What drink opens up arteries? The truth about energy drinks and blood flow

When you hear someone say a drink can open up your arteries, they’re usually talking about better blood flow. And yes-some drinks do affect how wide your blood vessels are. But not in the way most people think. Energy drinks are often blamed or praised for this effect. But here’s the real story: it’s not the sugar or the flashy marketing. It’s one ingredient-and it’s not what you’d expect.

It’s not about energy. It’s about nitric oxide.

Arteries don’t open up because of caffeine. They open up because of nitric oxide. That’s a molecule your body naturally makes to relax the smooth muscle in your blood vessel walls. When nitric oxide rises, blood flows more easily. That’s how your body regulates blood pressure and delivers oxygen to muscles during exercise.

Some energy drinks claim to boost nitric oxide. They often include ingredients like L-citrulline, beetroot extract, or arginine. These are amino acids or plant compounds that help your body produce more nitric oxide. But here’s the catch: the amount in most energy drinks is too low to make a real difference. A 2023 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition tested 12 popular energy drinks labeled as "vascular support" or "circulation boosters." Only two had enough L-citrulline (at least 6 grams per serving) to show measurable effects. The rest? Mostly marketing.

Caffeine does the opposite-temporarily.

Most energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. A typical can has 80 to 160 mg. That’s about the same as a strong cup of coffee. And caffeine? It’s a vasoconstrictor. That means it tightens blood vessels, especially in the brain and skin. In the short term, it can raise blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg. That’s why some people feel a headache after an energy drink-it’s not the sugar. It’s the blood vessels shrinking.

But here’s the twist: regular caffeine users build tolerance. After a few days, the vasoconstriction effect fades. But that doesn’t mean your arteries are open. It just means your body adapted. The nitric oxide boost? Still missing.

What actually works?

If you want to naturally improve blood flow and keep arteries flexible, skip the energy drink aisle. Go for:

• Beetroot juice - High in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide. One 250ml glass can lower blood pressure by 4-5 mmHg within hours.
• Green tea - Contains catechins that help protect the lining of blood vessels. A 2022 meta-analysis showed regular green tea drinkers had 20% lower risk of arterial stiffness.
• Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) - Flavonoids in cocoa stimulate nitric oxide production. One small 2024 study found daily consumption improved flow-mediated dilation by 12% in 4 weeks.
• Water - Dehydration thickens your blood and makes it harder to flow. Drinking enough water is the simplest way to keep your arteries lubricated.

None of these are energy drinks. But they all support circulation without the crash, jitters, or added sugar.

Why energy drinks don’t fix arterial health

Energy drinks are designed to give you a quick spike in alertness-not long-term vascular health. They’re full of sugar (up to 50 grams per can), artificial colors, and preservatives. That sugar spike triggers inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the top causes of arterial plaque buildup.

Even "sugar-free" versions aren’t safer. They use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame-K. A 2025 animal study from the University of Queensland showed these sweeteners altered gut bacteria in a way that reduced nitric oxide production by 18% over 30 days. That’s not a boost. That’s a downgrade.

And let’s not forget the stimulants. Taurine, guarana, and ginseng are often added for "extra energy." But they don’t help your arteries. They just make your heart beat faster. That’s not improved circulation. That’s stress on your cardiovascular system.

The bottom line: No energy drink opens arteries

There’s no energy drink on the market that reliably opens up your arteries in a healthy, lasting way. The ones that claim to do it are using half-truths. They might have a tiny bit of L-citrulline, but the rest of the formula cancels it out.

If you’re looking for better blood flow, focus on food, hydration, and movement-not a can with a neon label. Walking 30 minutes a day, eating leafy greens, and drinking water will do more for your arteries than any energy drink ever could.

And if you’re drinking energy drinks for a workout? You’re better off with a banana and a glass of water. Your heart will thank you.