Like most people, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and love to satisfy it with a delicious drink. As we all know, soda is insanely unhealthy so I opt for healthier options. Or at least options I am tricked into thinking are healthier. In reality, the drinks advertised as healthy alternatives or "nutrient enhanced", are just as dangerous as the sugar-filled drinks our parents warn us about. Here are some shocking true facts about the marketed healthy Vitaminwater, Fruitwater, and Propel Water. Prepare yourself for the scary truth. These are your favorite healthy drinks' toxic ingredients.
Vitaminwater
Surely Vitaminwater is good for you because of the vitamins and minerals in it, right? Unfortunately, Vitaminwater is yet another offender of being filled with harmful and toxic ingredients.
1. Sugar
Vitaminwater has 32 grams of sugar in one bottle. To understand just how much sugar this actually is, the American Heart Association says women should consume 25 grams of sugar daily and men should consume 37.5 grams of sugar per day. A truly healthy drink would not contain your proposed daily sugar intake.
2. Erythritol
Every seen a product feature a phrase: "Flavored + Other Natural Flavors". We are never told what these natural flavors or sweeteners are. So I took the initiative to do the research for you. One sweetener that Vitaminwater uses is Erythritol. When combined with the artificial sweetener aspartame (which it is in this product), it has very dangerous side effects. Some side effects include: anxiety, depression, short-term memory loss, fibromyalgia, weight gain, fatigue, brain tumors, and is linked with gastrointestinal issues. Doesn't sound very fun does it? And if that doesn't alarm you, you should probably know that Erythritol is used as an insecticide to kill flies. Yeah, you're drinking something that includes an ingredient that is used to kill bugs.
3. Crystalline Fructose
Crystalline Fructose is almost pure fructose (around 98%). Studies show that consuming high amounts of fructose may cause high blood cholesterol, increased blood pressure, fat build up around the organs, and an increased risk of fatty liver disease. Fructose can also play a major role in causing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Not only that, but the amount of fructose in Vitaminwater is almost the same as the amount of fructose in a bottle of regular Coke.
Fruitwater
1. Red Dye 40
There is a reason why people are fighting against foods and beverages that contain dyes. In one study performed on rats, it was found that Red Dye 40 lowers reproductive success and even decreased chances for survival for the newborn rats. Similar studies have concluded that Red Dye 40 causes hyperactivity in children, immune system tumors in rats, and studies even claim that Red Dye 40 can be cancer causing. These seem like sound arguments to stay away from food and drinks containing Red Dye 40 and any other dye.
2. Blue Dye 1
Another dye found in Fruitwater is Blue Dye 1. Blue Dye 1 has been banned in Finland, Norway, and France because of its harmful factors. In studies, researchers have found that Blue Dye 1 can contribute to brain cancer, inhibit nerve-cell development, and even cause kidney tumors in laboratory mice. While dyes may make your food or beverage look pretty, the affect that the they have on your body is not.
Propel Flavored Water
1. Ascorbic Acid
What even is Ascorbic Acid? Ascorbic Acid is what nutrient-filled beverages claim to be Vitamin C. Created in a laboratory, Ascorbic Acid is not pure Vitamin C but rather an artificially, chemically created marketable form of Vitamin C. It is not the proper substitution for Vitamin C. Further, a study shows that high doses of Ascorbic Acid increases arterial plaque buildup. Another study concludes that Ascorbic Acid increases the risk of developing gallstones. If you feel that your diet is lacking Vitamin C, take supplements or consume foods that naturally have Vitamin C like oranges and strawberries.
2. Sucralose
While Sucralose has been approved by the FDA as a safe artificial sweetener, recent studies have argued differently. One study claims that Sucralose altered the gut biome by decreasing beneficial bacteria by 50%. Gut bacteria plays an important role in boosting the immune system so it is imperative to have a good gut biome. Not only that, but Sucralose has shown to cause increased weight gain, increased appetite, and problems with digestion including diarrhea, gas, and bloating. In addition, it can trigger headaches. Though harmful to everyone, Sucralose is especially dangerous to people with diabetes. It has been shown to increase blood glucose and insulin levels. So while artificial sweeteners are marketed as healthier than regular sugar, in reality they
Healthy Alternatives
Now that you know the truth about these drinks, you may be wondering "What should I drink then?". Try freshly squeezed juice! Go to your local store and buy a bottle of your juice (just make sure to check the label!) Rule of thumb, if you cannot easily pronounce the ingredient, its most likely not good for you! Or try kombucha instead! If you want a giant dose of health, then this is the drink for you! Full of probiotics, vitamins, and minerals that boost a healthy immune system, kombucha has been known to promote disease prevention, supports a healthy gut, and improve mental health. There is no need to ever drink Vitaminwater, Fruitwater, and Propel Flavored Water again and be exposed to their toxic ingredients. Stay healthy my friends!