Is Powerade Zero Bad For You?
Short answer
Powerade Zero is bad for you. It can cause many negative health effects and should be replaced with a healthier drink alternative whenever possible.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Powerade Zero is a variation of the popular sports drink brand Powerade. It is primarily designed to hydrate individuals who participate in strenuous athletic activities.
Many people who are watching their weight or concerned about their health choose to drink Powerade Zero because it includes zero sugar and zero calories. While it is true that Powerade Zero contains no sugar or calories, it is comprised of a variety of other chemically-altered ingredients that can actually be more harmful to your health than natural sugar.
For example, instead of sugar, Powerade Zero contains artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame. After these chemical sweeteners are consumed, the body believes that they are real sugars that need to be digested, so it naturally produces insulin. However, because the chemical sweeteners are artificial, the insulin has no sugar to digest and is forced to consume healthy chemicals that are naturally produced by your body instead. Over time, the consumption of artificial sweeteners such as those in Powerade Zero can cause obesity, heart disease, liver problems, and Type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, varying flavors of Powerade Zero contain different harmful artificial food dyes, including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Excessive consumption of these dyes has been known to cause significant damage to the central nervous system, as well as behavioral issues.
All in all, there are many more health dangers involved in Powerade Zero than what first meets the eye. It is important not to let products trick you into believing they are healthy simply because they boast zero sugar and zero calories. The truth is, as with Powerade Zero, there are probably many harmful ingredients hiding beneath the surface.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache
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dizziness
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fatigue
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nausea
Possible long-term side effects
- heart disease
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liver problems
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type 2 diabetes
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central nervous system damage
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behavioral issues
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cancer
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weight gain
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tooth decay
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- restores electrolyte balance
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provides hydration
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zero calorie
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zero sugar
Healthier alternatives
Team-Picked Alternative
(what is this?)
ZICO Coconut Water
- Natural hydration
- No sugar added
- Gluten-free
- Five electrolytes
- Not from concentrate
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023
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