A Comprehensive Review on Caffeine-Free Energy Herbal Drinks

Energy drinks are caffeine-based non-alcoholic beverages that typically include sugar, amino acids, vitamins, and herbal ingredients like guarana, ginseng, yerba mate, and ginkgo biloba. Introduced in the 1950s, these drinks have become increasingly popular among teenagers and adults due to their promoted benefits in boosting energy, endurance, focus, and overall alertness. They are available in various formulations, including regular, sugar-free, and fruit-based types, all promoted as fast energy enhancers. The health benefits of EDs are mainly liked to their active ingredient. Reported positive effects include improved physical performance, enhanced concentration and memory, better mood and alterness, weight management, and supply of micronutrients such as B-complex, vitamins. These drinks are popular among student, athletes and professionals who need mental alterness and physical endurance. However, consuming them in excess can cause health problems such as heart issues, headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety, seizures, obesity, type II diabetes, kidney and digestive disorders, dental erosion, and even caffeine poisoning. Most of these effects are linked to their high caffeine and sugar content, meaning the health risks mainly depend on what they contain and how much is consumed. If the caffeine and sugar level are maintain the safe limits recommended by the FDA and WHO, energy drinks containing natural ingredients may provide health benefits without major risks. This review highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of EDs and stresses the importance of moderate and responsible consumption