What's Inside a Body Armour Drink?
Body Armour is often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional sports beverages. Its formula is built on a base of coconut water, which is naturally rich in potassium. The drink also contains a blend of vitamins and other electrolytes. However, it's important to differentiate between the various product lines, as their nutritional profiles differ significantly.
The Standard Body Armour
- Sweetened with Pure Cane Sugar: This version contains a significant amount of added sugar. For instance, a 16 oz bottle can have up to 21 grams of sugar. While this provides quick energy for athletes, it contributes to excess calorie intake for the average person.
- High in Potassium: A defining feature of Body Armour is its emphasis on potassium, with some servings containing over 500mg. This is great for muscle function, but sports scientists note that sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat during intense exercise.
- Rich in Vitamins: The drinks are fortified with several vitamins, including B vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Body Armour Lyte and Zero Sugar
These versions cater to calorie-conscious consumers and those avoiding sugar. They use natural sweeteners like Stevia and Erythritol instead of cane sugar.
- No Added Sugar: The Lyte and Zero versions have zero added sugar and are much lower in calories.
- Low Calorie: With only 15-20 calories per 16 oz bottle, they are a lighter alternative.
- Same Electrolyte and Vitamin Blend: These varieties still contain the core blend of potassium and vitamins, providing similar hydration benefits without the added sugar load.
Potential Health Benefits and Risks
Benefits
- Effective Hydration: For athletes and individuals engaging in prolonged, intense activity, the electrolytes in Body Armour can help replenish what is lost through sweat.
- Better than Soda: Both the regular and Lyte versions are a better choice than sugary sodas or juices, offering some vitamins and electrolytes.
- Natural Ingredients: The use of coconut water and natural flavors, with no artificial dyes in many versions, appeals to health-conscious consumers.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: The added vitamins and antioxidants can support overall wellness and immune health.
Risks
- High Sugar Content: The biggest concern with the regular version is its high pure cane sugar content. Excessive intake can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, especially for sedentary individuals.
- Not a Water Replacement: Sports drinks should supplement, not replace, plain water. For most daily hydration needs, water remains the best choice.
- Imbalanced Electrolyte Profile: Some fitness experts argue that Body Armour's high potassium and low sodium content isn't ideal for athletes who lose a great deal of sodium through sweat. Hydrating solely with a low-sodium beverage after intense exercise could be dangerous.
- Unnecessary for the Average Person: If you aren't engaging in strenuous, prolonged exercise, your body doesn't need the extra calories and electrolytes provided by sports drinks.
Comparison: Body Armour vs. Gatorade
| Feature | Body Armour (Original) | Body Armour Lyte | Gatorade (Original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Source | Pure Cane Sugar | Stevia & Erythritol | High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Added Sugar | 21g per 16oz | 0g per 16oz | 34g per 20oz |
| Sweeteners | Natural | Natural (Stevia, Erythritol) | Artificial (in some versions) |
| Calories | 90 per 16oz | 15 per 16oz | 80 per 12oz |
| Electrolyte Focus | Potassium-heavy | Potassium-heavy | Balanced (Sodium & Potassium) |
| Sodium Content | 30mg per 16oz | Low | 160mg per 12oz |
| Artificial Dyes | No | No | Yes (in some versions) |
Should You Drink Body Armour?
The decision depends on your activity level and health goals. For a high-performance athlete, the calories from the original version and the electrolytes can be beneficial during or after intense, prolonged workouts. For casual exercisers or those seeking a healthier soda alternative, Body Armour Lyte or Zero is a better option, providing flavor and nutrients without the added sugar.
However, it's crucial to remember that Body Armour is not a universal health drink. For everyday hydration, plain water is the gold standard. The average person does not lose enough electrolytes to warrant regular consumption of sports drinks. Excessive intake, particularly of the sugar-laden version, can undermine weight management efforts and increase health risks.
Conclusion
Body Armour has carved a niche for itself as a 'healthier' sports drink due to its natural ingredients and use of coconut water. While it can be a useful tool for athletes and a better alternative to soda, it's not a health elixir for everyone. The regular version's high sugar content is a notable drawback for the average consumer, while the Lyte and Zero variants offer a compromise by removing the added sugar. Ultimately, moderation and context are key. Use Body Armour strategically for intense exercise or as an occasional treat, but for daily hydration, stick with water.
