Although aging is a natural process, I do not think there is anyone who would say that its effects are something to look forward to. Sunlight, pollution, and certain types of foods and drinks increase inflammation and toxins which leads to how fast (or slow) these signs of aging appear on our bodies. One way to slow down the signs of aging is by consuming food, beverages, and supplements that are full of ingredients that support detoxification and counteract inflammation (antioxidants). For example, spirulina has been growing in popularity over the last few years and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and detoxication benefits. Ful Water has taken the power of spirulina and transformed it into a drinkable beverage that still retains all of its detoxification and anti-inflammatory benefits. Let’s take an inside look at the ingredients behind its White Peach flavor.
Carbonated Water—Self explanatory
Spirulina Extract—The type of spirulina extract used here is concentrated in compounds called “phycocyanins”. Phycocyanins give the product a blue tint and are responsible for the detoxification and anti-inflammatory benefits that spirulina is most known for.
Lemon Juice Concentrate—Non-GMO lemons are juiced and some of the water is evaporated to concentrate the lemon juice/flavor. It is added to flavor the product.
Organic Agave Syrup—A sweetener derived from the agave plant. Agave juice (which is the same that is used for making Tequila), is heated, filtered, and concentrated into a syrup. Agave syrup is sweeter than sugar and contributes to “added sugars” on a nutrition facts panel.
Natural Flavors—Since this is a white peach product, flavor chemicals that are extracted from white peaches and other natural sources (plants, fruits, vegetables, spices) and are combined together to form “natural flavors”. Since the product is non-GMO, all flavor chemicals were extracted from non-GMO natural sources.
Citric Acid—Naturally present in citrus fruits, citric acid makes these fruits taste sour. Commercially, it is produced as a by-product of mold fermentation.
Ascorbic Acid—Also known as Vitamin C. Vitamin C improves immune health, lowers inflammation in the body, improves blood sugar, and cardiovascular health, and more. Here, it is added as a preservative.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: A-. This beverage is non-GMO and vegan. None of these claims are certified.
Ingredient Clarity: A. All ingredients make sense to the product and are either functional or contribute to flavor.
Functional Benefit: A. The main functional ingredient here is the spirulina extract. Spirulina extract has been studied to lower inflammation in the body, aid in healthy blood sugar management, remove toxins from the body, and improve heart health. The type of spirulina extract used is one that is concentrated in phycocyanins, which is the main active component that is responsible for spirulina’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Studies have shown that 1-8 grams of spirulina have been effective for many of its benefits. It’s hard to know if the spirulina included in this beverage is at an effective dosage. Spirulina extract is the second ingredient on the ingredient statement, so for purposes of this discussion, we will assume that the spirulina is included at a beneficial amount. Vitamin C is also included in here, but at 15% daily value it is hardly worth considering as a functional ingredient. It is more than likely added as a preservative, rather than supporting any claims.
Nutritional Value: B+. This beverage has 30 calories, which is in the mid-range of most natural functional beverages. This includes 7 grams of added sugar (from the agave syrup), which is not terribly high (13% of the daily recommended value of sugar), but certainly much higher than other functional beverages.
Overall Score: A-. Spirulina is a nutrient powerhouse that contains a good amount of calcium, iron, and B-Vitamins, as well as antioxidants. In blue spirulina extract (as opposed to the green variety), there is a higher concentration of the antioxidant compounds (phycocyanins) that support many of its benefits. These compounds create the blue color of spirulina and have been studied to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, heart health, blood sugar management, and general detoxification benefits. The effective dosage is between 1-8 grams of spirulina. It’s hard to know whether spirulina is included in this range, but, considering that it is the second ingredient on the ingredient statement, it is reasonable to assume that it is within the studied range. At 30 calories and 7 grams of added sugar is a bit higher than what is typically seen in other functional beverages, but certainly not an extreme level (13% of the recommended daily value of sugar). At $3.83/can, this is on the higher end of most functional sodas, especially considering that it only has one star functional ingredient. If the flavor was good, it would be worth trying, especially if the beverage makes you feel better after consuming it.
Would you buy this drink? Why or why not?