Is Body Armor Good for You? Thorough Insights of The Nutritional Value of This Energy Drink

BodyArmor is a hydrating drink brand owned by the Coca-Cola Company. Similar to Celsius Drinks, this drink promises to keep your body ripe with nutrients and energized so that you can tackle the elements of daily life like a boss.

But does it walk the talk? Is Body Armor good for you? Does it pack some real punch? 

We’re here to spill the beans on our detailed review and address the following questions:

• Is Body Armor healthy?
• Does Body Armor have electrolytes?
• Do Body Armor drink side effects exist?
• And, a lot more. 

Let’s understand if this hydration hero is worth an investment.

BodyArmor: An Introduction

Body Armor, a well-known sports nutrition drink, markets itself as a healthier choice compared to drinks like Gatorade Zero. 

So, is BodyArmor better than Gatorade? Well, Gatorade and other drinks of the same ilk boast about having antioxidants, electrolytes full of potassium, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes. 

While BodyArmor offers various flavors, the ingredients remain similar to those in BodyArmor drinks. Take, for instance, the BodyArmor Blue Raspberry flavor, which we’ll use as our example here.

One important detail that needs to be brought to light is the high amount of cane sugar in BodyArmor, which is about 21 grams. Research shows that too much-added sugar can lead to health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Almost all the snacks and processed foods that Americans eat today are packed with high levels of sugar and preservatives, so we condemn consuming high-sugar drinks like this on a daily basis. While sweet drinks might seem tempting for athletic benefits, we believe that such beverages may not be the best choice for most people.

However, on a positive note, BodyArmor uses coconut water concentrate, a healthy ingredient rich in potassium. Additionally, the use of vegetable juice concentrate for coloring is a healthier alternative to artificial dyes.

Ingredients in Body Armor

Let’s delve into a thorough analysis of the key ingredients used in BodyArmor drinks.

1. Citric Acid: Citric acid, found in citrus fruits but often produced from a fungus, is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Some studies suggest it may cause inflammatory reactions in a small group of people.

2. Natural Flavors: “Natural flavors” is a vague term that doesn’t specify the actual compounds used. Without knowing what these flavors are, it’s recommended to avoid products listing “natural flavors” as an ingredient to make informed choices about what we consume.

3. Added Vitamins: BodyArmor includes added vitamins like B6 and A, but the website doesn’t explain why. There’s no clear evidence that these synthetic vitamin blends improve athletic performance. While vitamins are essential, it’s crucial to understand the purpose behind their addition to make informed choices about our health.

4. Dipotassium Phosphate: For most healthy individuals, this ingredient is generally considered safe. However, if you have common health concerns like kidney disease, severe heart or lung issues, or thyroid problems, it’s crucial to be cautious. Dipotassium phosphate is frequently employed in various applications, serving as a buffering agent in antifreeze and as an additive in food for emulsifying, stabilizing, or enhancing texture.

Here is a nutrition comparison of Body Armor with Gatorade by YouTuber Brad Carr, watch this video to see how good Body Armor is for you:

Body Armor Drinks: Are They Worth It?

BodyArmor drinks are available in different varieties. Let’s delve into each and explore their ingredients and potential side effects.

1. BodyArmor Lyte: The inclusion of the term ‘Lyte’ might prompt you to think: Is BodyArmor Lyte healthy? Is Body Armor good for you? The Lyte version contains citric acid, natural flavors, and added vitamins. Citric acid may trigger inflammation, and added vitamins might not offer significant benefits. 

On the upside, it features healthy coconut water and vegetable juice, sweetened with stevia instead of cane sugar, making it a preferable option for those concerned about diabetes.

2. BodyArmor Zero Sugar: The company claims its zero-sugar drink to be completely free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and dyes. 

3. BodyArmor Edge: The Edge series of BodyArmor is backed with caffeine to give you that instant rush of energy. Though the company markets this drink as safe to consume, prolonged consumption of caffeine can have adverse impacts on your health in the long run. 

4. BodyArmor Flash IV and Flash IV Sticks: The Flash IV drink is loaded with 2,290 MG⁺ electrolytes along with Zinc and vitamins B and C to boost your immune system. On the other hand, the IV stick has 2,220 MG⁺ electrolytes to provide the gush of energy. Again similar to zero sugar drinks Body Armor claims the IV drink and sticks to be free from artificial sweeteners and dyes but considering the flavor of both it’s hard to say so. 

5. BodyArmor Sport Water: Considered one of BodyArmor’s healthiest options, BodyArmor Water undergoes reverse osmosis and includes added electrolytes. Being alkaline water, it is reputed to be beneficial for athletic performance.

