Growing concerns about how consuming high-caffeine, high-sugar energy drinks might be contributing to children’s weight and attention problems has led the British government to ban the sale of the drinks to children. The only question left to determine is whether to restrict the age at which they can buy energy drinks. In Great Britain, two-thirds of children aged 10 to 17 and 25 percent of 6- to 9-year-olds consume energy drinks, The Guardian said.
Even if we weren’t talking about children, the concerns that British officials have over both the stimulating effects and their contribution to weight gain is a problem for adults, as well. Not only that, consuming these caffeine-charged beverages may come at another cost in lost sleep. And when you put lost sleep together with another day of sugared-up caffeine, you have a perfect recipe for metabolic disease, obesity and even Type 2 diabetes.
But while we’re talking about sugar and caffeine, soda isn’t an option to turn to. The problem with soda stems from its high sugar content — particularly the liquid high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) variety — and, in the case of diet, its artificial sweetener content, among other issues. Just one 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 33 grams of sugar (8 1/4 teaspoons) and 36 grams of net carbohydrates, which is more than your body can safely handle, especially at one sitting.
While coffee and tea, especially hibiscus and green teas, can be options for you, ideally, water should be your first choice in beverages. As I explain in my free nutrition plan, I believe that no beverage can quench thirst better than pure water. Water makes up 65 percent of your body, and helps with blood circulation, metabolism, body temperature regulation, and waste removal and detoxification. Adding lemon or cucumber slices, or even lime juice to water gives it a flavor boost — something that even children will like, given the chance.