Wellness beverages provide a convenient way to increase nutrients, advance health platforms and meet specific health goals. From socializers that promote relaxation to CBD beverages that ease anxiety and stress levels, wellness beverages make eating healthily effortless.
Covid-19 has witnessed an increase in demand for beverages that offer functional benefits, particularly immunity-enhancing herbal teas and berries. Floral flavors with fruit hydration properties are also on-trend.
1. Kombucha
Kombucha tea is an invigorating fermented beverage touted to have numerous health advantages. According to reports, Kombucha can aid digestion, detoxify the body and support gut health as well as lower blood sugar, aid weight loss and prevent cancer.
Originating in Manchuria in northeast China around 220 BCE, Kombucha tea was first prized for its stimulating and detoxifying properties. Later it spread to Japan through physician Kombu who prescribed it as medicine to Emperor Inkyo; eventually making its way through trade routes to Russia and Germany under various names (Mo-Gu, Jsakvasska or Kombuchaschwamm).
Today, Kombucha is increasingly recognized for its probiotic benefits and lower calorie count than many sodas; additionally it makes an ideal alternative to alcohol drinks for those trying to limit their alcohol consumption.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has recently gained widespread renown as an all-natural beauty remedy among social media influencers and foodies, but its benefits remain questionable. While ACV may provide some skin and hair care treatments, evidence for its benefits remain lacking.
Traditional ACV has long been used as a natural remedy and food preservative, due to its antimicrobial properties. ACV is created when crushed apples are fermented with yeast, turning their sugars into alcohol before being converted to acetic acid.
Small studies indicate that ACV could aid with weight loss and blood sugar management, although further research needs to be completed. High doses of ACV may deplete potassium levels too drastically and exacerbate hypokalemia, an affliction which may contribute to heart-disease symptoms. Therefore, when using ACV topically or through food sources it must always be diluted prior to use on skin or in foods.
3. Water Kefir
Water kefir is an fermented drink with low levels of sugar that provides an effective alternative to traditional sweetened soft drinks, as well as probiotics which support both digestive health and immunity.
Water kefir is a dairy-free option suitable for vegans and lactose intolerant individuals looking for nutritional benefits in their diet, such as Vitamin B1, B2, B5, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Research suggests that water kefir contains probiotics with functional properties including immunomodulatory (Zamberi et al., 2021), antitumoral (Calatayud et al., 2021), antioxidant (Fiorda et al., 2017), and antihyperglycemic properties (Rocha-Gomes et al., 2018). Making your own water kefir at home with just a simple kit is straightforward and rewarding!
4. Evolve Shake
Evolve Shake offers an excellent vegan-friendly alternative to whey shakes and powders, providing 20g of protein while remaining low in fat, calories and sugar while providing calcium and fiber benefits. Made with North American grown, non-GMO pea protein from rotational crops which return nitrogen back into the soil – Evolve Shake also boasts no artificial sweeteners or flavors while being dairy-, gluten- and artificial sweetener-free as well. Currently sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market as a double chocolate-flavored beverage and 160 calories per bottle!
5. VitaCoco Coconut Water
Coconut water has quickly become an appealing beverage due to its hydrating and nutrient rich properties. It is fat-free, low in calories and offers an exotic tropical taste – making it perfect for post-workout recovery or use in healthy smoothie recipes.
Coconut water contains potassium, an electrolyte essential for muscle function. One cup of coconut water provides 509 milligrams of potassium – 15% of your recommended daily intake (DV).
Magnesium can also help promote regularity and bowel movements. Although magnesium supplements tend to contain lower sodium than commercial sports drinks, those on high sodium diets should opt for unsweetened varieties as some brands contain too much salt that could increase their blood pressure further.
