Is Crystal Light Healthy for You to Drink?

No, it is not. It is true that Crystal Light is not high in calories and is free of fat and sugar, but it offers no real nutritional benefits either. The company certainly makes big claims, but the truth is that only 2% of Crystal Light is natural flavoring, whereas the rest of it is comprised of poisons and junk. Even if you opt for different flavors, the ingredients pretty much stay the same. 

Malic Acid

Though malic acid is among the few safer additives found in Crystal Light, it can still cause several health problems, including diarrhea and nausea. Malic acid is found naturally in grapes, green apples, wine, and rhubarb, but its excessive use can cause problems over time.

Citric Acid

The company has included citric acid in Crystal Light as a “natural” preservative. They use it to add that sour flavor to their products. Although a weak acid, it can cause adverse effects. Over ingestion may cause abdominal pain and sore throat. Long-term or repeated consumption may cause erosion of tooth enamel.

Sucralose

Also called Splenda, sucralose is derived from sugar and is already a popular sweetener. Many studies have been conducted to identify the short-term and long-term side effects of sucralose. It has been found that its consumption may be responsible for several issues, such as blood sugar increase, dizziness, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and seizures.

Color

Crystal Light includes tartrazine, which is originally derived from coal tar for coloring purposes. Using products that contain tartrazine can cause several side effects, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and hot flashes. Some studies have also found a link between its consumption and the overproduction of white blood cells. It may also cause DNA damage and thyroid cancer.

Potassium Sorbate

It is yet another additive found in Crystal Light. It is actually a synthetic compound made from a chemical reaction. The use of it can cause lots of side effects, such as, nausea, vomiting, and nutrient deficiencies.

Sodium Citrate

Is Crystal Light good for you? You do not need to ask this if you see this ingredient included in it. Sodium citrate is an acidity regulator used in drinks. However, this salt also acts as an emulsifier of fats in other products.

Artificial Sweeteners

You can find two artificial sweeteners in Crystal Light Original. One is Ace K and the other one is aspartame. Ace K is 200 times sweeter than sugar. While it is an artificial sweetener, it is a relative safer option as compared to many other artificial sweeteners currently available on the market. Some studies have found weak connections between Ace K and cancer. It may also disrupt neurological functioning and cause problems related to the liver and kidneys. When used with other sweeteners, it poses serious health risks.

On the other hand, aspartame, which is also 200 times sweeter than sugar, has proven to have side effects. Your body converts it in formic acid, which is extremely dangerous for the health of your neurological system and can cause mental illnesses, such as Lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. It can also cause headaches and insulin sensitivity.

Soy Lecithin

Is Crystal Light good for you? No, it is not, especially in the presence of soy lecithin, which is an emulsifier with several negative effects. It is a popular emulsifier though and is found in millions of products. It should be avoided mainly because it is derived from soy, which leaves negative effects on your reproductive system and has allergenic properties as well. It also includes Maltodextrin, which is usually used in the beverage as filler. You should avoid it, especially if you have gluten allergies.

Preservatives and Food Dyes

Crystal Light is not good for your health because it contains a preservative called BHA, which can throw your hormonal system out of whack. It is equally damaging for your neurological system and may even be responsible for causing several types of cancer. Moreover, Crystal Light contains food dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5. Consumption of these food dyes may lead to hyperactivity in children.

The fact of the matter is that Crystal Light is not good for your health mainly due to artificial sweeteners, additives, and preservatives found in it. Your body finds it extremely difficult to metabolize those chemicals found in Crystal Light. The presence of such harmful ingredients makes it no better than diet pop. Your liver goes through some serious stress while trying to metabolize these chemicals, and this leads to a buildup of toxins in your system. Therefore, it is better to avoid Crystal Light, and if you really want to enjoy flavored water, consider adding some fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, berries, etc.). Even 100% fruit juice is much better than anything that contains preservatives.