❗ Caffeine in BodyArmor Drinks ❗
Certain BodyArmor drinks do contain caffeine to enhance athletic performance. However, moderation is crucial, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure.

Body Armor Drink Benefits

It’s common knowledge that BodyArmor provides instant hydration. However, the drink has a lot of benefits to offer. We’ve discussed a few below.

1. Electro replenishment: The BodyArmor drink helps restore important electrolytes, promoting the best possible muscle performance while you are exercising.

2. Antioxidant defense: BodyArmor is loaded with antioxidants. It helps you fight the seas against free radicals and improves your general well-being.

3. Vitamin enrichment: BodyArmor adds vitamins B6 and A to your everyday diet. It helps you get more nutrients.

4. All natural ingredients: To make it a healthy drink, it features only natural tastes. You don’t have to worry about any type of artificialingredients.

5. Support for performance: BodyArmor is specially formulated to cater to the needs of people with an always-on, hustling schedule. It provides you with assistance for better performance.

6. Replete with coconut water: The drink is rich in potassium and keeps you full for a long time. It is infused with coconut water concentrate.

7. Amazing Taste: The drink allows you to accommodate a huge range of palettes. It makes it a delightful drinking water and an effective morning drink to stay hydrated.

8. Travel Partner: The packaging of body armor makes it simple for you to stay hydrated wherever you go. Whether you are hitting the gym or hiking.

These Body Armor drink benefits clearly state that this energy water will keep you going against all the odds.

Also Read: Are Ghost Energy Drinks Bad for You? Latest Ghost Energy Review 2023 

Healthier Alternatives to BodyArmor

Looking for healthier alternatives to BodyArmor? You can consider the following options.

1. Filtered Water: A smart choice is filtered water like that from the Epic Nalgene OG bottle. It keeps you alert, hydrated, and also removes all the contaminants. The American-made bottle ensures that you have clean water no matter where you are. The water is free from harmful chemicals found in unfiltered tap water.

2. Green Tea: Green tea is a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants. It is made with filtered water. It helps in boosting energy and mental alertness without the downsides of artificial sports drinks.

3. Fresh Fruit Juice: Fresh fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It offers a natural energy boost and also helps reduce inflammation. It doesn’t have any added sugars and the flavors of a typical sports drink.

4. Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte. It rehydrates and energizes you. Coconut water is loaded with potassium and magnesium. It also helps with muscle function and prevents any type of cramps.

5. Herbal Tea: Herbal tea, including peppermint and ginger, made with filtered water, provides you with a calming effect. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. Basically, it offers health benefits without any type of caffeine.

6. Maple: Maple water has a lot of water content and important minerals. It is a refreshing hydration source. Natural antioxidants and a hint of maple flavor make it a healthier alternative to your artificial drinks.

7. Lemon Water: You can bring a refreshing twist by adding organic lime or lemon to filtered water. Besides improving flavor, citrus fruits promote digestion and boost vitamin C intake in the body.

Understanding BodyArmor Side Effects

To address the concern, ‘Is body armor good for you?’ we first need to analyze the side effects of this energy drink. 

1. High Sugar Content: Body armor has a high added sugar content, with 21 grams of added sugar per serving. If you regularly consume large amounts of sugar, then you might have health issues like diabetes, weight gain, and tooth decay.

2. Potential Weight Gain: As eating too much sugar can increase calorie intake, regularly consuming sugary drinks like body armor can also lead to weight gain.

3. Dental Health Concerns: The high sugar content in body armor puts your teeth at risk for cavities and tooth decay from consuming sugar-filled drinks.

4. Individual Allergies: If you’re allergic to coconut, you might experience reactions. This is especially possible when coconut water concentrate is present. You might go through symptoms like itching skin rashes, and more severe symptoms.

5. Vitamin Overload: Even though vitamins are important, taking too many additional vitamins like B6 without medical consultation can have negative side effects, including nausea or stomach upset.

BodyArmor drinks have a high sugar and caffeine content, which surely won’t help you boost your cognitive performance. Additionally, this can lead to severe side effects. You should consume it in moderation and keep health hazards at bay. 

Also Read: Is Sparkling Ice Good for you? Know The Secret Behind this Beverage 

The Final Verdict

High sugar and caffeine BodyArmor drinks, could have adverse consequences, so consuming them to boost energy or sports performance is a big NO from our end. Consuming them in moderation is acceptable, as an alternative we recommend you to opt for other BodyArmor varieties. 

BodyArmor Water or BodyArmor Lyte are recommended for individuals looking for a healthy option because of their much-reduced sugar content. People must make decisions based on their own health needs and preferences, understanding that moderation and choosing lower-sugar options lead to a more balanced approach to hydration and well-being.

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