Keto And Carb Monster: Friends Or Foes?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating that has been known to help people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Those who follow the keto diet are often unsure about whether or not energy drinks are keto-friendly. Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink is a low-carb beverage that contains zero sugar and zero calories. However, it also contains unhealthy ingredients like acesulfame K and sucralose, which are carb-free but may lead to gut health problems when consumed regularly.

Monster Zero Ultra's artificial sweeteners may cause gut health issues

Monster Energy Zero Ultra is a low-calorie, sugar-free energy drink that contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). While these sweeteners provide the benefit of reduced caloric intake, there are concerns about their potential impact on gut health.

Artificial sweeteners are synthesized substitutes for natural sugar, often found in products labelled as ""low-calorie" or "diet." They are significantly sweeter than sugar, with some being up to 20,000 times sweeter. This means that less is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness, contributing to the low-calorie profile of Monster Zero Ultra.

However, the consumption of artificial sweeteners has been linked to potential gut health issues. A study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health indicated that sucralose might reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals. Additionally, artificial sweeteners have been associated with glucose intolerance, a condition where the body struggles to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, potentially leading to high blood sugar levels and related health issues such as liver and heart disease.

While regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have classified sucralose and acesulfame potassium as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), some experts advise caution. They recommend reducing or eliminating artificial sweeteners to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and maintain gut health.

In conclusion, while Monster Zero Ultra may be a tempting option for those looking for a zero-sugar energy boost, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with its artificial sweeteners. Excessive consumption of these sweeteners may compromise gut health and reduce the amount of 'good bacteria' in the stomach. Therefore, it is advisable to consume Monster Zero Ultra in moderation and consider alternative sources of energy when possible.

Monster Absolutely Zero has too many carbs to be keto-friendly

The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating, and Monster Absolutely Zero has been deemed to have too many carbs to be considered keto-friendly. The Monster Beverage Company, known for its association with extreme sports, launched Absolutely Zero in 2010 as a low-calorie and low-carb option. However, with 4g of net carbs per can, it is not quite low enough to be keto-friendly.

Monster Absolutely Zero is relatively low in carbs compared to the original Monster Energy Drink, which contains 58g of net carbs. The company achieves this lower carb count by using zero-carb sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which do not affect blood sugar. Nevertheless, it still falls short of being keto-friendly due to its relatively high carb content compared to similar low-carb energy drinks.

It is important to note that the nutritional information on Monster Energy Drink labels is for half a can. Therefore, if one consumes a full can, the carb intake will be double the amount stated on the label. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the keto-friendliness of Monster Absolutely Zero, as it means the actual carb consumption may be higher than expected.

While Monster Absolutely Zero may not align with keto-friendly carb restrictions, other varieties of Monster Energy Drinks offer lower carb options. The Ultra line of drinks, for example, contains just 2g of net carbs per can, making them more suitable for a keto diet. Additionally, the Ultra varieties are sweetened with erythritol, a keto-friendly sweetener that contributes to their lower carb content.

In conclusion, while Monster Absolutely Zero is a relatively low-carb option compared to the original Monster Energy Drink, its 4g of net carbs per can is considered too high to be classified as keto-friendly. For those adhering to a keto diet, alternative varieties like Monster Ultra or other all-natural energy drinks may be more suitable options to maintain their low-carbohydrate dietary requirements.

Monster Ultra contains vitamins B6, B12, and niacin

Monster Energy Drink is the second most sold energy drink in America, with sales of 263 million in 2020. The drink contains a variety of vitamins, including B6, B12, and niacin (B3). These vitamins have a range of benefits, but it's important to be aware of their potential side effects when consumed in excess.

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is crucial for regular brain development and a healthy nervous and immune system. It has also been proven to reduce the effects of morning sickness during pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and sideroblastic anaemia. The recommended daily value of vitamin B6 is 1.7 mg for adults and children aged 4 years and older. A 473 ml or 16-oz can of Monster Energy Drink contain 200% of the daily value of vitamin B6, which is 3.4 mg. Although excessive vitamin B6 intake hasn't been commonly reported, its regular consumption at high doses (1 to 6 g) per day for 12–40 months can lead to ataxia, a condition where a person loses control over their body movements. Other side effects include painful skin lesions and nausea.

