People often seek healthier alternatives to their favorite drinks and beverages, especially when trying to manage their weight. Zevia, a popular brand of zero-calorie, naturally sweetened soda, has emerged as one such option. This article will comprehensively review Zevia, exploring its ingredients, potential benefits, and drawbacks, to determine whether it's a good option for weight loss and overall health.
What is Zevia?
Zevia is a brand of soda that distinguishes itself by using natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones. The basic ingredients of Zevia drinks are carbonated water, organic stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, and citric acid. The teas contain organic brewed tea, and the energy drinks contain organic caffeine. It is free from sugar, calories, and artificial ingredients. According to the company, Zevia drinks are for people “who want to live their best”.
Zevia's Potential Weight Loss Benefits
One of the biggest reasons Zevia is an excellent weight-loss option is that it’s free from sugar and calories. Regular soda is loaded with sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. By replacing regular soda with Zevia, individuals can significantly reduce their sugar and calorie intake. Another reason why Zevia is a good option for weight loss is because it can help you reduce your cravings for sugary drinks and snacks. Many people struggle with cravings for sugary foods and beverages, which can sabotage their weight loss efforts. Zevia offers a sweet taste without the negative consequences of sugar, potentially making it easier to stick to a weight loss plan.
Zevia vs. Regular Soda: A Comparison
To truly understand the weight loss benefits of Zevia, it’s essential to compare it to regular soda. Regular sodas are typically high in calories and sugar, offering no nutritional value. In contrast, Zevia contains zero calories and no sugar, making it a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their caloric intake.
How to Incorporate Zevia into Your Weight Loss Plan
If you’re interested in using Zevia as a tool for weight loss, there are a few things you can do. Replace your regular soda with Zevia. Use Zevia to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Potential Downsides and Considerations
While Zevia is generally considered a healthy option, there are a few potential downsides to be aware of.
Stevia and Gut Health
Research has also shown that stevia can negatively change the gut microbiome. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or other side effects when consuming large amounts of stevia.
Natural Flavors: An Ambiguity
There is no official definition of natural flavoring, and there’s a conflict in food labeling about what natural flavors are. Since Zevia does not specify the nature of the natural flavors in its beverages, it’s difficult to know whether it is healthy.
Environmental Impact
Additionally, Zevia comes in aluminum cans which, although recyclable to an extent, add to overall consumer waste.
World Health Organization Recommendations
The World Health Organization recommends not to use sweeteners like stevia for weight control. In an animal study, it was found that stevia increased belly fat, but there’s no concrete proof that it would do the same in humans.
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Other Options to Consider
Zevia has some health benefits, especially the Zevia drinks made with tea rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and other healthy compounds. However, plain carbonated water or water with natural fruit flavors are likely healthier and less expensive options.
Who Can Consume Zevia?
In moderation, most people can have Zevia beverages. There’s also a range of Zevia drinks made especially for kids. Children and those sensitive to caffeine should avoid caffeinated Zevia drinks like the Zevia energy drinks range, tea drinks that contain Earl Gray, black or green tea, Mountain Zevia, Cola, Cherry Cola, and Dr. Zevia. Zevia drinks are sugar-free and calorie-free and can suit most dietary requirements. They’re a relatively healthy choice if you are not sensitive to stevia and only enjoy them in moderation. It would, however, be better to make a refreshing drink at home by infusing fruit into water or having plain carbonated water.
Biz Markie's Endorsement
Zevia, a Los Angeles maker of sugar-free soda, has found an unlikely spokesman in rapper and kids’ show star Biz Markie. He has lost about 140 pounds since, he said, and he partly credits cutting out sugar-filled sodas and switching to Zevia’s brand, which uses a plant-based zero-calorie sweetener called stevia. The company touts its concoctions as an alternative to artificial sweeteners. Markie said he met Zevia CEO Paddy Spence backstage at a Yo Gabba Gabba concert. Markie says his endorsement fits with the social message of “Yo Gabba Gabba,” which has pushed healthy eating with songs like “Party in My Tummy.”
Zevia's Market Growth
Zevia appears to be gaining traction on supermarket shelves. The company says its soda is sold in more than 15,000 stores and generated sales of 17 million cans in the second quarter of this year, up 60% from the same period in 2012.
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