Are sugar-free energy drinks bad?
Even sugar-free or ‘natural’ energy drinks often contain high doses of caffeine and can pose similar health risks. Energy drinks also contain a mix of herbs and other substances that are marketed as “energy boosters,” but they haven’t actually been proven to increase energy unless the drinks also contain caffeine. Research has shown that energy drinks can disrupt normal heart function. People who consume energy drinks experience elevated blood pressure and abnormal electrical activity in the heart for hours afterward — changes that may raise the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.Sugar free energy drinks are often lower in calories and carbohydrates than their sugary counterparts, making them a more healthy choice overall. Additionally, these drinks can offer benefits like improved mental clarity and focus, better physical performance, and even weight loss.Energy drinks can affect your heart in several key ways. They may change how your heart cells function, possibly causing your heart to beat faster or in an irregular manner. You can think of this as causing your heart to sprint without a warm-up.Coffee and energy drinks provide an energy boost, but energy drinks often contain higher caffeine and added sugar. Coffee is the healthier choice for a daily caffeine fix. Consuming high amounts of energy drinks can pose health risks. Children, teens, and adults are especially at risk from energy drink consumption.
Can you drink a zero sugar energy drink every day?
But a sugar-free energy drink isn’t a good solution, either. A study published in BMJ in 2022 showed an association between artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, and an increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sugar-free or no-sugar-added sodas and drinks are lower in calories and don’t contain the added sugar that their sugar-sweetened counterparts have, but the artificial sweeteners in these drinks may be just as bad for your health, and most notably, your heart.Yes. We sweeten Coke Zero Sugar in our bottles and cans with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Together, they create a great taste with zero sugar and zero calories.
Do zero sugar drinks spike insulin?
It’s heavily debated. Many controlled studies show that artificial sweeteners don’t affect blood sugar or insulin levels, and only one study published in Diabetes Care showed a correlation with an artificially sweetened drink raising insulin levels. Drinking too many sugar-free drinks may cause gastrointestinal distress and digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. The artificial sweeteners in these drinks can also cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in some people.Sugary drinks cause more than 330,000 annual deaths from diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” the study’s senior author, Dr.Withdrawal symptoms you may experience with an energy drink addiction include headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a depressed mood ( 6 ). Often, these withdrawal symptoms are related to quitting caffeine, and they may last 2–9 days ( 6 ).Energy drinks have been known to dehydrate your body, especially if used while exercising. High levels of sugar and caffeine may produce symptoms including irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, and nausea severe enough to require hospitalization.
Do sugar-free energy drinks cause weight gain?
Short answer: Calorie-free and sugar-free drinks do not directly add calories, so they do not cause weight gain by themselves — but they can influence weight indirectly through appetite, behavior, and metabolic effects. Whether they contribute to weight gain depends on overall diet, behavior, and context. Sugar-free energy drinks still contain high caffeine levels and artificial sweeteners that pose significant health risks. These include cardiovascular issues, sleep disruption, and potential weight gain. Limited consumption is advised, with water remaining the healthiest hydration choice.Dr. Anna Svatikova: Studies have shown that energy drinks can induce oxidative stress and liver damage. Similarly, they can lead to acute kidney injury, they can also affect the kidney function.The combination of caffeine and added sugars in energy drinks is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased blood sugar, so they may not be a smart choice for those with diabetes,” she continues. Downing an energy drink may also put you at risk for things like: Anxiety. Depression.Are sugar-free drinks healthy? Sugar-free and ‘diet’ drinks are cleverly marketed to appear to be better for you than their sugary versions. In reality, they keep you hooked to their sweetness, they offer zero nutrition and they’re acidic, which can lead to tooth erosion and dental cavities.
Are sugarless energy drinks worse than coffee?
Coffee, on the other hand, is better for sustained energy, and you won’t have to add to your calorie count for the day when you drink it. Even if they’re advertised as “sugar-free,” energy drinks contain artificial sweeteners, which are better left out of your diet, anyway. As soon as the effects of the energy drink wear off, you may start to feel more fatigued than ever. Also important to consider is that energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, additives, flavorings, and even dyes. With so many concerns, energy drinks may be worse for you than coffee.Research indicates that energy drinks can improve brain function and help you stay alert when you’re tired. However, there are also concerns that energy drinks may contribute to heart problems.Verdict: Sugar-Free Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free. Sugar-free energy drinks still contain high caffeine levels and artificial sweeteners that pose significant health risks.The Verdict? It’s not to say that enjoying an energy drink every once in a while is a bad thing,” says Kerner. But because coffee is a natural, plant-derived food that contains vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients, without added sugar, I’d recommend it as the healthier choice over most energy drinks.