BANG is one of those energy drinks that made huge waves in the food and beverage industry. Now known for its bold packaging and massive energy hits, this drink is still as popular as ever. While it is undeniable that BANG gives you a considerable boost, is it a good drink to drink frequently?
Despite containing 0 calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, BANG is famous for its extremely high caffeine content. A 16 oz. can, has over 300mg of caffeine, the equivalence of 3 cups of coffee! Excess caffeine has been linked to insomnia, anxiety, and further fatigue.
- What Is Bang?
- What Else Is In Bang?
- 3 ReasonsWhy BANGis Not Healthy
- 1. High In Caffeine
- 2.Artificially Sweetened WithSucralose
- 3. Contains Sodium Benzoate
- When Is It Unsafe To Drink Bang?
- How Much Bang Is Too Much?
- Are There Any Benefits To Drinking BANG?
- Boost Your Energy Levels
- Packed With Electrolytes
- Bcaa Content May Help Muscle Health
- Sugar Free
- Super Creatine Content
- How Long Does Bang Stay In Your System?
- What Are Some Healthy Alternatives To Bang?
- If You Are Looking For Beverages That Give Energy Try…
- If You Are Looking For Beverages To Replenish Electrolytes…
- If You Are Looking For Beverages That Can Provide BCAAS…
- Final Thoughts
What Is Bang?
BANG is a caffeinated and carbonated energy drink, similar to Red Bull. It is manufactured by Vital Pharmaceuticals, which is also responsible for VPX Sports supplements. BANG produces a wide range of flavors and entertaining names, including “Guess”, “Radical Skadattle”, and “Rainbow Unicorn”. BANG is famous for their extremely high caffeine content. A 16 oz. can of BANG contains 300mg of caffeine, the equivalent of about three cups of coffee! This makes it one of the most caffeinated energy drinks available for purchase. In perspective, current government guidelines recommend that adults consume a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day.
What Else Is In Bang?
According to BANG manufacturers, the drink contains 0g of carbohydrates, sugars, calories, fat, cholesterol, or artificial colors. It also claims to contain some electrolytes like sodium and potassium. It also boasts a long list of vitamins and nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Niacin
- Nitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
Despite having no sugars, BANG drinks are still sweet. This is thanks to sucralose, an artificial sweetener. BANG also contains BCAAs, short for branch-chain amino acids, which are often touted for a myriad of health benefits. For instance, BCAAs have been shown to increase muscle growth, reduce fatigue, and benefit people with liver disease.
Additionally, below is a complete list of the other ingredients found in BANG:
- L-leucine
- Super Creatine (Creatyl-L-Leucine)
- L-valine
- CoQ10
- Carbonated water
- Magnesium chloride
- Calcium Chloride
- Calcium Disodium EDTA
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Caffeine anhydrous
- Sodium benzoate
- Potassium sorbate
- Sucralose (Artificial sweetener)
- Acesulfame potassium
3 ReasonsWhy BANGis Not Healthy
Here are some of the ways BANG energy drinks can be harmful and cause health problems if over-consumed.
1. High In Caffeine
With 300mg of caffeine in each can of BANG, you’ll be consuming more than you probably need every time you choose this drink. While this caffeine can give you a much-needed energy boost, it can also be harmful. The FDA recommends that adults consume no more than 400mg of caffeine a day to avoid adverse side effects. This is the recommendation because you may start to experience jitters, shakiness, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and eventually fatigue after this amount. Yes, too much caffeine can result in tiredness, quite the opposite effect than intended.
In rare cases, excess caffeine can be fatal. Suppose you consume over 400mg of caffeine and your body does not tolerate it well. In that case, you may experience more significant symptoms like trouble breathing, hallucinations, confusion, chest pain, muscle cramps, and convulsions. These are all symptoms of a caffeine overdose and a sign that you need medical attention.
If you already consume caffeine throughout the day, be careful when adding BANG to your routine. With 300mg of caffeine content, drinking one could easily tip you over your recommended daily intake.
2.Artificially Sweetened WithSucralose
Sucralose is the sugar alternative in BANG energy drinks that makes them sweet. Its brand name, Splenda, sweetness a host of drinks on the market today. While sucralose is not sugar, it can still pose some health risks. As far as the FDA is concerned, sucralose is safe to consume. However, some studies indicate it may have some harmful properties. Some studies have shown that the substance may affect your metabolism. It might also disrupt the bacterial environment in your gut. However, as of yet, few studies have been conducted.
