Photo By Lance Cpl. Kasey Peacock | Excessive sugar, which is found in many energy drinks, spikes insulin levels for a...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - For many service members, the traditional morning cup of coffee is no longer the first choice for an energy boost.
As energy drinks become more popular, service members must educate themselves on the health risks associated with overconsumption of these products.
“Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar,” said Samantha D. Conley, a Marine Corps Community Service fitness coordinator at Camp Hansen. “Excess caffeine consumption has been linked to conditions ranging from insomnia and restlessness to rapid heartbeat and dehydration. These should be of major concern to active-duty members who are exercising multiple times each day, especially those here on Okinawa.”
Getting seven or eight hours of sleep and proper nutrition is a much healthier alternative in the long run than energy drinks for those trying to compensate for a lack of energy, according to Conley.
Each branch of the military has weight requirements, which service members must meet. This puts the responsibility on the service members to watch their diets.
“Energy drinks tend to be pretty calorically dense and packed with sugar,” said Conley. “If (you) aren’t paying attention, you can very quickly consume over 200 calories and almost 60 grams of sugar with one drink. For those who are trying to lose weight, this is not a wise choice.”
One 16-ounce energy drink can contain 160 milligrams of caffeine alone. On average, an adult should only consume 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine, or about two to four cups of brewed coffee, each day, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“If service members need something to drink, I recommend water throughout the day with healthy balanced foods,” said Terumi Nagai-Luebbers, an MCCS fitness coordinator at Camp Courtney. “If they tend to drink energy drinks as a replacement for meals, try grabbing a fruit and fat free milk, a bowl of cereal and fat free milk, or a cup of yogurt.”
It is important for service members to remember caffeine is a drug, and it should only be consumed in moderation.
For more information, contact the MCCS health promotion office at 645-3910.
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2012 19:56 |
| Story ID: | 91853 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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