VitaminWater: For It or Against It?

In recent years, the Coca-Cola company has been getting heat and even sued because of its health claims on its line of VitaminWaters.

For It
Many bottled-water fanatics embrace the opportunity to get hydrated as well as obtain some well-needed vitamins with every bottle of vitamin water they consume. Glaceau, the maker of fruitwater, vitaminenergy, smartwater, and vitaminwater, enriches their flavored water with nutrients to re-energize and help you get through your day. According to Glaceau’s Brand Overview of VitaminWater,
“A recently-completed clinical study proved what we have known all along: the vitamins in vitaminwater power-c (dragonfruit) are absorbed by the body equally as well as those in traditional foods… Glacéau products are specially formulated to help people on the go feel better, perform better and live healthier lives through better hydration. As such, we are proud to partner with athletes, artists, actors and other individuals who embody the ideal of good health and wellness and who genuinely incorporate glacéau products into their healthy lifestyles.”
Many celebrities who endorse in Glacéau’s products are 50 Cent, Jennifer Aniston, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tom Brady.

 
Against It
According to some researchers, the amount of vitamins in these waters is only about 10-20% of your daily value. Though vitamins have been added to these waters, it is uncertain how much of the vitamin really gets absorbed by the body. For example, vitamins A and E are fat soluble vitamins and are only able to be absorbed with fat – which water does not contain. Also, vitamins in bottled water slowly lose their potency as time goes on. On top of all this, for every 20-ounce bottle of vitamin water, you get about 100 to 125 calories and 33 grams of sugar. Many feel like the name “Vitamin Water” is misleading because if you do not pay attention to the ingredients listing, you would not have guessed that sugar is the third ingredient. So, to many, this “vitamin” water is actually “sugar” water. What is the most shocking is that Coca Cola’s attorneys' response in a court session to the latest charge made against them was: “…no consumer could reasonably be misled into thinking vitaminwater was a healthy beverage.”

What do you think? Are you for VitaminWater or against it?

Acai Berry

The Acai berry has been causing immense hype among the health cautious population. Everywhere you go, whether it be a local smoothie store, frozen yogurt store, or supermarket, acai berry can be found. So, what is this mysterious, super fruit that has recently made its way in the United States? This purplish-blue berry originated from the Amazon rainforest. It is said to contain lots of beneficial vitamins, such as E, B1, and A, as well as antioxidants, omega-3, and amino acids. It can also be consumed in powder, capsule, or fresh form. So what are the pros and cons of this superfruit?

Health Claims of Acai Berry Juice:

Antioxidant: contains flavonoids and anthocyanins (which gives the berry its deep purple and bluish color) that helps protect the body system, helps to reduce stress, prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart diseases caused by oxidative stress

Energy: increases energy and stamina, steadies blood sugar levels in the body, relieves sexual dysfunction, and helps with insomnia

Anti-aging: preserves brain function, helps maintain vision, helps to alleviate skin irritation and digestive problems

Weight loss: helps to burn fat and speed up digestion; filled with amino acids, phytosterols, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids

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Lack of scientific evidence:

According to many scientific researchers, the health benefit of eating or consuming acai berry products is no different from eating any other fruits, such as blueberries and red grapes. Apart from the benefits of consuming fruits, research does not see a distinctive connection between acai berry and better health. Also, no scientific evidence support its weight loss claims. It is true that acai berries do contain high levels of antioxidant, but it is not known how much humans are able to fully absorb.

Individuals who are allergic to berries or pollen should avoid this berry.