From essay-scribbling students to early morning commuters, both coffee and energy drinks offer a quick shot of caffeine for those with bleary eyes. But which one is better?
While the caffeine in coffee comes from natural sources, those in energy drinks can come from synthetic ingredients. Additionally, coffee often contains other healthy nutrients like antioxidants. And it’s also cheaper and easier to make at home.
But coffee isn’t without its drawbacks, including the possibility of jitters and an increased risk of anxiety. It can also stain teeth over time and cause heartburn in some people, especially if consumed on an empty stomach. Additionally, if you’re taking certain medications (like blood thinners) or have an underlying health condition, the caffeine in coffee may interfere with their effectiveness.
On the other hand, a cup of black coffee typically has very few calories and no sugar, which is a big advantage for those on low-calorie diets. But keep in mind that if you add cream or sweetener to your coffee, it could raise its calorie count considerably.
While the caffeine in both coffee and energy drinks provides a quick boost of energy, it can also disrupt your sleep if consumed late in the day. In addition, the high levels of sugar in many energy drinks might lead to a sugar crash, which can undo any initial energy boost. And as a final note, too much caffeine might increase your risk of death from cardiovascular disease or liver cancer.