Is SoBe Lifewater Bad For You?
Short answer
SoBe Lifewater is safe to consume but not especially healthy, which is what it is advertised as being.
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.
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
SoBe Lifewater is a product owned by PepsiCo. SoBe stands for "South Beach". It has up to eight additives, depending on the flavor: erythritol, natural flavors, citric acid, xanthan gum, REB A (Purevia Brand), modified food starch, cochineal extract (for color), and gum arabic.
Only two of these has been shown to have notable negative health effects on humans. Erythritol, or sugar alcohol, in small quantities causes bloating, intestinal distress, and diarrhea in some people and if consumed in large enough quantities, will do so for anyone. So, don't drink several of these a day, or else you will pay for it. However, unlike sugar, sugar alcohols don't cause tooth decay, and xylitol, the most commonly used sugar alcohol, has even been shown to inhibit tooth decay.
The other potentially harmful additive is cochineal extract, contained in SoBe's Yumberry Pomegranate flavor, which is a red dye extracted from crushed bugs. For a very small proportion of the population, it has been found to cause, according to Wikipedia, "occupational asthma, food and cosmetic allergies... respiratory hypersensitivity, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock." While the FDA has ruled it doesn't pose a significant threat to the general population, it must now be listed on labels for the benefit of those who are allergic.
SoBe Lifewater is a competitor with Vitamin Water. Most SoBe Lifewater flavors contain about 100% vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Therefore, it doesn't give any special nutrients, and will only benefit you more than water would if you haven't gotten enough Vitamin C for the day. Severe lack of Vitamin C can cause fatigue, mood changes, weight loss, joint and muscle aches, bruising, dental problems, dry hair and skin, and infections. You should consume Vitamin C-containing food and beverages every day.
Xanthan gum, gum arabic, and modified food starch thicken SoBe Lifewater. None of these are harmful.
Stevia (REB A) is a sweetening agent that was recently approved by the FDA but has been found to be safe. Citric acid is also included to increase sweetness, and it can cause tooth decay, abdominal pain, and soreness of the throat if overconsumed, but it is included in low levels in most foods and beverages.
Possible short-term side effects
- intestinal distress
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diarrhea
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bloating
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(very rare) severe allergic reaction
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
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