Dear Editor
It breaks my heart to see that more and more people, particularly young adults, turn to energy drinks (Sting, Redbull, Rockstar, XL, Turbo, Monster, etc.) that are generally, but incorrectly, believed to boost energy and concentration. Although marketed for “instant energy boost,” researchers have found that energy drink consumption gives a false sense of alertness and is more dangerous to one’s health compared to what consumers are led to believe.
Energy drinks are advertised as edgy soft drinks, but one glance at their list of ingredients and safety labels tells a whole different story. Excessive levels of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin B make them unhealthy and dangerous. Increased consumption of energy drinks raises the risk of unhealthy habits such as alcohol use, mental health issues such as depression, sleep deprivation, high blood pressure, and other heart complications such as palpitations, cardiac arrest, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, etc. In addition, excess sugar in energy drinks can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cause cavities, and even leads to death. Our youths also need to realize that these energy drinks, and all their stimulants, actually have a detrimental impact on sexual efficiency.
I firmly believe that, considering the proven adverse effects of these drinks on one’s mental and physical well-being, this trend has become one of great concern and calls for urgent monitoring and intervention. I write this missive out of great care and concern, as I, the undersigned, have always been an advocate of saving our youth. I have always recommended steps in a number of ways to protect and care for them in every way that I can.
I have also been an advocate of all things natural; growing one’s own fruits and vegetables, instead of being chemically produced. If people really want energy, they can drink some lime wash or swank. This beverage contains part water, sugar, limes or lemons and essence, for flavor. This can be served chilled or at room temperature and is an instant source of energy.
Cane juice is also a better, more natural and more potent alternative for energy drinks. It has all the minerals in the world, and it’s better for you than refined sugar found in energy drinks. The natural supply of sucrose in cane sugar gives your body the right amount of energy to start your day and normalize the release of glucose in your body. It is also the best way to rehydrate the body and shake off the fatigue. Cane juice is also attributed as a natural remedy to a variety of problems. It is rich in antioxidants so it helps to combat infection and improve immunity. It is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes, making it ideal for rehydration on a hot sunny day. By drinking this pure and healthy juice, you are not only saving your body, but also help the cane industry and our cane farmers.
People, who go to work, school, etc., can easily freeze a bottle of cane juice and/or swank or lime juice overnight and enjoy it all day long. Additionally, an instant boost of energy may also be obtained from a spoon or two of honey or sugar. These natural alternatives are a safe and healthier replacement to heavily advertised beverages that cause people to waste their money needlessly. Such products; energy drinks, alcohols, cigarettes, etc., are only profitable to the producers who manufacture them but are detrimental to the people who consume them. This is because they are intentionally made with ingredients that causes dependence and addiction.
So, my dear readers, I urge you, firstly myself, to be very cautious of the gimmicks of these advertisers and/or manufacturers. I ask you to be careful of what you eat, because the food we eat will eventually make us or break us as time passes by.
Sincerely,
Roshan Khan
