Are ZOA Energy Drinks Good For You?
For many people, energy drinks are their best friends, particularly during college. But it's not just students who rely on them for a pick-me-up. According to a 2018 article published in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, men between the ages of 18 and 34 consume energy drinks more than any other group of people and they are the most popular supplement for teens and young adults, next to vitamins.
As beneficial as they may be for a quick kick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said energy drinks can lead to issues such as dehydration, heart complications, anxiety, and insomnia, which may be on the minds of the more health-conscious consumers. In fact, people are much more health-conscious now than ever, given the pandemic. Renolon reported that 64% of people think about health factors when grocery shopping.
So, when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announced the launch of his energy drink called ZOA, it likely had people wondering if it was healthy.
What's actually in ZOA energy drinks?
Johnson posted the release of his new drink on January 11, 2021 (via Instagram). The wrestler turned Hollywood star revealed that ZOA drinks are clean and healthy, with 100% vitamins B, C, and D, as well as essential amino acids, Camu-camu, turmeric, antioxidants, acerola, choline, and natural caffeine from green coffee beans and green tea extract. Per the ZOA website, the energy drink features zero sugar and 100 calories per can in a variety of flavors.
But some nutritionists are skeptical. Registered dietician and nutrition consultant for the Food Network, Dana Angelo White, said, "These drinks are appealing but not a healthy way to get energy! Plus, energy really comes from calories, not stimulants like caffeine." White also stated that acerola is connected to side effects and can be dangerous for people on certain medications. She shared similar sentiments for green coffee saying that the extract can cause liver injury, kidney problems, and constipation.
While it seems like ZOA drinks offer a healthy source of energy, you may want to discuss them with your healthcare provider or consider more natural options to help you stay energized.