Studying 007 James Bond's Drinking Habits

Researchers studied James Bond's drinking habits by reading all 14 books and found that Bond drinks over four times the recommended amount. Based on this, the level of functioning he displays is inconsistent with the physical, mental, and indeed sexual functioning expected from someone drinking this much alcohol.

They also put into context super spy James Bond's preference for martinis that are shaken not stirred. They theorize that James Bond suffers from alcohol tremors that makes it difficult for him to stir.

The objective of this study is to quantify the spy's alcohol consumption as detailed in the novels by Ian Fleming. Based on the 14 Bond books by Fleming, James Bond consumes around 92 units a week which is four times more than the recommended amount. Out of 87.5 days, only 12 days were alcohol free and his maximum alcohol consumption in one day was 48 units.

Because of the level of alcohol intake, James Bond has a high risk of alcohol related disease such as alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, impotence, alcohol-induced tremor, and an early death.

Although James Bond is a fictional character, the authors of the study feel that alcohol consumption, being a global health problem, is portrayed by the character in a positive manner.

Energy Drinks Cause Heart To Significantly Increase Contraction After One Hour

An ongoing study is measuring the effect of drinking energy drinks on heart function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Initial data shows that consuming these drinks significantly increase heart contraction rates after one hour.

The results were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

There has been ongoing debate on the health risks involved in consuming energy drinks; rapid heart rates being the major factor. Other known side effects associated with high consumption of these drinks are palpitations, rise in blood pressure and, in the most severe cases, seizures or sudden death.

These drinks which primarily uses caffeine, sugar and taurine as its primary ingredient provide an energy boost to drinkers by providing mental and physical stimulation.

Compared to coffee and regular sodas, energy drinks contain up to three times more caffeine.

Long term risks of drinking energy drinks are still unknown but study team member, Jonas Dörner, M.D, advises that people with known cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) should avoid energy drinks.