Is Clear American Good for You? Nutrition Facts and Healthier Alternatives

Understanding Clear American Ingredients

To determine if Clear American is good for you, it's important to know what's in it. Here are the key ingredients:

Carbonated Water

The base of Clear American beverages is carbonated water. Plain seltzer water doesnt contain calories or sweeteners, making it a healthy choice.

Natural Flavors

Natural flavors are added to give Clear American its fruity taste. These are likely chemically produced compounds designed to mimic fruit flavors.

Citric Acid

Citric acid from citrus fruits provides tartness and preserves shelf life. Its considered safe but can erode tooth enamel over time.

Preservatives

Clear American contains preservatives like potassium citrate and potassium benzoate. Though FDA-approved, preservatives are synthetically produced and linked to health concerns.

Sucralose

Sucralose, an artificial sweetener also known as Splenda, gives the beverages their sweet taste with zero calories and carbs. But there are drawbacks to relying on artificial sweeteners.

Potential Benefits of Drinking Clear American

What are the potential upsides of choosing Clear American drinks?

Sugar-Free and Calorie-Free

Clear American has zero sugar and zero calories. This makes it a better choice than sugar-sweetened sodas and juices for weight management and blood sugar control.

Flavored Fizzy Drinks Without Guilt

The flavors give consumers a taste experience similar to soda without the calories. For some, this satisfies a craving for flavored carbonated drinks.

Convenience

Clear American comes ready-to-drink in portable bottles and is sold widely. The convenience factor makes it an easy, grab-and-go beverage choice.

Drawbacks of Drinking Clear American

Despite some benefits, there are reasons Clear American may not promote the best health:

Lack of Nutrition

Unlike fruit-infused water or low-sugar juices, Clear American provides zero vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. There is no nutritional value.

Artificial Sweeteners

The sucralose adds sweetness without calories, but artificial sweeteners can negatively impact gut bacteria and metabolism in some individuals.

Tooth Enamel Erosion

The combination of citric acid and carbonation can erode tooth enamel over time. This increases dental sensitivity and decay risk.

Preservatives

Preservatives extend shelf life but have controversial health effects. Some research links them to headaches, digestive issues, and even cancer risk.

Promotes Sweet Cravings

The sweet taste of Clear American could promote sugar cravings and overconsumption of sweets. Relying on sweetness tends to increase cravings.

How Clear American Compares to Regular Soda

Here is how Clear American stacks up against regular soda:

Calories and Sugar

Clear American wins here with 0 calories and sugar versus 150+ calories and 35-40g sugar in a can of soda.

Acidity

Both contain citric acid that erodes tooth enamel. Soda may be slightly more acidic.

Carbonation

The carbonation levels are comparable between Clear American and soda.

Artificial Sweeteners

Both contain artificial sweeteners usually sucralose or aspartame. Clear American emphasizes its lack of aspartame.

Nutrition

Neither provides any nutritional value other than trace minerals from water.

Taste

When ice cold, Clear American provides a similar satisfying sweetness and fizz as regular soda.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're looking to cut back on artificially-flavored drinks, here are some healthier alternatives:

Unsweetened Sparkling Water

Plain seltzer with no sweeteners is the healthiest fizzy option. Jazz it up with fruit slices.

Lightly Sweetened Seltzer

Look for seltzer with a touch of real fruit juice or sugar rather than artificial sweetener.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Brew black, green, or herbal tea and pour over ice for a refreshing low-calorie drink.

Diluted Fruit Juice

Mix small amounts of 100% fruit juice with plain sparkling water for natural flavor.

Coconut Water

With electrolytes and natural sweetness, coconut water makes a great post-workout hydrator.

The Bottom Line

So, is Clear American good for you? Here are some key takeaways:

• It's lower in sugar and calories than regular soda.
• But it lacks nutritional value and relies on artificial sweeteners.
• It promotes tooth decay risk and sweet cravings.
• The convenience is nice, but healthier options exist.
• Occasional consumption is fine, but shouldn't be a daily habit.

Overall, while Clear American is a better option than sugary soda, it should not be considered a health drink. For improved nutrition and less artificial inputs, opt for unsweetened seltzer, diluted juices, tea, and coconut water instead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.