1. ENERGY DRINKS

2. Task One
With the person sitting beside you discuss briefly if you do or don't drink energy drinks and why.
If you do drink energy drinks, how many do you drink within a week?

3. Task Two
As a class discuss what you think the ingredients are of an average energy drink....

4. Answer
An average energy drink contains 27 g of sugar and an energy blend that includes caffeine, guarana, L-carnitine, inositol, glucuronolactone and maltodextrin. Energy drink companies say that they can temporarily improve your energy, alertness and focus. 

5. HOWEVER...
There are several side effects. In pairs can you guess what they are?

6. Answer:
Here are just a few of the main side effects- Dehydration Heart palpitations Increased Heart rate Anxiety Restlessness

7. Task Three
Please read the following statements from an article in The Daily Mail, then discuss as a class:
Joshua Merrick's death was linked to high-caffeine energy drink 
Gina Weaver, 15, became ill after consuming too much Monster. She wasn't aware of how much caffeine was in them
Excessive caffeine consumption in energy drinks had been associated with effects such as 'seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death'
They are marketed to be cool and attractive to young people, they like the taste but aren't aware of the content
Read more:  Follow on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

8. Watch this....
(If the link doesn't work go to Youtube/5 Shocking Energy drink facts. It is 3mins 22 secs long) Now discuss what you have just watched...

9. Other interesting facts
Taurine is NOT bull serum.....
Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and minerals in the blood. Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties.
Taurine is found naturally in meat, fish and breast milk, and it's commonly available as a dietary supplement. Some studies suggest that taurine supplementation may improve athletic performance, which may explain why taurine is used in many energy drinks.

10. Other interesting facts...
In a leaked Monster Company document it was stated that the company were targeting buyers as young as 9 years old to purchase their product.
Many countries have banned energy drinks or placed an age restriction on them. 18 years of age is the average age limit. Ireland are currently in talks with their government to ban them all together.