Introduction
Energy drinks have become a popular source of caffeine and sugar for many people, especially the younger generation. Concerns have grown regarding the potential health risks these beverages pose, leading some people to advocate for a ban on energy drinks for anyone under 18. However, only some agree with this position. The audience for this argumentative essay is individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 who may be concerned about energy drinks’ effects on younger generations. While it is true that energy drinks can have negative health consequences, such as an increased risk of heart problems and high blood pressure, it is essential to consider the potential benefits as well. Energy drinks can provide a quick burst of energy and focus, which can be especially useful for kids who need a little boost throughout the day. In the face of these competing concerns, it is crucial to balance protecting young people from potential harm while allowing them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Therefore, there are better solutions than a ban on energy drinks for anyone under 18, as there are healthy drink options available and consuming energy drinks can be beneficial for kids in moderation.
Reason one
First, energy drinks contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps boost energy levels and enhance mental alertness. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is commonly found in energy drinks. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that makes one feel tired. This allows caffeine to increase neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote alertness and mental focus (Energy drinks, 2023). Additionally, caffeine can also increase heart rate and boost metabolism, leading to increased physical energy. However, it is essential to note that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to adverse side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and insomnia.
Moreover, energy drinks can be especially beneficial for children and adolescents who need a boost to get through the day, especially when they are involved in physical activities or are studying for exams. A study reveals that “An energy drink may be used by adolescents or college students studying for exams through the night, or by a young athlete before an important game.” (Energy drinks, 2023). Furthermore, consuming energy drinks can help make one more active as one transitions from one activity to another, as caffeine can increase focus and motivation. Additionally, it is worth noting that many other products, such as coffee, tea, and soda, contain caffeine and are not banned for minors. It is, therefore, not fair to single out energy drinks and impose a ban on them for children. Ultimately, the decision to consume energy drinks should be made by the individual and their parent or guardian, not by the government. As long as energy drinks are consumed in moderation and with a proper understanding of the potential effects, they can be a valuable tool for improving energy and focus.
Reason two
Secondly, energy drinks should not be banned for anyone under eighteen because there are other healthy energy drink options that are beneficial. These healthy energy drinks contain no calories which could make a child unhealthy due to weight gain and conditions of obesity. Banning energy drinks for persons under the age of 18 is not the solution to the problem of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. There are options available that contain no calories and are healthy and beneficial for maintaining focus throughout the day (Pearce, 2022). These healthy options can limit weight gain and sugar consumption but still provide the same effects as their unhealthy counterparts. For example, there are energy drinks made with natural ingredients like green tea, ginseng, and guarana, which are known for their stimulating properties and can boost energy without any added sugar or calories.
Additionally, there are also caffeine-free options that use alternative ingredients such as B vitamins and amino acids to increase alertness and focus. Research emphasizes, “ A healthier option is available as its purpose is to limit weight gain and sugar consumption while having the same effect as those with sugar and calories.” (Pearce, 2022). These healthier options are an excellent alternative for young adults who are looking to stay energized and focused without the adverse effects of sugar and caffeine. By offering these alternatives, we can empower young adults to make healthier choices for their bodies, without having to resort to a complete ban on energy drinks.
Furthermore, Healthy and unhealthy energy drinks are similar in that they both aim to boost energy, but they differ in their ingredients and their impact on the body. Healthy energy drinks are often free of calories and sugar, relying on natural sources of caffeine, such as green tea and vitamins, to provide energy. On the other hand, unhealthy energy drinks contain high amounts of calories and sugar and often use synthetic caffeine to provide a quick fix (Pearce, 2022). Examples of healthy energy drinks include Matcha Green Tea Latte or a smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond milk. These drinks are often made with natural ingredients that are packed with vitamins and minerals that can provide a sustained release of energy throughout the day. Additionally, because they are free of added sugars, they do not cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can leave an individual feeling drained and sluggish.
