Object Lesson: Energy Drinks

OBJECT LESSON: ENERGY DRINKS

(Show the energy drink.)This drink has energy in it, and when you drink, it is released into your body. (Take a drink of the energy drink!)

Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as providing energy to improve physical activity of the drinker, as compared to a typical drink. Rather than providing food energy (as measured in calories), these drinks are designed to increase a user's mental alertness and physical performance by the addition of caffeine, vitamins, and herbal supplements, which may interact to provide a stimulant effect over and above that obtained from caffeine alone

Desirable effects:

A variety of physiological and psychological effects attributed to energy drinks and/or their ingredients have been investigated.

Two studies reported significant improvements in mental and cognitive performances as well as increased subjective alertness. Excess consumption of energy drinks may induce mild to moderate euphoria primarily caused by stimulant properties of caffeine and may also induce agitation, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.

Adverse effects:

Caution is warranted even for healthy adults who choose to consume energy beverages. Consumption of a single energy beverage will not lead to excessive caffeine intake; however, consumption of two or more beverages in a single day can… Adverse effects associated with caffeine consumption in amounts greater than 400 mg include nervousness, irritability, migraines, sleeplessness, increased urination, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), and stomach upset.

In the US, energy drinks have been linked with reports of nausea, abnormal heart rhythms and emergency room visits. The drinks may cause seizures due to the "crash" following the energy high that occurs after consumption.

History

The first drink marketed as being designed to improve the performance of athletes and sports stars arrived in the sixties. It was invented for the football team at the University of Florida, known as the Gators — hence its name, Gatorade. Designed to aid hydration and lengthen performance levels, it claimed that its ingredients were formulated for just such things. However, Gatorade is safer than many energy drinks and is known more as a sports drink.

Energy drinks are typically attractive to young people. Approximately 65% percent of its drinkers are between the ages of 13 and 35 years old, with males being approximately 65% of the market.

People buy these drinks to get energized – to think clearer and be perked up – what if you could get that same feeling the natural way and by a spiritual energy boost.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to energize us God’s way! And we need to ask God to launch us into motion for eternity!