3. Contains Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is the preservative found in the BANG energy drink that prolongs its shelf life. While studies are inconclusive, some signs suggest it may have some adverse health effects. One study has indicated that it may change the structure and turn into benzene, a carcinogen, increasing your risk of developing cancer. Additionally, other studies link it to inflammation, ADHD in children, and free radicals from oxidative stress.
When Is It Unsafe To Drink Bang?
BANG is considered safe for most people. However, there are some cases where consuming the energy drink could be extremely harmful.
According to the label, the drink is not suitable for those under 18, pregnant, nursing, or on any drug prescriptions or medications. Some ingredients may also cause allergic reactions. If you’re unsure about whether BANG is safe for you, always ask your doctor before consumption.
How Much Bang Is Too Much?
Because BANG contains 300mg of caffeine, you should never drink more than one. Ideally, you can limit yourself to only a few cans a week. If you start drinking BANG every day, you may find that you develop a caffeine addiction. Plus, you’ll have to cut back on coffees and teas every day to avoid going over the caffeine limit.
Are There Any Benefits To Drinking BANG?
You’ve probably already thought that BANG may not be the healthiest drink. But is there anything about it that is good for you? While there are limited studies on this energy drink brand, thanks to some of the ingredients, there may be a few health benefits.
Boost Your Energy Levels
There’s no doubt about it — this caffeine-heavy drink will give you a serious energy boost. With 300mg of caffeine, a single can has way more caffeine than a cup of coffee, which has around 70-140mg per cup. So, imagine the buzz you get from a cup of coffee and multiply it by three — this is the feeling you might get from BANG.
For this reason, the drink is mainly targeted at professional athletes or people who partake in extreme sports. They are also military-friendly and have a special discount for military members and a flavor made especially for service members only. For people who need this much energy (like athletes or military members), BANG can be helpful.
Packed With Electrolytes
Not only does BANG give you an energy boost from caffeine, but it can also improve your energy and endurance levels by replenishing your electrolyte levels.
Electrolytes are chemicals that are necessary for normal nerve and muscle function. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate. Without adequate electrolytes in the body, you may begin to experience twitching, heart rate disturbances, weakness, and fatigue.
When we exercise, we tend to lose electrolytes through the sweat glands. It can become necessary for athletes who sweat a lot to replenish lost electrolytes through food or drink.
BANG energy drinks contain plenty of electrolytes, so you may find that it helps your body function, usually during and after working out. One quick note; although BANG does replenish electrolytes because it does not contain carbohydrates, it should not be considered a “recovery beverage”; your body also needs carbohydrates and protein after exercise, not just electrolytes!
Bcaa Content May Help Muscle Health
BANG is one of the energy drinks that is often consumed for its BCAA content. BCAAs are a type of amino acid known as “branched-chain amino acids.” They are known to:
- Increase Muscle Growth
- Decrease Muscle Soreness
- Reduce Exercise Fatigue
- Prevent Muscle Wasting
- Benefit People with Liver Disease
If you tend to do a lot of muscle training and experience extreme muscle soreness or fatigue after working out, BCAAs can help you feel less worn out.
Sugar Free
Another positive aspect of BANG is that it is free from sugars. High sugar diets can cause many health problems, including diabetes, heart failure, high blood sugar, weight gain, and energy crashes.
Many energy drink brands do contain high amounts of sugar. For instance, Red Bull contains 28g, Monster Energy contains 55g, and Rockstar Xdurance includes a whopping 69g.
By choosing BANG as your energy drink, you’ll avoid consuming harmful sugars after every workout.
Super Creatine Content
Creatine is a substance found in muscle cells and is responsible for muscle contraction during exercise. The marketing at BANG says their drink contains “super creatine,” a combination of creatine and leucine, making it even more effective. There is, however, some debate about VPX’s “super creatine” and whether it affects the body the way they say — this article goes in-depth on this issue.
How Long Does Bang Stay In Your System?
The caffeine in BANG energy drinks stays in the system for hours. Caffeine has a half-life of five hours — so, five hours after drinking a can of BANG, you’ll still have 150mg of caffeine in the bloodstream. The effects of this much caffeine can last for many more hours.
Because caffeine lingers in the bloodstream, avoid consuming this drink five hours before bed, as you would have trouble sleeping.
What Are Some Healthy Alternatives To Bang?
If you are worried about the adverse side effects of the BANG energy drink, there are other, healthier ways you can get the energy boost you need after a workout.
If You Are Looking For Beverages That Give Energy Try…
- Green Tea: is energizing, making it the perfect drink to try after a workout. Another benefit is that it helps with your metabolism, which could be beneficial if you’re trying to shed a few pounds.