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy blood and nerve cells, and it helps make DNA. It also prevents megaloblastic anaemia, which makes people tired and weak. The recommended daily value of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults and children aged 4 years and older. A 240 ml or 8-oz serving of Monster Energy Drink contains 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12, and a 473 ml can provide 4.8 mcg. While the body can eliminate excess B12 through bodily secretions, in some cases, an excess of this vitamin has led to acne outbreaks and rosacea.

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is crucial for converting food into energy, and it helps keep the nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy. The recommended daily value for vitamin B3 is 16 mg for adults and children aged 4 years and older. A 473 ml or 16-oz can of Monster Energy Drink will provide 32 mg of vitamin B3, which is twice the daily value. While high intake of vitamin B3 has not been reported to cause adverse effects, excessive intake of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide can be toxic. Consuming 30 to 50 mg of nicotinic acid can cause flushing, burning, tingling, itching, headaches, dizziness, and decreased blood pressure.

While Monster Energy Drink provides a good source of vitamins B6, B12, and niacin, it's important to be mindful of the potential side effects of excessive consumption. Additionally, Monster Energy Drinks also contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which may lead to gut health problems with regular consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to consume these drinks in moderation and be aware of how your body responds to the ingredients.

Monster Ultra's caffeine can improve cognitive performance

Monster Ultras contain caffeine, which can improve cognitive performance. Caffeine is a stimulant that is widely consumed, with coffee being the most popular beverage worldwide after water. Caffeine has been shown to improve alertness, vigilance, attention, reaction time, and attention. It can also prevent or restore memory impairment due to disturbances in brain homeostasis. However, the cognition-enhancing properties of caffeine are still a matter of debate.

Caffeine's ability to improve cognitive performance is related to its effects on the central nervous system. It blocks adenosine receptors, mainly A1 and A2A subtypes, causing an increased release of dopamine, noradrenalin, and glutamate. Caffeine can also induce calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and inhibit its reuptake, leading to increased contractility during submaximal contractions. Additionally, caffeine acts as a non-selective competitive inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, which play a role in the adrenaline cascade and glucose and lipid metabolism.

The effects of caffeine on cognitive performance are dose-dependent. Low to moderate doses of caffeine (40-300 mg or 0.5-4 mg/kg) have been found to improve cognitive performance. Higher doses of caffeine (>200 mg or >3 mg/kg) have ergogenic effects on physical performance. Repeated administration of caffeine can be effective in maintaining physical and cognitive capabilities in situations of restricted sleep.

It is important to note that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to caffeine intoxication and dependence syndrome. The acute toxic level of caffeine is approximately 10 g/day, which is equivalent to consuming approximately 100 cups of coffee. Lethal cases of caffeine intoxication have been reported, mainly associated with the ingestion of caffeine-containing medications or in combination with other substances. Therefore, while caffeine can improve cognitive performance, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential negative health effects.

Monster Zero Ultra is considered 'Dirty Keto'

Monster Zero Ultra is considered a 'Dirty Keto' drink. This is because, although it is a low-carb beverage, it contains unhealthy ingredients such as acesulfame K and sucralose. It may also contain maltodextrin, blue #1, and red #40. These sweeteners are carb-free and do not affect blood sugar, meaning you may still reach ketosis and lose weight with this drink. However, they may lead to gut health problems when consumed regularly and could cause health issues in the long term.

Dirty Keto is a common label for low-carb foods that contain unhealthy ingredients. It is better to eat nutritious low-carb foods to achieve healthy weight loss on keto. Broccoli, olives, and mackerel are great examples of nutritious keto-friendly foods.

The keto community is currently debating whether artificial sweeteners have a place in the keto diet. The FDA has stated that both sucralose and acesulfame potassium are safe for consumption, with support from over 90 studies. However, these artificial sweeteners can interfere with ketosis for some consumers. If you are unsure of how these sweeteners affect you, try Monster Zero Ultra in small amounts and monitor for changes in your weight or ketosis.

Caffeine in drinks like Monster Zero Ultra can improve your cognitive performance, but be careful not to overconsume it. Drinking multiple energy drinks each day can have adverse effects on your heart, blood pressure, and quality of sleep.

Frequently asked questions