Some argue that energy drinks are beneficial, but those “benefits” are dubious. Have you ever decided to make a last minute cup of coffee before heading off to work or school? Maybe even decided to grab an energy drink from the gas station? Minutes later you feel like you’re shaking out of your skin and your body is in hyperactive mode. That’s what energy drinks do to your body: ten minutes post-consumption your blood pressure and heart rate increase, sometimes to dangerous levels.

In 2016 more than 20,000 emergency room visits were caused by consumption of caffeine. The FDA doesn’t even regulate energy drinks. Between those two facts, I think it’s pretty obvious how harmful caffeine is to the body. When a multibillion dollar industry benefits by destroying millions of individuals’ bodies and lifestyles by feeding them addictives by the cup, it’s time for a change. 

Full disclosure: Even knowing about the consequences, I still occasionally choose to consume energy drinks. Yet I believe the results of many studies indicating the dangers of caffeine, and support a change for those who haven’t yet been exposed to frappes, Red Bull, Rockstar, or 5-Hour Energy Shots. It’s unacceptable that these harmful stimulants are available for anyone to consume.