Drinks touted as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration are becoming increasingly popular around the world
Functional drinks – or drinks advertised as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration – are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Hundreds of companies have jumped into the market, hoping to get some buzz with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.
Here are some of the latest discoveries in functional drinks and what scientists have to say about them.
ADAPTOGENES
– What are they? Plants and mushrooms that can help your body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue or improve feelings of well-being. Examples include American and Asian ginseng (herb), ashwagandha (evergreen shrub), eleuthero (shrub), Rhodiola rosea (flowering plant), and chaga (mushroom).
“What does science say?” The Cleveland Clinic says adaptogens are known to trigger chemical reactions that can bring the body back into a more balanced state. Side effects from adaptogens are rare but depend on the plant. Studies show that adaptogens work best for a short period of time (less than six months) because the body can build up a resistance to them, rendering them ineffective over time.
NOOTROPICS
– What are they? Also known as “smart drugs,” nootropics are substances that can improve human thinking, learning, and memory. Among the most common nootropics are caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea), creatine (an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish), Bacopa monnieri (a herb), Ginkgo biloba (a tree), and lion’s mane (a mushroom). Some adaptogens may also have nootropic properties, such as ashwagandha.
“What does science say?” In a study last year in the journal Plants, researchers said that most plant-based nootropics are not immediately effective after a single dose and must be taken for an extended period before any measurable improvement occurs. One of the problems in researching these natural substances is standardizing the form in which they are taken and the dosage, the study said. Side effects are rare and usually mild, but users should consider their overall health and whether nootropics may interfere with other medications before taking them.
PROBIOTIC AND PREBIOTIC
– What are they? Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms designed to maintain or enhance the “good” bacteria in a person’s gut or other parts of the body. They are found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are food for the bacteria and other organisms that live in the gut. Prebiotics can be found in whole grains, bananas, vegetables, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes.
“What does science say?” The Cleveland Clinic says that in theory, probiotics work together with the beneficial microbes in the human body to fight harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Researchers know that unhealthy microbiomes can contribute to chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. They can also affect mood, pain tolerance and fatigue. The Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic say there is a lot of active research into the microbiome and the effects of probiotics and prebiotics, but there isn’t enough evidence to draw firm conclusions about their effectiveness. Side effects are rare except in people with weak immune systems, whose bodies may not be able to fight off a probiotic that inadvertently contains harmful microbes.
CBD
– What is? CBD or cannabidiol is the active ingredient in cannabis. Although it is one of the hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not produce a high by itself. CBD is used to treat epilepsy and can also help relieve anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and addiction. Side effects may include nausea, fatigue, and irritability.
“What does science say?” In a paper published in April, Harvard Medical School said that CBD appears to be a useful, relatively non-toxic option for dealing with anxiety and other problems. But it says more research is needed to determine effective doses.
