Organic substances have been utilized by the human race for their beneficial properties since the era of cavemen. Our ability to discover ways that plants, herbs and chemicals can assist our lives has perhaps led us to become the most advanced species on Earth. Energy drinks are the latest trend in this consistent struggle to exploit our natural surroundings for ways to improve our lives. While teas such as organic white tea have been around for a while, new substances such as organic rooibos tea or tea with guarana have been shown to have beneficial effects on people who take them due to their large amounts of anti-oxidants.

There’s no question that having tea has a number of beneficial effects. But one of the chemicals in tea is caffeine, which is very rarely good for you and should only be drank on rare occasions. In today’s society, however, caffeine has become immensely popular, and it’s no big deal to drink a dangerous amount of caffeine daily.

Products that stunningly large amounts of caffeine are currently available. Coffee, of course, has been a consistent choice for those looking to get themselves up in the morning, or stay up a few extra hours at night. A recent development in the world of caffeine has been energy drinks such as Red Bull. While these products are sold as being good for you due to the presence of healthy herbs like guarana and taurine, the major effect the body feels from these drinks arises from the high content of caffeine contained in the liquid.

These drinks were originally sold in small cans, then bigger bottled drinks were sold. Now, a double-sized can is being marketed, along with “shots” of energy drinks, that are a concentrated mix, fitting the level of caffeine in a normal can into a tiny bottle.

The effects these drinks have for those who choose to drink them can be quite serious, and nothing like the natural positive effects that can be felt from tea. But this isn’t the first time such a product has been released. In the ‘90’s, a drink known as Jolt Cola became popular among those who wanted to stay up all night, either working as computer hackers or students who needed to study for a test. Of course, like any drug that attacks the nervous system in the way caffeine does, there is a major “crash” effect which occurs. This is the same as the “crash” of any amphetamine type drug, in which the body has pushed itself to unnatural levels of energy, and must now compensate with excessive “down” time.

While the effects of natural herbs that come from tea are highly recommended, more unnatural substances like energy drinks and coffee should be taken with caution, and while it’s accepted in society, drinking these unnatural products every day can seriously affect your health. If you ever notice you’re feeling particularly sick, shaky or disorientated after drinking too much of these kinds of drinks, contact your doctor immediately. And of course, if you’re pregnant, don’t risk the lives of you and your baby by drinking heavily caffeinated drinks.