Energy Hurts
Although 5-Hour Energy may seem like a harmless energy drink, the Food and Drug Administration has reported thirteen deaths linked to the drink. 5-Hour Energy is an energy shot that contains about 207 milligrams of caffeine. The product’s label warns to only take two energy shots per day, and they should be taken several hours apart. The deaths supposedly linked to the 5-Hour Energy could be due to an overdose of the drink, or possibly drinks taken in addition to an underlying health problem. The FDA is still investigating the cause of the deaths and if they were directly related to the 5-Hour Energy drink.
Healthy Boosts
Even though energy drinks may be dangerous, some people depend on them for a boost of energy in the morning. “I’m still on board with the energy drinks,” says Josefa Castelli (‘16). “You haven’t been in my bedroom in the morning; it’s like the living dead.” There are healthy alternatives that can still provide energy in the morning. One simple alternative is water. However, water may seem plain, but it provides enough energy to get through the day. Another substitute is fruit smoothies. They have natural sugar instead of caffeine from coffee and energy drinks. Fruit juices of any kinds offer the same natural sugars that are in fruit smoothies. Green tea is also a great substitute because it has much less caffeine than coffee and tastes great. All these alternatives are much healthier substitutes for energy drinks that will still offer a similar amount of energy.