vitaminwater, the new trend

It’s everywhere. Whether you’re hitting up your local dining hall or walking through the Union for a bite to eat, you can’t escape it. The best part? It’s delicious! It’s vitaminwater, the most popular beverage hitting college campuses since coffee. Made by glacéau, it advertises a “fresh new approach to water.” My question: Is the promise of a “good-for-you” and “vitamin-enriched” beverage for real? \nIf you’ve never visited glacéau’s Web site (www.glaceau.com), you really should. It is jam-packed with information and appealing graphics. Founded in 1996, glacéau claims to make products “inspired by nature and enhanced by science.” On top of vitaminwater, glacéau also produces smartwater, vitaminenergy and fruitwater. Although IU carries more than one product, vitaminwater is the most popular by far. \nWith 15 different flavors from which to choose, it’s hard not to like the sporty, “nutritional” drink. At first I was skeptical about how healthy it really is, but the amount of nutrients found in one bottle of vitaminwater really will help your body. In case you didn’t know, each bottle of vitaminwater is marketed as aiding or targeting a specific function in your body in combination with specific nutrients. It is designed to aid in everything from the musculoskeletal system to physical and mental relaxation. Some flavors are better for you than others, though, and I hope to steer you in the right direction. \nIn each bottle of vitaminwater, there are 2.5 servings (always watch your serving sizes!) with 40-50 calories and 13g of sugar in each serving. If you compare that to Coke (100 calories and 27 grams of sugar per serving) or Mountain Dew (110 calories and 31 grams of sugar), vitaminwater comes out ahead. However, some flavors are more “helpful” than others. Seeing as we are in the midst of cold season, you should grab beverages with high levels of vitamin C or vitamin B12, both helpful in boosting your immune system. Two good flavors to choose would be “essential,” orange-orange (with vitamin C and calcium) or “defense,” raspberry-apple (Zinc and vitamin C), both containing more than 100 percent of your daily value of vitamin C. The added calcium (which we all need) promotes stronger bones, and zinc has been shown to help athletes’ immune systems. Another good choice is “rescue,” green tea (vitamin C and EGCG). EGCG is one of many beneficial compounds found within green tea. Not only is green tea effective for keeping you well and providing natural energy, but it can also help you maintain a healthy body weight. My personal favorite is “xxx,” acai-blueberry-pomegranate (triple antioxidants). You may have heard Oprah recently rave about acai and its amazing antioxidant benefits without any of the caffeine. Plus, the blueberry and pomegranate flavors really do taste \ngreat together.\nYour body will benefit from any flavor you choose. Although a daily multivitamin pill would be ideal, a bottle of n is an excellent alternative for nourishment. The next time you’re heading to class, grab a bottle and do your body some good.