Over the past decade, manufacturers have released hundreds of functional drinks to address a myriad of health concerns. As a result, they are the fastest growing segment of the food industry.
A grape soda that improves your gastrointestinal health? Sparkling refreshers that can help you stay alert or improve your sleep? These are just some of the latest functional drinks designed with plants, beneficial bacteria and other bioactive compounds to improve your health or address your specific health or nutritional concerns.
Functional drinks are drinks that contain wellness-focused ingredients such as CBD, adaptogens and nootropics. They may provide health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. Coffee And tea can be considered the original functional drinks due to their many beneficial compounds that provide heart, GI and brain health properties.
Over the past decade, manufacturers have released hundreds of functional drinks to address a myriad of health concerns. As a result, they are the fastest growing segment of the food industry. You can find drinks that claim to improve digestion, immunity, mental acuity, relaxation, sleep, and physical performance.
Here are some of the latest functional drinks designed to improve your health, sip by sip. We will examine which are the best and have evidence to support their claims.
Best Drinks for Gut Health
If you suffer from gastrointestinal problems like constipationirritable bowel syndrome, gas, stomach painsbloating or you just want to make sure you have more of it beneficial bacteria to boost your microbiomelook for a probiotic drink, like these options.
fermented kefir
Like yogurt, traditional kefir is made by fermenting milk (cow’s, goat’s, or even non-dairy beverages) with kefir grains. Kefir grains are known to contain over 60 different strains of bacteria. According to published review articles About kefir, researchers report that the unique fermented beverage offers a wide variety of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and possessing anti-cancer, cholesterol lowering, lowering blood pressure, mood enhancement, muscle recovery and other health benefits.
You can find a variety of traditional dairy-based kefirs in any supermarket, but now there are also juice-based kefir drinks. Kevita Probiotic Refresher fizzy drink is a kefir drink that provides billions of live probiotics, and each bottle contains only 10 calories.
Alternatives to prebiotic sodas
Another new option in the gastrointestinal health category includes prebiotic, low-sugar soda alternatives. These carbonated options are designed to provide prebiotic fiber and botanicals to support gut health combined with the taste and experience of drinking a classic soda. One of my favorites in this category is OLIPOP, due to its refreshing flavors such as Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer and Classic Grape. I love its low sugar and high prebiotics, but it’s become a cult favorite for its refreshing taste and fun flavors. A can of regular soda contains about 150 calories and 49 grams of sugar (about 10 teaspoons), while a 12-ounce can of OLIPOP contains 2-5 grams of sugar (less than a teaspoon) and 35 to 45 calories. The prebiotic feeds the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract.
[SEE: 6 Worst Foods for Gut Health.]Keto Drinks for Brain Health
Another specialty drink includes ketone drinks. Ketones are an alternate fuel source for the brain, muscles, and all bodily functions when dietary carbohydrates and carbohydrate storage are depleted. They are produced by the liver when fat is used as an alternate fuel source when carbohydrate intake is low or depleted, such as when someone is consuming very little carbohydrate. ketogenic diet. Ketones cross the blood-brain barrier to provide efficient fuel to the brain and may aid recovery after a concussion, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and mediating the inflammatory process, says Richard Bloomer, dean of the College of Life Sciences. Health and the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center at the University of Memphis.
In the event of a concussion, there is a cascade of events that negatively impact glucose metabolism, causing the brain to obtain insufficient glucose for its energy source, according to studies. The medical term is cerebral energy deficiency, and it can slow recovery from cerebral lesion – brain-damage because the brain relies on an adequate supply of glucose as its preferred source of energy.
Although the exact dosage and duration of ketone intake remains unknown, as well as the impact of ketones on people of different ages and genders, ingesting a ketone drink every 3-4 hours in the goal of maintaining high levels of ketones in the blood during the two to three post-concussion period can aid in the recovery process. It’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any post-concussion plan, advises Bloomer.
According to a study in Frontiers in Neurology, exogenous ketones may help combat brain energy deficits associated with traumatic brain injury. Although more research is needed to understand the exact dosage and timing, the authors believe that exogenous ketones are clinically useful. Tecton is an example of an exogenous ketone hydration drink, which provides 10 grams of ketones and 50 calories per 12-ounce serving. It is also carb and sugar free.
[READ: Best Foods for Your Brain]Drinks for relaxation and sleep improvement
There are several drink options to promote relaxation and more Restorative sleep. They often contain herbs and sleep-promoting nutrients, including ashwagandacherry juice, valerian, melatoninchamomile, L-theanine, lavender and lemon balm which have been shown in studies to help promote restful sleep.
What to look for? Your local beverage aisle will feature several new beverages featuring these soothing botanicals. To find the best, look for a caffeine-free and low-sugar or sugar-free option like blue bear And NeuroSleep.
Infused hot milk
If you’ve ever heard of having a glass of warm milk before bed, there’s a good reason, says Patricia Banan, author of “From burnout to balance”. It’s nature’s relaxing drink. Milk contains many natural compounds that help people relax and promote sleep, including tryptophan, melatonin, magnesium, and calcium. If you prefer plant-based milk, almond milk or oat milk are good options as they also contain tryptophan-producing melatonin and magnesium to help you relax.
Bannan has created a Calming Vanilla Lavender Latte recipe that can be made with regular or vegetable milk, lavender buds, unrefined coconut oil, vanilla extract and optional whole cashews. The recipe is caffeine-free and research suggests that a compound in lavender called linalool may play a role in reduce anxiety.
Nature’s natural wellness drink
Infused water for overall health
When it comes to your overall health and well-being, don’t forget about nature’s ultimate moisturizer for health: water. It is often the best choice for a hydration and keep your body and immune system in good working order, concludes Bannan. For a natural taste enhancement and nutrient boost, try infusing water with citrus, mint, berries or cucumber slices. Herbal flavor boosters also provide hundreds of beneficial bioactive compounds that can improve your overall health and well-being.
More US news
Signs you should stop exercising immediately
Best drinks to boost the immune system
Electrolyte-Rich Drinks: Hydration Options for Optimal Health
These drinks offer real health benefits, says dietitian originally appeared on usnews.com