Energy drinks are beverages that usually contain large amounts of caffeine, claiming to increase productivity and alertness. The question is, do the pros outweigh the cons? The ongoing conversation regarding energy drinks encompasses discussions of health benefits, health consequences, mental effects, and more, aiming to increase the public's knowledge of these beverages.

The energizing beverage has many effects on the human body, with sleep disturbance being a central issue. The high stimulant content can disrupt the brain's usual course of routine at night, interfering with sleep patterns and can later lead to insomnia, problems sleeping, restlessness, etc.  The quick pick-me-up can also cause anxiety, agitation, diarrhea, and nervousness, directly caused by the caffeine intake from the thirst quencher.

More severe repercussions as a result of overconsuming energy drinks can be seizures, strokes, tremors, death, despair, arrhythmias, addiction to other beverages such as alcohol, acute mania, Obesity, Diabetes Type 2, and so much more across millions of different, sparse forms of disorders and more health mumbo jumbo.

Now, this was all typed while drinking a Rockstar (arguably one of the worst brands for your health), so let's get into the benefits. The drinks can provide tons of short-term effects for the person thirsting for the beverage, like increased alertness—mental and physical, a temporary energy boost, help in aiding daily tasks, vitamins and electrolytes, mood enhancement, and more. They help offer a boost to get you through daily life that coffee and other drinks can't provide, along with vitamins and sodium. Caffeine and ingredients vary per brand; the worst three brands, according to a consensus, are Regain, Bang, and Rockstar.

While many sites and doctors may convince someone one way or another on the topic, most professionals agree that it's unhealthy for the human body and the developing brain. It can lead to death with overconsumption and is worse for the body compared to coffee or soda. There are ways to both enjoy the drink but still keep the harmful side effects at bay! Consuming an energy drink before noon will help give you that boost you need while not disrupting your sleep schedule or keeping your heart rate sky high all day. Limiting yourself to one a day, or even just one every few days, will increase the effects of the boost, along with decreasing the nausea and restlessness that come with overconsuming. Lastly, you can buy brands with less added sugar, less caffeine, natural sweeteners, and electrolytes. A few brands that are more beneficial to your body than clothes are Celsius, Zevia, and Juno. A better understanding of cause and effect will improve your mind and overall health. Drink better, feel better.