Celsius is an energy drink that has been claimed to have a number of health benefits. But are they really beneficial?
What is in Celsius drinks?
They contain a range of ingredients, including green tea extract, ginger extract, guarana seed extract, taurine and glucuronolactone.
Taurine is an amino acid that supports immune function. For most people, adequate taurine levels can be met through the diet, without need for supplementation.
Each drink provides a range of B vitamins and Vitamin C, whilst providing 10 calories.
The claim is that the drinks boost energy and our metabolism, helping with weight loss. It’s marketed as being a healthier energy drink, due to no added sugars or artificial flavourings.
Are these scientifically based or too good to be true?
Energy boost
The drinks contain caffeine sources from green tea leaf extract and guarana, as well as a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and boost thermogenesis, meaning the body produces eat by using energy. This energy boost can be ideal as a pre-workout before exercise. The caffeine can also help increase the pain tolerance during exercise. Glucuronolactone is also known to provide energy and can be naturally found in the body. However, it is advised not to consume glucuronolactone with caffeine and taurine, as it is in Celsius drinks, as it may lead to increased blood pressure.
The caffeine content in the original Celsius is 200mg. This is more than a standard cup of coffee, which contains around 100mg caffeine. This may mean that the caffeine content in Celsius drinks may be too much for those with a sensitivity and may cause side effects such as headaches or anxiety, especially if consumed alongside other caffeine sources.
If you are looking for an energy boost, a cup of coffee will do the trick just as well and may be better for those with caffeine sensitivity. It will likely be less expensive and contain less ingredients too!
Metabolism boost
A small amount of research has shown Celsius may boost metabolism. However, metabolic rate is influenced by many different factors, and no amount of Celsius intake is going to lead to significant weight loss! The specific claims made by Celsius regarding weight loss and metabolism-boosting effects are not supported by robust, long term scientific evidence. The actual impact of the drink as a whole on weight loss and metabolism is not well-established. Consider ginger shots as a way to also support the metabolism.
Cost
Keep in mind that Celsius drinks can be relatively expensive compared to other beverages, especially coffee. Depending on where you source it from, each can be between £1.50 – £2.
Remember, no single drink is going to be the remedy for weight loss or health. There is no quick fix, as much as we would like there to be! It’s about what we do the majority of the time, and many other factors including our overall nutrition, sleep quality, levels of movement and stress management, will be far more important to our wellbeing.
So, if you want to enjoy a drink like Celsius every now and then, then please do! But you may prefer a regular cup of coffee to gain some of the similar benefits at a fraction of the cost. If you want to understand more about adding Celsius drinks to your diet, consult a healthcare provider today.
