NoshQuad Blog Post
Is Celsius Bad For You
April 03, 2024
Energy drinks have evolved from their original thick, peculiar-tasting concoctions that sent one’s heart racing for hours. The modern offerings now tantalize our taste buds while pledging an array of health benefits. Among the top contenders is the Celsius energy drink, renowned for its potential to facilitate calorie burning by enhancing metabolism. But does it truly serve as a healthy option?
As per the brand’s website, Celsius sets itself apart with its “healthier” ingredients such as ginger and green tea. Each can is infused with seven essential vitamins and devoid of sugar, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
These beverages also contain notable ingredients like guarana and taurine. HighYa reports that guarana, a Brazilian plant, is abundant in antioxidants and may aid in digestion and weight loss. Taurine, an amino acid found in fish and dairy products, is believed to bolster heart health and deter diabetes. Additionally, the fizzy drink is enriched with chromium, a mineral that may help stabilize blood sugar levels and curb cravings.
Let’s discuss are celsius bad for u or not.
What are the constituents of a Celsius drink?
Celsius offers a quintet of unique products. The original Celsius is imbued with green tea and guarana seed extracts, ginger root, vitamins B and C, and chromium. Celsius Heat is hailed for delivering “performance energy” and is packed with L-citrulline. Celsius BCAA+ Energy incorporates BCAAs, tart cherry, vitamin D3, and electrolytes. Celsius-Stevia, as the name suggests, contains stevia, while Celsius On-the-Go is a powdered version of the original.
Whittingham observed that the Celsius drink canister’s “zero calories” caught her eye, hinting at the drink’s sweetness and subsequent popularity. She states that “zero calories” typically indicate the presence of artificial sweeteners or ingredients that contribute sweetness. Generally, these additives are deemed safe, but for those with specific food sensitivities or gut health issues, these substances may adversely affect their digestive system. (Celsius does claim to be free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and artificial colors and flavors.)
Is Celsius Energy Drink detrimental to your health?
To determine the impact of Celsius on health, let’s assess it based on these components:
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Vitamins and minerals
- Other noteworthy ingredients
Keep in mind that we will not be conducting a meticulous ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, but rather a more comprehensive assessment.
For a more in-depth evaluation of Celsius ingredients, consider perusing my other post on the topic.
Caffeine Content
Each can of Celsius Energy contains 200mg of caffeine, which surpasses my recommended single serving intake of 50mg to 100mg.
Caffeine promotes alertness and concentration, but excessive amounts may prove detrimental to one’s body.
However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a daily caffeine intake of up to 400mg, equivalent to two cans of Celsius.
If caffeine sensitivity is a concern, consider starting with a small sip of Celsius to gauge your body’s response.
Individuals with health issues (particularly those related to the heart) or pregnant or nursing should avoid this high-caffeine beverage.
To see how Celsius compares to coffee, refer to my other detailed article.
For your reference, here are the FDA’s recommended daily caffeine intake amounts:
Age-Recommended Daily Amount
- Kids 60-80 mg
- Teenagers 100 mg
- 18 and above 400 mg
Sugar Content
Celsius is entirely sugar-free.
Thus, concerns about sugar intake can be set aside when reaching for a can of Celsius.
Isn’t that a relief?
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals serve as crucial nutrients required by our bodies. They partake in a wide array of essential functions, such as healing wounds and bolstering the immune system.
Celsius, in particular, has been fortified with a significant assortment of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B and C, calcium, chromium, and sodium.
This selection surpasses what is found in several competing products, making it a remarkable aspect of Celsius.
Other Remarkable Ingredients
Despite being devoid of sugar, Celsius retains a distinct sweetness due to the inclusion of an artificial sweetener called sucralose.
As a zero-calorie sugar alternative, sucralose is 400–700 times sweeter than sugar.
Nonetheless, this sugar substitute may provoke health issues such as:
- Migraine
- Insulin resistance
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Hence, it’s essential to consume Celsius drinks in moderation.
On a positive note, Celsius does not contain any additional preservatives and features several natural ingredients like ginger root, green tea, and fruit and vegetable juices.
Celsius Energy Components
A 12 fl. oz (355ml) can of Celsius Energy contains:
- 2g carbohydrates
- 200mg caffeine
- 60mg of vitamin C
- 1.7mg riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- 20mg niacin (vitamin B3)
- 10mg pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- 2mg pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
- 300mcg biotin (vitamin B7)
- 6mcg cobalamin (vitamin B12)
- 50mg calcium
- 50mcg chromium
- 0g sodium
The beverage also features the MetaPlus Proprietary Blend, which includes:
- Taurine
- Guarana extract
- Glucuronolactone
- Ginger root extract
- Green tea leaf extract
In smaller quantities, Celsius contains:
- Carbonated water
- Citric acid
- Fruit juice
- Vegetable juice
- Sucralose
- Natural flavor
How much caffeine is excessive?
Scrolling through TikTok, you may spot someone enjoying a Celsius before attending a hot yoga class, weightlifting session, or study marathon. The association between the drink and these activities is the need for a quick energy boost. Whittingham states that since Celsius does not disclose the caffeine content in its drinks, determining the exact amount is challenging. Blogs estimate that Celsius drinks contain approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine, which falls within the range of healthy daily consumption (Whittingham pegs it at 400 milligrams). However, individuals with high blood pressure or anxiety should exercise caution regarding their caffeine intake.
Can the Celsius drink really control your hunger?