- Fruit smoothies: contain an array of fruits, which are known to give you a dose of healthy sugars, thus re-energizing the body after a workout. Try including leafy greens or goji berries for an additional boost
- Water: this is the most energizing beverage of them all. Remember to keep drinking plenty of water as you exercise so that you stay hydrated and maintain normal muscle function.
If You Are Looking For Beverages To Replenish Electrolytes…
- Coconut water: is an amazing drink for replenishing lost electrolytes. It’s low in sugar, it’s completely natural, and it contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Smoothies: certain fruits contain electrolytes that will help you regain normal muscle function so that you’ll feel less light-headed after working out. Include strawberries, cherries, bananas, and mangoes for an electrolyte-heavy smoothie.
- Lemon Water: lemons are a great source of electrolytes, so include a few slices in your post-workout water.
If You Are Looking For Beverages That Can Provide BCAAS…
Milk, soy products, and almonds contain BCAAs, so drinking these types of milk after a workout will give your body the protein it needs to help you achieve your workout goals.
Final Thoughts
While BANG energy drinks probably won’t harm you in moderation, try to limit your consumption of this energy drink. Compared to other energy drinks like Reign or Red Bull, BANG is particularly dangerous because of its excessively high caffeine content.
While BANGmay have some welcome effects on the body before, during, or after a gym session, overall, the drink is probably doing more harm than good. Try exploring other, healthier ways to get your energy up.
Tags: Drink Benefits
FAQs
How bad is Bang for your health? ›
While drinking more than 400 mg isn't going to cause an overdose, it can lead to slue of side effects you'd probably like to avoid; migraine headaches, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, frequent urination or inability to control urination, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors.
Is Bang energy drink good or bad? ›Bang energy drink can be good for you because it's calorie-free and sugar-free, which is suitable for strict diets. The only thing to be wary about is its high caffeine content of 300mg, but as long as you consume it in moderation you should have no problem.
Is Bang bad for your heart? ›Energy drinks can be bad for your heart because it can raise your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack and stroke. How does this happen? Taking energy drinks can make your blood vessels narrower; thus, making it harder for your heart to pump blood.
Is Bang FDA approved? ›The creatine used in Bang is not FDA-certified, and the writer at Total Shape notes that Bang doesn't list the super creatine content in each can. Healthline says that the safe amount for daily consumption is between 3 and 5 grams daily.
Is one energy drink a day OK? ›Summary: Occasionally drinking one energy drink is unlikely to cause problems. To reduce potential harm, limit your consumption to 16 ounces (473 ml) daily and avoid all other caffeinated beverages.
Is 2 bangs a day bad? ›Is It Bad To Drink Two Bangs In A Day? It is bad to drink two cans of Bang Energy in a day, as you're consuming more caffeine than you might be able to tolerate, which can lead to some serious side effects.
Do bangs dehydrate you? ›Caffeine doesn't cause dehydration, but it does have a diuretic effect, which means it makes you urinate more often. Contrary to belief, caffeine doesn't dehydrate you, but it will make you frequent the toilet more regularly.
How many bangs can you drink in a day? ›According to various researches and studies, it is safe to consume only 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for a healthy adult, anything more than that may lead to several side effects. Concluding from this caffeine daily intake, one should limit the energy drink consumption to 1 or a maximum of 2 cans per day.
Is 300 mg of caffeine a lot? ›Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two "energy shot" drinks. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content in beverages varies widely, especially among energy drinks.
Is caffeine a drug? ›Caffeine (pronounced: ka-FEEN) is a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased alertness. Caffeine gives most people a temporary energy boost and improves mood. Caffeine is in tea, coffee, chocolate, many soft drinks, and pain relievers and other over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Are energy drinks worse than alcohol? ›
A new study finds that consuming a caffeine-infused energy drink combined with alcohol is more dangerous than drinking alcohol alone.
What happens when you stop drinking energy drinks? ›Withdrawal symptoms you may experience with an energy drink addiction include headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a depressed mood ( 6 ). Often, these withdrawal symptoms are related to quitting caffeine, and they may last 2–9 days ( 6 ).
Can under 18 drink bangs? ›Bang does state on the label that it's not a beverage recommended for someone under the age of 18.
How many energy drinks is too many? ›Up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe. Still, drinking more than four, 8-ounce (240-ml) servings of energy drinks per day — or two, 16-ounce (480-ml) cans of Monster — may cause negative effects due to excess caffeine, such as headache or insomnia ( 9 , 10 ).
Is there a clean energy drink? ›When you're looking for clean energy, look no further than Kill Cliff Ignite, a zero-sugar line of clean energy drinks containing B vitamins, electrolytes, and 150 mg of caffeine sourced from green tea.
