Despite all the buzz around healthy drinks, the vast majority of water products offer little to no benefits. In fact, some of these products can actually precipitate adverse health effects.
Hint Water is a sugar-free beverage that comes in various flavors. It has no calories, caffeine, or sodium. At first glance, Hint Water seems like the ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. However, there is a hidden side to this beverage.
So, is Hint Water healthy? Hint Water has no sugars, artificial sweeteners, or calories, which makes it a healthy choice. However, it contains propylene glycol, an odorless ingredient with a sweet flavor, which caused a lot of controversy around the Hint Water brand.
This article will detail the potential benefits of Hint Water, then discuss its side effects and the famous lawsuit filed against this brand.
The benefits of Hint Water
Hydration
Similar to regular water, Hint Water effectively hydrates your body. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health, as it maintains central nervous system function, supports digestion, and regulates body temperature. Drinking Hint Water can help people who struggle to stay hydrated.
Zero sugar
Hint Water ingredients contains no added sugars. This makes it a healthier choice compared to sugary beverages (e.g., soda, fruit juices). Consuming fewer added sugars can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of:
- Blood hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes
- Tooth decay
Calorie-free
Hint Water doesn’t have any calories, which is essential for those who want to lose weight. This is especially beneficial for individuals who are addicted to sodas and juices.
However, you still need to adopt a balanced diet and engage in physical activity if you want to see any substantial weight loss.
Natural flavors
Hint Water flavors is infused with natural fruit flavors, enhancing its taste without the need for artificial sweeteners.
These flavors provide a refreshing and enjoyable alternative to plain water, encouraging you to drink more water and stay hydrated.
Non-GMO
Hint Water is labeled as non-GMO, meaning it doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms. What’s more, Hint Water is free from artificial preservatives.
These properties differentiate Hint Water from most flavored water brands, which typically have artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives.
Does Hint Water contain propylene glycol?
Hint Water is labeled as an all-natural product. This claim triggered a class action lawsuit against the company because their products contain propylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is a processed ingredient that’s considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the lawsuit claimed that Hint Water doesn’t disclose propylene glycol as an ingredient.
The company’s defense focused on the fact that propylene glycol is an incidental solvent, meaning it doesn’t have to be legally listed as an ingredient.
In the end, Hint Water won the lawsuit.
Propylene glycol is a commonly used processed ingredient that’s used as:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-caking agent
- A processing aid
- An antifreeze
Researchers investigated the side effects of this ingredient. However, there were no mentionable side effects.
With that said, one case reported patient toxicity from consuming propylene glycol found in food.
When you consume propylene glycol, about half of it leaves your body when you pee. The rest turns into a substance called lactic acid, which is harmless in regular amounts.
In reality, the tiny bit of propylene glycol in Hint Water shouldn't be a worry at all. The main issue in the Hint lawsuit was mostly about whether they could say their product was "all-natural." It might have been more of a money grab than a real concern.
Side effects of Hint Water
Hint Water is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects, including:
Gastrointestinal distress
Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or gas, when consuming flavored water due to the added natural flavors. These effects are typically not severe and vary from person to person.
Allergic reactions
Although Hint Water uses natural flavors, it's possible for some people to be sensitive or allergic to specific fruit extracts used in the product. If you have known allergies to certain fruits, check the ingredient list to ensure there are no ingredients you need to avoid.
Note that this is extremely rare.
Dental health
While Hint Water is free from added sugars, the natural flavors can still be mildly acidic. Over time, excessive consumption of Hint Water can contribute to tooth enamel erosion. It's a good practice to rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming acidic beverages and maintain regular dental hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hint Water
1. What chemical is in Hint Water?
Hint Water contains several chemicals, including propylene glycol (PG). The latter is approved by the FDA and is widely used in natural flavors.
2. Is Hint Water as good as regular water?
Hint Water offers similar benefits to regular water, with the added flavor that makes drinking water more fun. However, Hint Water is somewhat expensive. Therefore, if you can’t afford it, sticking to plain water offers the same benefits.
3. Does Hint Water have fake sugar?
Hint Water doesn’t contain any fake sugars. It’s basically fruit-infused water that tastes sweet despite the lack of any sugar. This will give you a clean, refreshing experience compared to regular water.
4. What is the lawsuit against Hint Water?
The class-action lawsuit against Hint Water revolves around the “all-natural” claims by the company. Since propylene glycol is an incidental solvent, it doesn’t have to be legally listed in the ingredients.
This allowed Hint Water to win the lawsuit. Today, many experts believe the entire lawsuit was an attempt to make money rather than a health concern.
Takeaway message
Hint Water is a sugar-free beverage that could help people who struggle to stay hydrated. Despite all the controversies, there is no concrete evidence about the side effects of this beverage. So, is Hint Water healthy? Yes.
We hope that this article managed to highlight the potential benefits and side effects of Hint Water, as well as the controversy that surrounds this brand.
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