Celsius beverages contain chromium, an essential trace mineral that the brand claims aid in hunger control. Whittingham explains that only trace amounts of this mineral are necessary, typically acquired through the consumption of specific meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A single Celsius drink provides more than 100 percent of your daily chromium requirements, which concerned Whittingham. She emphasizes the importance of not perceiving these drinks (or similar supplements) as substitutes for whole foods that offer the same benefits.
Ultimately, it’s contingent upon the individual’s circumstances. Whittingham primarily advocates for Celsius drinks among elite athletes who engage in strenuous exercise multiple times daily. These individuals expend substantial calories, necessitating frequent replenishment. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consult a dietitian or nutritionist to address specific bodily requirements, as the drink may not be suitable for individuals with gut issues or hypertension.
For individuals who exercise less frequently, what advice does Whittingham provide? “Occasional, moderate consumption is acceptable,” she suggests. “However, daily intake is not recommended.” Overconsumption may lead to undesirable side effects such as diarrhea and nausea, despite the water-soluble nature of many ingredients.
What’s an alternative to Celsius drinks?
Whittingham proposes several whole foods for those seeking energy and fuel without resorting to Celsius drinks. Her preferred pre-workout foods include oatmeal and bananas. She also recommends fruits for immediate energy, such as apples, oranges, watermelons, peaches, and blueberries. In need of muscle recovery enhancement? Sweet potatoes, rich in vitamins C and E, may help repair cellular damage and provide a legitimate reason for indulging in sweet potato fries (to a certain extent).
Can Celsius drinks help you lose weight?
Celsius drinks are widely promoted for their purported metabolism-boosting and fat-burning capabilities, attributed to the unique “MetaPlus® blend” of ingredients. The company references six studies that demonstrate the thermogenic properties of the drink. While health experts acknowledge the legitimacy of these studies, they emphasize that benefits are fleeting. Thermogenic beverages can temporarily elevate metabolism, but no evidence supports sustained weight loss or weight maintenance through their consumption, according to Joanne Ikeda, a nutritionist emeritus at UC Berkeley.
Celsius drinks are not a miraculous solution for achieving a leaner, healthier physique. They do, however, contain numerous beneficial ingredients and may temporarily enhance calorie burning during workouts when integrated into a healthy lifestyle. As always, moderation is key, and consulting a physician before increasing caffeine intake is essential.
How often can I drink Celsius drinks?
While healthier than many other energy drinks on the market, Celsius drinks still contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that should be consumed in moderation. A single can contain 200 milligrams of caffeine. The US Food and Drug Administration advises adults to limit their daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams, equivalent to just two cans of Celsius if no other caffeine sources are ingested.
It is crucial to note that while Celsius discloses its caffeine content, it does not specify the exact amounts of each ingredient. The drink contains a “MetaPlus proprietary blend” with undisclosed quantities of taurine, guarana extract, caffeine, glucuronolactone, ginger extract, and green tea leaf extract. Individual tolerances to these ingredients vary, and consumption should be adjusted accordingly.
Is Celsius healthier than energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull?
The definition of “healthy” is subjective, and the decision to consume Celsius over Monster or Red Bull depends on individual perceptions of each ingredient. For those concerned about sugar, Celsius is the healthier choice with zero grams of sugar. In contrast, Red Bull contains 27 grams of sugar, and Monster contains a staggering 54 grams. Both brands, however, offer sugar-free options with artificial sweeteners.
Celsius drinks’ vitamin content arguably sets them apart from other energy drinks. They contain vitamins C, B6, and B12, riboflavin, and biotin, all essential for various bodily functions. While Red Bull and Monster are also rich in B vitamins, they lack the diverse array of vitamins and minerals present in Celsius drinks. Therefore, one could argue that, from a nutritional standpoint, Celsius energy drinks are a healthier alternative to many competitors.
Conclusion: Is Celsius Bad For You
The response to this question is paradoxically affirmative and negative.
Moderate consumption of Celsius energy drinks may provide certain benefits, particularly for those seeking to lose weight or enhance their exercise routines. Despite the high caffeine content in each can, adhering to the recommended daily limit should pose no issues.
Conversely, excessive consumption of Celsius drinks may prove detrimental due to potential caffeine overdose.
Ultimately, the impact of these beverages on one’s health largely depends on individual choices and moderation. Personal experiences with the drink will be the determining factor in forming an opinion on its effects.
FAQs:
Can You Fall Sick From Drinking Too Many Celsius Energy Drinks?
Indeed, immoderate intake of Celsius energy drinks could lead to adverse health effects. However, it is essential to note that overconsumption of any substance, even water, can cause harm. Thus, it would be inaccurate to label Celsius as inherently detrimental based solely on this possibility. Maintaining moderation in consumption is the key to mitigating any potential negative consequences.
In What Ways Might Celsius Make Me Sick?
The primary concern with excessive Celsius intake is the high caffeine content, which may lead to health issues if daily recommended limits are surpassed. Potential complications include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems
- Accelerated heart rate
- Mental health concerns
- Elevated blood pressure
Awareness and cautious consumption are crucial to avoid these potential health impacts.
Is It Safe To Consume Celsius Energy Drink Every Day?
For healthy individuals who adhere to recommended dietary guidelines, consuming Celsius energy drinks daily is generally considered safe.
Why is Celsius banned by the NCAA?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has banned Celsius drinks due to the presence of stimulants such as ginseng, guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. Additionally, the National Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency have enforced similar restrictions for the same reasons. The ban is also attributed to the effects that some individuals experience after consuming the beverage.
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