The next time you need a quick energy fix, get some coffee instead of selecting an unhealthy energy drink. New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests energy drinks mess with your body more than other caffeinated drinks such as coffee or soda. The study compared the effects of both beverages on the heart, and found some pretty concerning results!
Guzzling either beverage led to higher blood pressure, but the energy drink caused those levels to stay elevated for a much longer period of time. Researchers also found that energy drinks chance how the heart beats, affecting a measure called the QT interval. This phenomenon is associated with increased rick for fatal arrhythmias, while caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda don't post that danger.
Don't worry, you don't have to stay away from coffee all together! Coffee and tea are both loaded with antioxidants that help improve cognition and reduce risk of chronic disease. With that in mind, head to the coffee shop for that 3 p.m. pick-me-up. Your body will thank you.