Can Beverages Be the New Path to Optimal Health? Delving into the World of Functional Drinks

In the world of wellness, it's common to hear that 'you are what you eat.' However, the rising trend of functional beverages might just change that adage to 'you are what you drink.' This paradigm shift brings into focus a new question: can one truly drink their way to wellness? When many envisage the glittering city of Los Angeles, it's easy to get lost in the images of Hollywood's iconic sign. But my journey from the East Coast's New York had an altogether different purpose. The famed health-food haven, Erewhon, had been on my bucket list for a while. Although I initially went in search of the famous Hailey Bieber strawberry smoothie, it was the mesmerizing rows of vibrant canned drinks that truly piqued my interest. Upon closer inspection, these weren't your run-of-the-mill alcoholic beverages or household soda brands. They were adorned with wellness buzzwords I was more accustomed to seeing on my vitamin bottles: ashwagandha, vitamin D, and more. Intriguingly, some cans boasted ingredients more frequently found in a hearty salad, such as apple-cider vinegar and even mushrooms. I couldn't help but feel a tad out of touch. "This beverage revolution essentially pushes the boundaries of edible transformation," opines Andrea Hernández, an astute food and beverage trendspotter, and the brain behind the famed newsletter, Snaxshot. According to her, the modern consumer's quest is twofold: health or beauty shortcuts that also delight the palate. These drinks, she believes, are the answer. Hernández identifies this emerging trend as "functional unwinding." This approach, she suggests, is a refreshing counter to the previous generation's extremist inclinations towards sugary sodas or overly-caffeinated concoctions. Enterprising brands such as Kin Euphorics (which enjoys Bella Hadid's patronage) and Heywell are innovatively leveraging the potency of adaptogens - natural agents sourced from mood-stabilizing plants and fungi. Think L-theanine derived from green tea, ashwagandha, and the powerful reishi mushrooms. Their assertions? These beverages can bolster serotonin levels, alleviate stress, and even promote restful sleep. Incorporating adaptogens isn't just limited to beverages. Brands such as De Soi (backed by pop icon Katy Perry) and Ghia have incorporated them into reimagined mocktails. Take for instance the Aplós Arise drink by the zero-proof-spirit brand Aplós. It deftly combines five energizing adaptogens believed to enhance the secretion of serotonin and dopamine, and pairs them with vitamins D3 and B12. You might wonder about the taste. Aplós Arise surprisingly resonates with the nuances of tequila, whereas Calme is reminiscent of a citrusy herbal iced tea. Heywell offers a taste akin to fruit-infused sparkling water, while Sunwink's tonics exude the essence of invigorating iced tea. Kin’s Bloom? It's fizzy and fruity, capturing the essence of a crisp rosé, minus the inebriation. My personal exploration led to mixed results. Some beverages genuinely revitalized me, while others enveloped me in tranquility. Though scientific studies affirm the efficacy of adaptogens in counteracting stress, there's still a knowledge gap surrounding their myriad other proclaimed benefits. As Atlanta-based dietitian Marisa Moore aptly notes, the realm of adaptogens isn't homogenous. Moreover, it's essential to understand that functional beverages aren't under the scrutiny of FDA approval. Hence, it's prudent to opt for drinks that not only invigorate the senses but also tantalize the taste buds. Let's shift gears to a tantalizing flavor segment: prebiotic sodas. These innovative concoctions aim to nurture the beneficial bacteria within our guts. Brands like Olipop, rich in plant fibers, and Poppi, infused with apple-cider vinegar, ingeniously give a modern, low-sugar twist to classics like root beer and cherry cola. During a taste test, the subtle distinction between a Diet Pepsi and a Poppi Classic Cola was almost imperceptible. "Poppi's edge is its irresistible flavor profile, an arena where kombucha couldn't quite make its mark," quips co-founder Allison Ellsworth. While quantifying the wellness dividends of these tonics remains challenging, the sheer joy of savoring them (and perhaps even flaunting them on social media) has its own merits. After all, well-being is multifaceted. Hernández concludes on an insightful note: the younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, have revolutionized the beverage sector by marrying health benefits with a touch of coolness. These beverages are no longer just about taste or health; they're a lifestyle statement, analogous to flaunting a chic fashion accessory. https://fanaticsfashion.com/can-beverages-be-the-new-path-to-optimal-health-delving-into-the-world-of-functional-drinks/?feed_id=3322&_unique_id=650d45df7b7d3