Functional Beverages are any drink that provides a benefit beyond hydration, from electrolyte replenishment to probiotic gut support. These beverages are dominating the health-food market, as they are priced lower than many alternatives that don’t work as well and have been on the market for decades longer. The boomer or gen-xer mom may have had Yoplait and Chobani yogurts, and those are still great options, but the Millennial Parents facing middle age and all that comes with it are opting for Oli-Pops and cherry-limeade flavored Kombucha.
Functional Beverages such as those are crowding the shelves, and it really isn’t a question as to why they are so popular. But with so many options. It may be a little overwhelming to decide exactly what combination is best for your specific needs. There are a few ingredients that combine nature with science to provide health benefits in every sip, and these benefits will help narrow down the selection.
Kombucha and Your Microbiome
While the name Kombucha may sound like a potion, a witch might feed unsuspecting victims, in reality, this ancient elixir is little more than fermented tea. When kombucha is made, green or black teas are steeped, sweetened, and given natural cultures and yeasts to begin the fermentation process. These microbes put the “function” in Functional Beverage when it concerns kombucha. In a four-ounce serving, one can find upwards of 100% of the daily value of probiotic cultures. These cultures help the body’s naturally occurring microbiome regulate bowel movements, expedite nutrient absorption, and fight infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
This immune system boost is not limited to the G/I tract but can also be perceived and measured throughout the entire body, as the innumerable byproducts of fermentation include antioxidants, alkalinity of the solution, alcohol in trace amounts, and lactic acid, all linked to immune system efficiency. These alone are made into several tablets and supplements formulated to support the immune system, but your friend Kombucha has them in an easier-to-consume, much more affordable form. As a functional beverage, this panacea might be the ultimate contender.
Red Wine is not just for Unwinding
It has been known and documented that red wine is good for the mind and body. In several countries, like France, Italy, and Spain, it is not uncommon for children to be given this beverage with family meals or as a medicine for certain symptoms. It demands to be asked of this tradition, why? Is there a true benefit to the consumption of wine aside from the social connotations?
Well, as it turns out, dry red wines may be one of the eldest and most consumed functional beverages conceived by mankind. As with kombucha, the fermentation process makes several compounds easily accessible to the body, but where it differs is in the antioxidant content within most wines. Antioxidants are used by the body to target and eliminate Free Radicals.
These free radicals are as super-villain-ish as they sound. These compounds cause a great deal of harm to the body and are the root cause of DNA damage in cells, which causes cancer. These radicals are also a known culprit for other not-so-great human ailments, like Alzheimer’s and Heart Disease. Studies have shown that Red Wines contain a monumental amount of Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that can prevent many organ-born cancers. White wine contains some of this compound as well, but the real bang for your buck is found in red wine, as the grapes used produce more of it by the gram than any other living thing on this Earth.
Moderation in All Things
Another relative in the Functional Beverage Family is the fortified soft drink. Brands like Oli-Pop, Poppi, and Hummm produce a variety of flavors that contain many of the benefits of things like kombucha. However, there are many caveats. Firstly, in these beverages, added sugar may pack in as many calories as a normal can of their non-healthy alternatives, which reduces the benefits of the drinks. Secondly, these sodas are not imbued with their probiotics or antioxidants naturally. They are added artificially this does not discount the benefit or value of these compounds, but it is something to consider when making the selection.
The benefit of these functional sodas is in the serving sizes, which are proportionally measured, and so, more precise in the volume of beneficial compounds you are receiving per container. Whereas beverages like kombucha are more dependent on the brewing and fermentation processes being consistent and are not guaranteed to have the same amount every time. That is why it is suggested to read the labels on food and drink containers, especially when they are supplemental or full of health-altering compounds.
It would be best for all people to enjoy these miracles in moderate amounts, and to consult a dietitian before starting any strict or prolonged regimen of consumption. They are produced to boost health and well-being, and to misuse them would be to betray one’s body.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
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