For years, energy drinks have been a common source of caffeine among teens and adults everywhere. From wide flavor varieties, to low carb/calorie drinks, and even coffees and teas, energy drinks have grown to have options that almost everyone can enjoy; so, their popularity doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The question, though, is this: “Are energy drinks bad for you?”

There have been several debates about just how unhealthy energy drinks can be. If you weren’t aware, most (if not all) energy drinks have 3 times the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. So. if you think about it, when you drink a Monster, you’re really having three coffees at once. That can add up quickly if you drink more than one energy drink a day.

Many people are concerned with this high caffeine content, and who can blame them, really? There have been reports of people having heart attacks or palpitations that could be linked back to their consumption of energy beverages. 

Is this the fault of the drink companies?

The answer is actually no. You may be wondering why.

Despite the high caffeine content in energy drinks, most people aren’t actually negatively affected by them. In fact, a majority of the negative effects can be avoided by responsible consumption. Negative articles about energy drinks will talk about how people have or may have had heart attacks or other health issues because of them, but what they don’t tell you, is that there’s a limit to how many you’re supposed to have a day.

Several sources say that the daily limit of energy drinks you’re supposed to have  a day is actually only one. If this is true, then people who drink several energy drinks a day are the ones putting themselves at risk; not the companies. If you have a heart condition or severe anxiety, you probably shouldn’t drink energy drinks. If you’re a small child, or someone with ADHD, then you also probably shouldn’t drink them.

The bottom line is, no. Energy drinks are not necessarily bad for you. However, just like anything else, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. It’s up to the user to drink them responsibly and make decisions about whether or not they or their children should have them. I’m not saying you’re a bad parent if you let your kid have a Bang; what I am saying, though, is be cautious about how much you allow them to have if you do. If you notice any major changes in behavior, or any changes in health, don’t let them have it. It’s simple; and keep in mind that Bangs aren’t reccommended for anyone under 18. Many other brands aren’t either, but Bang has a warning right on the back of their can.

If anything happens, it’s not because of the drink. It’s a consumer error. The companies aren’t responsible for a customer’s carelessness if they decide to drink more than they’re supposed to.