Drinks with benefits! Why liquid superfoods are the new thirst quenchers

With the spotlight on physical and mental health due to several waves of pandemic, superfoods are having a moment. In fact, functional beverages such as kombucha, adaptogens, alkaline water that consist of nutrients and minerals good for mind and body have become popular now. Here’s the lowdown on these healthy drinks.

What is a functional beverage?

Sports and performance drinks, fermented drinks, dairy beverages, plant milk, adaptogen beverages, infused water, etc., are examples of functional beverages. These drinks have ingredients that cater to issues related to gut health, immunity system, sleep cycle and stress relief.


Adaptogen drinks
Adaptogens are a specific set of non-toxic herbs that help to deal with physical and mental signs of stress. "Adaptogens containing phyto-actives, help our bodies regulate stress by balancing various hormones including endorphins, thyroxine, dopamine, cortisol etc.," says Arshia Pasricha, founder of Wlth, which makes adaptogen beverages.

Ingredients: Includes herbs like ashwagandha, tulsi, turmeric, rhodiola and other herbal extracts.

Benefits:
Fights stress and improves adaptive immunity
Upregulates Happy Hormones
Reduces anxiety and hyperactivity

Protein Water
"Protein water is a unique formulation where the normal water is fortified with high protein content to make daily protein intake simple and hydrating. It's the easiest form of nutrition delivery," says Ananth, founder of Aquatein, a protein water brand.

Ingredients: The primary ingredient is whey protein isolate and water. It provides one with fast absorption of protein in a low calorie, zero fat, carbs, sugar, lactose-free, gluten-free flavoured beverage form.

Benefits:
Great for bone health
Provides body with a good amount of protein with fewer calories
Helps increase metabolism

Kombucha
"Customers are increasingly substituting soft drinks with healthy options like the fermented fizzy kombucha. We have sold 2000+ bottles in the last three months," says Shruti Jain, founder of Kaze Living.

Ingredients: Prepared with three ingredients - sugar, tea and yeast, that are mixed and kept undisturbed to ferment, for over a week.

Benefits:
Gut-friendly and boosts the immunity.
Great source of probiotics
Contains antioxidants

Alkaline water
As compared to mineral water, black alkaline water consists of a pH value of more than 8.5. It is infused with a variety of minerals, making it a great organic option for health enhancement. Celebrities like Malaika Arora, Shruti Hassan, Virat Kohli are often spotted sipping on it.

Ingredients: The water has minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and fulvic acid.

Benefits:
Provides greater hydration as compared to regular water
Cuts down on the acids in your body
Boosts energy and increases metabolism