Should energy drinks be banned?

Studies have been conducted on the effects that energy drinks have on the human body, and whether these effects are negative or positive.

First and foremost, energy drinks contain often high levels of caffeine. This is a stimulant for the body. However, this can have both negative and positive influences effects depending on the context of consumption. Personally, energy drinks have assisted me in pulling all-nighters to finish essays and coursework that I have for my university studies. They have also been used, for young people such as myself, to mix with alcohol for the purpose of clubbing and socialising.

It is worth mentioning that the effects of long-term consumption of the substances in energy drinks have not yet been determined. 

But here are a couple of the potential risks:

• High consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity, which in turn can lead to type 2 diabetes.

• The poor condition of teeth and general dental health.

•  Too high a consumption of caffeine can lead to an overdose, resulting in high blood pressure and sometimes vomiting.

So with these being only some of the potential risks, isn't it time to ban the availability of these energy drinks?

Some could argue that the ban on energy drinks is not the way to proceed. Caffeine is a legal stimulant. And, once young people reach a certain age, they responsible for their own health and well-being. 

Another argument could suggest that the potential risks of energy drinks are highlighted enough, especially to the young and impressionable. If educational steps were taken, perhaps in a biology class to show the potential risks of the consumption of energy drinks, it could be possible that as awareness grows, consumption could lessen.

However, it is worth considering that even educating people on the risks may be a lost cause, especially if the damage has already been done.

Furthermore, attempts to completely prevent addiction, are easier said than done. Caffeine is the world's most extensive used psychoactive drug and it can acquire a dependence from the human body. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and sad moods. 

With all the risks named above, its hard to think there are any benefits to energy drinks or the caffeine in them. However, there are some interesting positive effects that caffeine, and energy drinks can have on the human body.

• Several native plants to Africa, East Asia and South America have caffeine in their seeds, leaves and nuts. The presence of caffeine protects them from germination of fellow seeds and protects them from predators. 

• Drinks containing caffeine, such as energy drinks, are ingested to often improve the performance of the human body.

• Caffeine can prevent premature infant breathing disorders and it can provide a protective effect against some diseases such as Parkinson's disease. 

Therefore, it might be the combination of substances that exist in energy drinks, that result in a negative effect on the body. However, the main element of energy drinks, caffeine, can have some positive influences too. Thus, perhaps the solution lies in the awareness of both the positive and negative effects of caffeine and energy drinks. Once people are aware of both sides, they can decide for themselves and their health, whether to carry on/start consuming energy drinks or to stop.