are conflicting studies and opinions on whether taurine actually has any energy boosting properties as well as if there are any side effects. There are some reports of constipation or diarrhoea linked to taurine. The biggest risk can come in the form of interaction with other drugs you may be taking from your doctor.

All in all, the ingredients of these energy drinks are nothing too out of the normal. The problem can come from how easily they are drank. Tasting like a carbonated juice, 1, 2, or even 6 cans could conceivably be drank in a very short period of time. Imagine downing 6 cups of coffee within an hour. It is the ease with which they can be drank that makes them so appealing. Not everyone has a taste for coffee. Those who don't are now finding the benefits coffee drinkers have always had without drinking the coffee.

As more and more people switch to energy drinks and move away from coffee one thing is certain. Anytime something gains popularity and use it will be followed with more scrutiny. Consumers will want to know what is going into their drinks and why? What does it do? As those questions get answered, could coffee be on it's way to a new spot in the back of the cupboard....behind the energy drinks?