Many consumers have begun turning away from alcohol-containing beverages in favor of functional drinks that provide health benefits while refreshing them and offering refreshment. Such drinks may help them manage stress, focus their minds and support cognitive function.
When purchasing a wellness beverage, make sure that it features clear labeling and clinically relevant ingredients. Furthermore, select something that complements your individual health goals and needs.
Water-based beverages
Enhance water beverages are an energizing way to deliver healthy nutrition in every sip, with many including vitamins, electrolytes and botanicals to enhance hydration while adding flavor. With an assortment of these drinks on the market today, staying hydrated all day long should become easier!
As opposed to juices, which may contain up to 25g of sugar per glass, enhanced waters tend to contain lower calories and have more functional value than their juice counterparts. Furthermore, these products tend to be more clean-label-friendly since no additional preservatives or sugar substitutes need be added to them.
Some beverages can do more than keep you hydrated – they also offer wellness benefits like stress relief and sleep support. When selecting beverages with these benefits, be sure to read their labels closely, looking out for ingredients you recognize as this may erode trust with products with overstated health claims and select beverages with certifications from reputable organizations to ensure quality and safety. You can find these beverages both online and at grocery stores; homemade options can even use fresh fruits, herbal extracts and natural flavors!
Energy drinks
Energy drinks have quickly become popular among young people as quick solutions for fatigue and lack of energy, leading to their popularity to skyrocket in recent years. Containing high levels of sugar and caffeine, energy drinks can produce immediate effects such as an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, jitters and difficulty focusing. They may also produce a sugar crash which leads to feelings of hunger, irritability and fatigue after repeated consumption; long-term consumption may even increase weight gain, tooth decay, high blood pressure levels, Type 2 diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Type 2, Gout as well as cardiovascular disease risk.
Though energy drinks are highly popular, there has been little research conducted on their health benefits and effects of overconsumption. Some studies indicate that excessive energy drinks consumption may lead to cardiovascular issues and gastrointestinal distress for those sensitive to caffeine (Higgins, Tuttle and Higgins 2010), while excessive sugar can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Beverages with natural sweeteners
Due to rising consumer concerns regarding sugar intake, beverage companies are exploring natural sweeteners for use in wellness beverages. Stevia rebaudiana’s sweet compounds are 300 times stronger than sugar making it an ideal replacement when seeking to limit one’s sugar consumption.
Drinks containing adaptogens and herbs such as ashwagandha or lavender teas may help promote a positive mindset and alleviate stress, helping create a calming atmosphere and promote restful nights’ rest.
Functional beverages have become an emerging trend with ingredients designed to improve cognitive function, such as nootropics and phosphatidylserine. These ingredients help consumers focus on tasks more easily while increasing productivity during the day.
Beverages that feature beauty-boosting ingredients, like collagen and antioxidants, are another popular choice. These beverages can benefit the skin, hair, and nails as a natural source of nutrients while meeting lifestyle goals that promote both wellness and pleasure.
Mindful selection of ingredients
Modern consumers increasingly want beverages that blend taste with wellness, providing additional health benefits beyond mere refreshment. Manufacturers have responded with innovative products incorporating natural ingredients and herbal extracts for increased mindfulness and holistic well-being – such as adaptogenic or botanical infusions into drinks, candies and gummies which offer stress relief, mental clarity support and energy support benefits.
Adaptogenic herbs and botanicals like ashwagandha and kava can provide soothing effects to reduce daily stress and anxiety while improving cognitive function and mood. Furthermore, drinks containing chromium, ginseng, turmeric or other superfoods may help combat fatigue while supporting metabolic functions.
Choose a wellness beverage by first understanding your own individual needs and preferences. Focus on beverages that promote hydration, immune support, or relaxation and consider which nutrients and herbal extracts each product includes. Read labels carefully to avoid products containing excessive sugars or artificial additives – and remember it’s always best to practice mindful eating and drinking!
