Functional Beverages: Healthy or Just Hype?

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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From kombucha to collagen-infused water, functional beverages are popping up everywhere.

Have you noticed store shelves brimming with colourful bottles promising energy, better focus, glowing skin, or gut health? These are not just regular sodas or juices; they're functional beverages, and they’re taking the health world by storm. From waters with extra vitamins to probiotic drinks and teas with adaptogens, they claim to do more than just stop you from being thirsty.

But the question lingers: Are functional beverages good for health or just clever marketing in a bottle? Let’s explore the benefits, risks, and everything in between.

What is a Functional Beverage?

A functional beverage is not just juice, soda, or water. These drinks have ingredients that boost your health, like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or probiotics. These drinks are specifically formulated to provide benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Functional Beverages Examples:

• Kombucha – gut health via probiotics.
• Vitamin water – hydration plus vitamins.
• Protein shakes – muscle recovery & satiety.
• Green tea – antioxidants & metabolism boost.
• Energy drinks – caffeine + B-vitamins for energy.
• CBD-infused drinks – relaxation & anxiety relief.
• Turmeric latte – anti-inflammatory benefits.

The Rise of Functional Beverages: What's the Buzz?

Health-conscious consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are fueling the rise of functional beverages. The market is growing fast since people want easy, ready-to-go drinks that match their health goals. According to market research, the global functional beverages market is projected to reach $339.6 billion by 2030.

Why the buzz?

• People care more about immunity and mental well-being.
• More people are getting into fitness and healthy living.
• There's a bigger push for foods with natural and simple ingredients.
• People want easy solutions to boost energy, focus, and gut health.

Functional Beverages Drink Benefits: What's In It For You?

Let’s unpack the potential health benefits that these functional beverages claim to offer, and how valid these claims are:

Boosted Immunity

Drinks with vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and probiotics are sold to help your immune system.

Reality check: Some ingredients, such as probiotics and vitamin C, can support your immune system. But if the concentration is low in those drinks, it might not be enough. Additionally, too much sugar in these drinks can negate their benefits.

Energy and Performance

Energy drinks claim to give you a fast energy boost with ingredients like caffeine, B vitamins, and taurine.

Caution: Energy drinks give you a quick boost, but too much can cause the jitters, heart problems, or even addiction. If you want a milder option, try natural choices like green tea or matcha.

Skin, Hair, and Beauty

Drinks that have collagen, biotin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E claim to boost your beauty.

Truth: Collagen may help with skin elasticity, but its efficacy varies depending on dosage and how easily your body absorbs it. Occasional collagen drinks may not yield drastic results.

Improved Gut Health

Drinks with probiotics, such as kombucha and kefir, can help balance the bacteria in your gut and improve digestion.

Verdict: These drinks can be beneficial for your digestive health, but make sure they contain live cultures and aren’t loaded with sugars or additives.

Enhanced Mental Clarity & Focus

Some drinks contain ingredients such as ginseng, ashwagandha, or L-theanine. These may help lower stress and enhance cognition.

Evidence: Some studies support some cognitive benefits of adaptogens and nootropics, but more large-scale studies are needed. Effects may vary from person to person.

Are Functional Beverages for Everyone?

Functional drinks are popular, but they're not a magical solution. They can go well with a healthy lifestyle, but they shouldn't take the place of food, physical activities, or medical advice.

People with specific health conditions, such as kidney issues, diabetes, or high blood pressure, should read labels carefully, especially for ingredients like sodium, caffeine, and sugar. Additionally, note that not all functional beverages are created equal.

Always check for:

• Transparent ingredient lists
• Certified health claims (backed by FSSAI, FDA, etc.)
• Low or no added sugars
• Safe levels of caffeine or supplements

Functional Beverages vs. Regular Beverages

Are you also wondering what makes functional beverages special and different from regular drinks? If so, let’s explore the difference:

>> Read More: The Bitter Side of Your Favourite Soft Drinks

Risks of Functional Beverages: What to Watch Out For

Like every coin, functional beverages have two sides. For all the good they might do, there are some risks too. And that's where it gets tricky.

• Hidden Sugars: Many functional drinks, including energy boosters and fancy flavoured waters, are loaded with extra sugar. Too much sugar can wipe out any good they might do.
• Overuse of Caffeine: Too much caffeine or plant-based stimulants may cause anxiety, sleeplessness, and a racing heart. Some energy drinks have caffeine levels equal to over three cups of coffee!
• Misleading Health Claims: Just because a drink is labelled immune-boosting doesn't guarantee it works. Often, the rules about these claims aren't very strict so that companies can make big statements without much proof.
• Allergens or Digestive Issues: Some drinks contain herbs, probiotics, or proteins that can cause allergies or bloating in sensitive individuals.

How to Choose the Right Functional Beverage for You?

If you want to try functional beverages, here’s a quick guide:

Care For Your Health Holistically

Functional beverages can be helpful, but true well-being comes from a complete and healthy lifestyle. This means eating right, staying active, managing stress, and getting regular check-ups.

To further safeguard your health, consider investing in individual health insurance plans, like those from Care Health Insurance, which cover treatment costs for several diseases. Additionally, you can avail of a cumulative bonus, an infinity booster, wellness check-ups, and unlimited e-consultations. Don’t delay investing in yourself because when it comes to long-term wellness, there’s no better "functional benefit" than financial and health security.

Final Thoughts: Are Functional Beverages Worth It?

Yes, it can be good for you if you pick the right ones and take the right amount. Whether you're looking to enhance your skin and hair or improve your gut health, these functional beverage drinks' benefits are just insane. Additionally, they're an easy way to stay hydrated and reach specific health goals, but don't overdo it and ensure they fit into a healthy lifestyle.

However, don’t fall for every health claim on the label. Some drinks may have minimal functional ingredients and maximal marketing hype. Reading nutrition facts and understanding your personal health needs is crucial.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.