What is the most popular energy drink in 2022? ›Excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety, Popeck says. In the US, more than 20,000 emergency room visits in 2011 were associated with energy drink use.
How many energy drinks a day is safe? ›Up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe. Still, drinking more than four, 8-ounce (240-ml) servings of energy drinks per day — or two, 16-ounce (480-ml) cans of Monster — may cause negative effects due to excess caffeine, such as headache or insomnia ( 9 , 10 ).
How do you know if you're overdosing on caffeine? ›Symptoms of caffeine overdose in adults may include: Breathing trouble. Changes in alertness. Agitation, confusion, hallucinations.
What caffeine does to the brain? ›Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused.
What does caffeine do to your eyes? ›
An excessive consumption of coffee or caffeinated beverages can suddenly increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to blurred vision or spasms of the eyelid (eye twitches). Drinking too much caffeine can also cause a burning sensation and may make your eyes a little tingly.
How long does it take for caffeine to exit the body? ›The level of caffeine in your blood peaks about one hour later and stays at this level for several hours for most people. Six hours after caffeine is consumed, half of it is still in your body. It can take up to 10 hours to completely clear caffeine from your bloodstream.
What is America's favorite drug? ›Every day, about 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine in some form. More than half of the adults in the country consume 300 milligrams a day, making it America's most popular drug. That's right, a drug. Scientists have classified caffeine as a psychoactive drug that can alter moods and behavior.
Who should not consume caffeine? ›No one food or drink will make or break your long-term health. Caffeinated coffee is not recommended for: People with arrhythmias (e.g. irregular heartbeat) People who often feel anxious.
Does caffeine strain the heart? ›Overall, caffeine doesn't seem to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people. However, it has been shown to raise blood pressure in several studies due to its stimulatory effect on the nervous system ( 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ).
How bad for you is alcohol? ›Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Is it bad to drink too much water? ›When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.
Is drinking tea bad for you? ›Though moderate intake is healthy for most people, drinking too much could lead to negative side effects, such as anxiety, headaches, digestive issues, and disrupted sleep patterns. Most people can drink 3–4 cups (710–950 ml) of tea daily without adverse effects, but some may experience side effects at lower doses.
Are Celsius bad for you? ›Celsius will not be bad for you at all if you consume it responsibly. It's made with health-focused ingredients and has moderate caffeine and no added sugar. Plus, its wide assortment of micronutrients also aids in improving your physical and mental performance. Read on to know more about Celsius' benefits!
Which alcohol is best for heart? ›Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.
Which drink is good for health? ›
Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.
How long does it take to pee after you drink water? ›Takeaway. After you drink water, it doesn't take long at all for your body to absorb it. Unlike foods, water can be “digested” in as little as 5 minutes. Excess water leaves your body through urination and feces but is also excreted by sweating.
Which water is best to drink? ›Without a doubt, spring water is the winner. It is considered the best water to drink, providing vital nutrients as it moves through the body. This is, of course, spring water that is bottled at the source and proven to be actual living spring water.
What is the proper way to drink water? ›Use a glass and go slow
Sip water slowly than guzzling it down at once. Sipping water and allowing it to stay in the mouth and then passing through the food pipe helps the alkaline saliva reach the stomach to neutralise acid levels in the stomach.
It's packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium and vitamin D. Plus, it's an excellent source of protein. Drinking milk and dairy products may prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures and even help you maintain a healthy weight.
Is green tea really healthy? ›Green tea may have a number of health benefits. For example, it may help weight management, skin inflammation, and type 2 diabetes. Some research has also linked green tea consumption to improved cardiovascular health. Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea.
Who should not drink green tea? ›Precautions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under the age of 2 and people with kidney disorders, heart conditions, stomach ulcers and psychological problems should also avoid taking green tea. People with glaucoma, anemia, liver disease, osteoporosis and diabetes should also avoid it.
What is a healthy drink for energy? ›Healthiest Energy Drink Choices
Tea: Black and green teas provide safe doses of caffeine along with some health benefits from the antioxidants flavonoids they contain. Although caffeine contents vary, the average cup of black tea provides about 40 milligrams (compared to 100 to 120 milligrams in a cup of coffee).
While limited or infrequent consumption of energy drinks is unlikely to affect the liver, frequent and long-term consumption of sugar-sweetened or alcoholic beverages may pose risks to liver health.
How much caffeine is too much? ›Healthy adults shouldn't consume more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day. That's equal to about four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee or 10 cans of cola. Teens should limit their caffeine intake to less than 100 mg per day (one 8-ounce cup of coffee or about two cans of cola).