Live it Up Super Greens: The Sweetener Revealed
For those carefully monitoring their dietary intake, especially regarding sugar and artificial additives, the ingredients in health supplements are of great importance. The answer to "Does Live it Up have artificial sweeteners?" is a clear and definitive no. Live it Up, formerly known as Ensō Supergreens, is committed to an all-natural formula, using a fruit-derived extract for its sweet flavor. Instead of artificial sweeteners or added sugars, the product uses monk fruit extract to achieve a pleasant taste.
What is Monk Fruit?
Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener derived from a small, round fruit native to Southern China. The sweetness comes from antioxidants called mogrosides, which are a few hundred times sweeter than sugar but contain zero calories. Monk fruit is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers because it does not affect blood sugar levels and has no known negative side effects, unlike some artificial alternatives. Its use in Live it Up's formula aligns with the product's goal of providing a clean, plant-based nutritional boost without compromising on taste or health standards.
The All-Natural Advantage
Choosing a greens powder that forgoes artificial sweeteners comes with several key benefits, particularly for those focused on a clean, wholesome nutrition diet. These advantages include:
- Better Gut Health: Artificial sweeteners have been shown in some studies to negatively impact the balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for digestive and immune health. By using a natural alternative, Live it Up avoids this potential risk and includes probiotics and digestive enzymes to actively support gut flora.
- Zero Sugar, Zero Calories: While monk fruit provides sweetness, it does so without contributing calories or causing blood sugar spikes, making it suitable for individuals managing diabetes or following a low-sugar diet.
- No Unpleasant Aftertaste: Many artificial sweeteners can leave a metallic or bitter aftertaste. Monk fruit is known for its clean, smooth flavor profile, ensuring a more enjoyable consumption experience.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: A focus on natural ingredients often goes hand-in-hand with sourcing high-quality, organic superfoods. Live it Up's formula is rich in organic vegetables, greens, algae, and herbs, ensuring that the nutritional benefits come directly from whole-food sources.
Live it Up vs. Other Super Greens Powders
Choosing the right super greens powder can be challenging, as the market is flooded with different formulas. Here is a comparison of Live it Up with a few popular alternatives, focusing on their sweetener choices and overall composition.
| Feature | Live it Up Super Greens | Athletic Greens (AG1) | Huel Daily Greens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Monk fruit extract | Stevia | Stevia and fruit flavoring |
| Artificial Sweeteners? | No | No | No |
| Additives | No artificial colors, flavors, or fillers | No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners | No artificial additives |
| Probiotics | 5 billion CFU | Includes probiotic blend | Includes probiotics |
| Enzymes | Includes digestive enzymes | Includes digestive enzymes | Includes digestive enzymes |
| Adaptogens | Not included | Includes adaptogens (e.g., Ashwagandha) | Includes adaptogens |
| Flavors | Original (minty), Wild Berries | Slightly fruity, earthy | Apple, Pineapple, Mint, Lime (Original) |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes, but lab is not identified | Yes, NSF-Certified for Sport | Yes |
This comparison highlights Live it Up's straightforward, natural approach. While other powders like AG1 and Huel also avoid artificial sweeteners, Live it Up's formula is simpler, focusing on a clean greens, probiotics, and enzymes blend without the addition of adaptogens, which can be a key differentiator for some users.
What are Artificial Sweeteners?
In contrast to natural options like monk fruit, artificial sweeteners are synthetically produced compounds that are significantly sweeter than sugar. They are often used to reduce calorie content in foods and supplements. Some of the most common artificial sweeteners include:
- Sucralose (Splenda): A derivative of sugar that is 600 times sweeter than sucrose.
- Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal): Made from two amino acids, it is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.
- Saccharin (Sweet'N Low): An older sweetener that can be 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar.
While approved for use by regulatory bodies, concerns persist regarding their long-term health effects, particularly concerning gut health and metabolic responses. For many, the choice to avoid these ingredients aligns with a broader commitment to consuming whole, minimally processed foods.
Conclusion: A Clean Choice for Your Diet
For those wondering, "Does Live it Up have artificial sweeteners?", the answer provides reassurance that the product is a clean, natural option. By leveraging monk fruit extract for sweetness, the brand delivers a palatable greens powder without the use of synthetic additives or added sugars. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to supplement their diet with nutrient-dense superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes while adhering to a clean eating philosophy. When selecting a supplement, checking the sweetener source is a simple but critical step toward ensuring it aligns with your overall nutritional goals. Read more about sugar and its natural and artificial alternatives on Johns Hopkins Medicine.
