Crystal Light is a line of low-calorie, sugar-free iced teas, lemonades and fruit punch mixes manufactured by Kraft Brands. These drink mixes come in various sizes, and can be added to full pitchers, individual glasses for "on the go" use, and 32-oz. water bottles. According to the company's website, Crystal Light has now added a Pure Fitness line of beverages to its offerings. These drinks contain no artificial sweeteners. Consult your doctor prior to embarking on any weight loss diet.
Types
Crystal Light drink mixes come in several varieties, including teas, refreshment drinks, morning citrus mixes, enhanced beverages fortified with specialized fitness ingredients and skin-nourishing mixtures. Many of these drinks are sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame, although the Pure Fitness mix is said to contain no artificial sweeteners. The teas come in many flavors, including raspberry, lemon, peach and green tea. Many Crystal Light drinks are about 5 calories per serving and contain no sodium or carbohydrates. The Pure Fitness mix is 15 calories per serving, the website reports.
Benefits
For dieters, the Crystal Light line of beverages provides a low-calorie option to fruit juices and sodas that may be high in sugar and calories. Moreover, they are a source of hydration, which is a useful component of weight loss and overall health. The enhanced mixes contain specialized ingredients for metabolism and appetite control, such as green tea, inulin fiber and more. These products may provide added advantages for those on a weight loss diet.
Warning
In recent years, there has been increasing concern over the safety of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. The Mayo Clinic reports that detractors of artificial sweeteners believe these substances are linked to serious diseases, such as cancer. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers these sweeteners to be safe in limited amounts, the Mayo Clinic notes. Although many of the Crystal Light teas contain aspartame, some newer varieties don't use artificial sweeteners.
Misconceptions
Another noteworthy consideration regarding artificial sweeteners is their possible link to weight gain. ABC news cites a Purdue University study on rats, which found that artificial sweeteners can "trick" the brain into overeating. The study, which was published in the journal "Behavioral Neuroscience," found that rats whose diets included artificial sweeteners seemed to equate sweet flavors with calories. This provoked the rats to overeat. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Considerations
Low-calorie, sugar-free drinks can be a useful tool in your weight loss program. In the case of Crystal Light drink mixes, they can be a helpful source of water and nutrients without calories and added sugars. However, until the implications of artificial sweeteners are fully understood, it is wise to consume these drinks in moderation. Along with every aspect of your weight loss diet, finding a reasonable balance of sugar-free drinks is essential to success.
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