Coffee vs. Energy Drinks
When choosing between coffee and energy drinks for an energy boost, many people gravitate towards energy drinks because of their convenience and flavor. However, it is important to be aware that coffee contains more essential health benefits and fewer long-term risks than energy drinks. The following outlines why coffee is a better option than energy drinks.
Nutrition
Coffee contains essential minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium and Vitamin B5. Furthermore, these components are in higher levels than energy drinks, which often contain a mix of questionable ingredients. These substances can be damaging to an individual’s health when consumed over a long period of time, whereas coffee is proven to be all-natural with proven benefits.
Caffeine Content
Energy drinks contain more caffeine than regular coffee, which helps improve alertness, stimulation and contribute to better physical performance. However, due to the high sugar content in the drink, this ‘dash of energy’ can be short-lived. On the other hand, the caffeine found in coffee is balanced out with the additional mineral and antioxidant content. As a result, the effects are spread out over a longer period of time and do not wear out as quickly.
Gut Health and Blood Sugar
Unlike energy dense drinks, coffee does not produce a large spike in blood sugar levels. As a result, coffee can help reduce the risk of developing health problems related to blood sugar, such as diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, studies suggest that drinking coffee can support digestive health and potentially reduce the risk of colon cancer. Taking into consideration these beneficial health effects, it is easy to conclude that coffee is the healthier option among both beverages.
Cost and Convenience
Compared to energy drinks, coffee is a much more convenient and cost-effective energizing beverage. On average, a cup of coffee costs only a third of the price of an energy drink. Furthermore, coffee can be conveniently administered from a variety of sources, including stores, cafes, or even a home-made brew. In comparison, energy drinks are more exclusive and are often sold in specialty stores.
Mental Performance and Focus
As well as being a great source of energy, coffee can improve focus, mental clarity and cognitive performance. Coffee can also help reduce the risk of developing age-related mental decline because of the antioxidants found in the beans. Research has also indicated that coffee can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. In comparison, energy drinks can potentially produce an opposite effect, leading to erratic moods and lack of focus.
Long-Term Risks
As discussed previously, coffee is made up of natural components, with additional health benefits that go beyond its energizing effects. The long-term risks of consuming energy drinks far outweigh any short-term benefits. A combination of caffeine, stimulants, and high levels of sugar can lead to serious consequences, such as heart problems and addiction. The choice between coffee and energy drinks is clear, due to the much greater benefits when consuming the former over an extended period of time.
Talent Retention and Mood
Not only does coffee have a positive effect on an individual’s physical health, but also their mental wellbeing. Regular coffee consumption can lead to an increase in talent retention and concentration as well as an overall improvement to the mood. Conversely, energy drinks can cause a dependency on their caffeine buzz, causing distress and irritability when it’s not present.
Absorption Rates
Besides its energizing benefits, coffee is rapidly and effectively absorbed by the body. This aids in avoiding ‘the crash’ or sudden drop in energy levels that is commonly associated with energy drinks. This makes coffee the ideal drink for an energy boost without the sudden lag in concentration and alertness.
Coffee Flavors
Coffee is more flavor dynamic and offers a variety of recipes and frothing options. This means coffee is not only energizing, but it also tastes delicious! Energy drinks, on the other hand, often contain a collection of unknown artificially created flavors that are centered around sugar.
Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle should always be your priority, and this includes choosing the right energy boosting drink. Coffee’s natural ingredients and healthier content make it the clear choice, benefitting the body with additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants without the long-term risks associated with energy drinks.
Coffee Quality
High quality coffee should always be sourced from Arabica beans, as this is much less acidic than Robusta beans, which are often found in energy drinks. The less acidic properties found in Arabica beans make the drink much more palatable when consumed, protecting the throat and stomach from irritation.
Sleeping Habits
Although both beverages can interfere with sleeping habits, it is important to note that coffee contains caffeine in its natural form whereas energy drinks contain synthetic and artificial stimulants. As a result, drinking coffee after a certain time can disrupt an individual’s sleep schedule and cause insomnia. Therefore, it is important to ensure that coffee consumption is stopped soon within the day to avoid unwanted disruptions.
Personal Choice
Ultimately, the choice between coffee and energy drinks is a personal preference. However, it is important to be aware that coffee is the healthier and more beneficial option when considering its effects over the long term. Because of its numerous vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients, drinking coffee will have a positive effect on an individual’s health, as well as providing an adequate source of energy.
