Is Monster Energy Drink Bad?
Monster Energy drinks are known as one of the strongest energy drinks in the market. This reputation is based on its formula and can be easily translated by its name.
The formula is a rich blend of active ingredients such as caffeine, sugar, and taurine. These ingredients work together to provide an effective kick of energy.
Due to the intense nature of the drink, it is often linked with contradictive opinions about its impact on health in the long run.
If you are wondering whether Monster Energy drink is bad for your health, then I have got you covered.
In this article, I have answered all the important questions you might have, regarding the Monster Energy drink.
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Nutritional Facts
The following is the number of nutrients provided by a 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy
| Typical Values | Amount Per 16 fl. oz |
| Energy | 210 Calories |
| Fat (Of which Saturated) | 0g (0g) |
| Carbohydrate (Of which Sugars) | 54g (54g) |
| Caffeine | 160mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.6mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 46mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 4.6mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 13µg |
Ingredients In Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy drink is made up of the following ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Glucose
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavours
- Taurine
- Sodium Citrate
- Color Added
- Panax Ginseng Extract
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
- Caffeine
- Sorbic Acid
- Benzoic Acid
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Sucralose
- Salt
- D-Glucuronolactone
- Inositol
- Guarana Extract
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Maltodextrin
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
To find out more, check out this article.
How Much Caffeine Does Monster Energy Drink Contain?
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy drink contains 160mg of caffeine.
Like most energy drinks, caffeine is one of the main active ingredients in Monster Energy drinks.
Caffeine enhances brain function thus making you feel active and alert. The stimulating properties of caffeine improve the overall performance of the body.
Caffeine promotes the production of dopamine in the brain resulting in a better mood and improved energy.
But caffeine is not all-good. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to adverse effects on the body.
Some side effects of caffeine overconsumption include
- Increased heart rate
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and jitters
- High blood pressure
To minimize the risk of these side effects, FDA recommends a daily caffeine intake of 400mg.
Sugar Content In Monster Energy Drink
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy drink contains 54g of sugar.
Sugar acts as an instant energy booster. It increases the energy production of the body and adds a delicious flavor to the drink.
But the addition of a high amount of sugar in energy drinks has been widely criticized by health professionals. This is because the consumption of sugar has proven to be way more problematic than it is beneficial.
Sugar is the leading cause of obesity among the masses which in turn leads to various other health issues. It has also been linked to various heart and liver diseases.
It also promotes the chances of type-2 diabetes.
Overall consumption of sugar should be kept minimal but with 54g of sugar in one go, you are putting your health at serious risk.
AHA recommends a daily sugar intake of 24g for women and 36g for men.
Energy Blend Of Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy drink contains a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients that promote muscle endurance, strength, and stamina.
The main active ingredients of Monster Energy drink are listed below
Panax Ginseng Root
- Improves brain function
- Helps fight fatigue and increases energy production
- Rich source of antioxidants
- Strengthens the immune system
Guarana Seed Extract
- Clears mental fog and improves focus
- Improves memory and concentration
- Enhances energy levels and reduces recovery time
- Improves muscle endurance and stamina
- Prevents muscle damage
- Enhances the overall physical performance of the body
- Reduces fatigue
Is Monster Energy Drink Bad?
Unfortunately, yes. Regular consumption of Monster Energy drinks can lead to health issues in the long run.
The two main components of Monster Energy drinks that are linked to bad health are caffeine and sugar.
Even though 160mg of caffeine is under the daily recommended intake of 400mg, it is still a lot of caffeine to consume in one go.
Consuming a high amount of caffeine often leads to a caffeine crash. As the effects of caffeine wear out your body feels tired and low. This instigates the craving for an energy rush leading to a vicious cycle.
This can be avoided by spreading your caffeine intake throughout the day and keeping your body hydrated.
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy drink contains 54g of sugar. This is a scary amount of sugar to be consumed in one day. It exceeds the daily recommended intake with a great margin.
Sugar can lead to increased high blood pressure, various heart diseases and can put you at risk of type 2 diabetes.
These factors need careful consideration before you consume Monster Energy drinks.
Does Monster Energy Drink Actually Work?
Monster Energy drink contains ingredients like sugar, caffeine, taurine, guarana, and ginseng. These ingredients result in enhanced mental performance and physical strength.
Monster Energy drink works as it promises. It gives you a mental boost by increasing your attention and focus.
With ingredients like taurine and guarana, Monster Energy drink improves muscle strength, reduces recovery time, and improves endurance.
Even though the drink is not suitable for a day-to-day energy boost but it can serve you well on days when you need an intense boost of energy.
How Long Does It Take For A Monster Energy Drink To Kick In?
You will notice the effects of Monster Energy drink after 10 minutes of consumption.
The main active ingredient of Monster Energy drink is caffeine. It takes about 60-120 minutes for caffeine to be completely absorbed into the bloodstream. This is when you experience peak energy levels.
How long it takes for caffeine to reach its peak energy levels varies from person to person. It is shorter for people who are caffeine intolerant and vice versa.
In about 5-6 hours half of the caffeine wears out of the body. Since Monster Energy drink contains 160mg of caffeine, it means even after 5-6 hours there will still be 80mg of caffeine left in your bloodstream.
Consuming Monster Energy drinks at night or even in the evening can hinder your sleep schedule unless you are planning on pulling off an all-nighter.
How Many Monsters Can You Drink In A Day?
For a 16 fl. oz can, drinking half a can in a day (8 fl. oz) is recommended.
Considering that a 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy drink contains 54g of sugar, half a can will cut your sugar intake to 27g.
Even though 27g of sugar is still a lot, it is way better and less harmful than consuming 54g of sugar in a day.
To avoid health issues in the long run, avoid drinking Monster Energy drinks often. If your lifestyle requires otherwise, going for the sugar-free option is a good idea.
To find out more, check out this article.
The zero sugar version of the Monster Energy drink contains 140mg of caffeine, which is enough to provide you with an effective boost of energy.
Consuming more than half a can of Monster Energy drink in a day can put your health at serious risk of heart and liver diseases, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Side Effects Of Monster Energy Drink
Irresponsible consumption of Monster Energy drinks can lead to various side effects.
With 160mg of caffeine and 54g of sugar, it is likely to experience a crash after consuming Monster Energy drink.
A crash occurs when your energy levels drop significantly once the effects of the energy drink wear off. This leads to fatigue and tiredness.
Other side effects that can occur due to Monster Energy drinks include
- High Blood Pressure
- Restlessness and irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Disturbed sleep
- Risk of heart diseases
- Nausea
These side effects can be minimized by limiting your intake to half a can in one day. Daily consumption of Monster Energy drinks is not recommended.
If you want to eliminate the risks of sugar intake, go for the zero-sugar version of the Monster Energy drink.
Alternatives To Monster Energy Drink
If you want to go for an energy drink that is relatively better for your health, then here are some options:
- Red Bull
- Bing
- Raze
- C4 Energy
- Bang
- Celsius
Bottom Line
Monster Energy drink aims to provide an intense energy boost that helps you perform at your maximum potential, both physically and mentally. But these short-term benefits can lead to long-term health issues.
The potential side effects of Monster Energy drink can be minimized by limiting the consumption to half a can per day.
To eliminate excess sugar consumption from your diet, go for the zero-sugar version of the drink. This will help you get the required energy boost without putting your health at any risk.