Moreover, examples of unhealthy energy drinks include beverages like Red Bull or Monster Energy. These drinks are often loaded with sugar and caffeine, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and lead to crashes later on. The high levels of caffeine in these drinks can also lead to jitters, nervousness, and even dehydration, which can leave one feeling more drained than energized. Additionally, consuming high levels of sugar on a regular basis can lead to weight gain and other health problems, such as type 2 diabetes. Regarding energy drinks, it is essential to be mindful of what one is putting into their body. While healthy and unhealthy energy drinks can provide energy, their impact on an individual’s body can be vastly different (Pearce, 2022). Healthy energy drinks, free of calories and sugar, can provide a sustained release of energy and help to improve overall health. In contrast, unhealthy energy drinks can lead to spikes and crashes, jitters, and other health problems. Individuals must choose wisely and prioritize their health to get the most out of energy drinks.
Counterargument
Of course, many will probably disagree with the assertion that energy drinks should not be banned for people under 18. The opposing perspective is that children under eighteen should not be allowed to purchase energy drinks or consume them because of health risks which are indeed true. Energy drinks are widely consumed by children and adolescents, with many of them unaware of the potentially harmful effects of these drinks. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that can lead to various adverse effects on children’s health. Moreover, the high levels of caffeine in energy drinks can cause children to feel jittery, anxious, and irritable and disrupt their sleep patterns (Pearce, 2022). This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased attention span, decreased academic performance, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
In addition, the high sugar levels in energy drinks can also harm children’s health. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Energy drinks also contain other stimulants, such as taurine and guarana, that can adversely affect children’s health, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, energy drinks often contain other ingredients, such as taurine and guarana, that are poorly understood and may harm health. Some of these ingredients can interact with caffeine and other substances to increase the risk of side effects.
Rebuttal
Although I grant that energy drink consumption has adverse effects, could it also be possible that people could consider consuming healthy energy drinks to limit its effects rather than advocate for the ban? The counterclaim is correct because it is a controversial topic with two sides. However, the ban on energy drinks cannot be affected because overconsumption affects children and adults. When considering the harmful effects of caffeine and many calories, adults are not exempted, as many calories ultimately affect people of all ages. Pronschinske (2022) states, “Excessive caffeine intake, such as more than 400 milligrams per day, can cause palpitation, tremors, agitation, and gastrointestinal upset.” Furthermore, banning energy drinks for children under 18 may be seen as unfair because it limits their freedom of choice and may not necessarily address the root cause of the harmful effects, which is overconsumption.
Education and promoting moderation and healthier options can be more effective in reducing the negative impacts of energy drinks on both children and adults. Encouraging people to make informed decisions about their food and beverage choices and to consume energy drinks in moderation, as well as promoting healthier alternatives, can help mitigate the potential harmful effects. Matcha Green Tea Latte or a smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond milk are two examples of healthy energy beverages (Pronschinske, 2022). These beverages are frequently produced with organic, vitamin- and mineral-rich ingredients that can give off energy gradually during the day. Moreover, because they do not include additional sugars, they do not create blood sugar spikes and falls, which can make one feel exhausted and fatigued.
Conclusion
Summarily, it is important to note that many other goods, like coffee, tea, and soda, contain caffeine despite not being restricted to children. Therefore, banning energy drinks for minors would be unfairly discriminatory. Ultimately, the individual and their parent or guardian should decide whether to use energy drinks, not the government. Energy drinks can be beneficial for boosting energy and attention as long as they are used with caution and clear awareness of the possible impacts. Moreover, children and adolescents can still gain from energy drinks while avoiding the harmful health impacts of high sugar and calorie consumption by having access to safe energy drink options. People should encourage healthy energy drink alternatives that offer a secure and nutritious method to keep children stimulated and focused rather than prohibiting energy beverages for individuals under 18.
Reference
Energy drinks. The Nutrition Source. (2020, July 30). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/energy-drinks/
Pearce, J. (2022, March 7). The Pros and cons of Energy Drinks. Nova Medical Centers. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://n-o-v-a.com/blog/pros-cons-energy-drinks/
Pronschinske, R. D. N. J. (2022, August 31). The Buzz on Energy Drinks. Mayo Clinic Health System. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-buzz-on-energy-drinks
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