You have probably already consumed these drinks with the attractive packaging, which promise to sustain you on a daily basis thanks to their virtues and nutrients. They're everywhere! What you may not know is these drinks are said to be “functional”. Whether you are a kombucha, vitamin water or energizing soda fan, we tell you all about their benefits and…their limitations!
Functional drinks, what are they?
Plusieurs études ont souligné que, depuis la pandémie, les consommateurs nord-américains sont à la recherche de produits plus riches en apports nutritionnels, particulièrement lorsqu’ils jouent un rôle positif sur le système immunitaire, la santé du cerveau et la santé cardiovasculaire. Cela a participé à l’essor des boissons dites « healthy ». Sans alcool, ces breuvages sont souvent enrichis en extraits de plantes, d’acides aminés, de vitamines, de minéraux, de fruits et même de légumes. Ils concourent à hydrater le corps tout en apportant un bienfait comme celui de donner de l’énergie, de lutter contre le stress ou encore d’améliorer la digestion !
The best known
Functional waters
These waters are infused with various plants or enriched with vitamins, fruits or minerals: we often find ginger for its anti-inflammatory effect, ginkgo biloba, blackcurrant or goji berries for their active antioxidant properties, but also ginseng or creatine which are energy carriers.
Functional waters can also contain caffeine, vitamin B, or lemon.
They can be soothing when they contain chamomile or draining and detoxifying when they are based on Quinton plasma - seawater with a high concentration of minerals and trace elements!
They can also promote concentration and better sleep when they contain L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves. Finally, coconut water, to drink very fresh, is rich in minerals.
Good to know: Generally without added sugar and without alcohol, functional waters are positioned as the ideal alternative for all those who are not fond of clear water!
Vegetable juices
Very trendy at home, vegetable juices have invaded the market: juices and smoothies made from celery, kale, tomato, carrot or beet have made their way into the fresh food section of our grocery stores. They are nutrient concentrates, excellent detoxifiers and they stimulate the immune system. They also give the body an energy boost, are beneficial for the skin and make it easier to reach our quota of the famous "5 fruits and vegetables a day."
Fermented beverages
Obtained using a fermentation process, they are slightly carbonated, slightly sweet and rich in probiotics and vitamins that boost the immune system.
The most famous are :
- Kombucha: a blend of tea and kombucha - a “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts”! It acts on digestion and blood pressure.
- Kefir - milk, water or fruit - contains kefir grains. It is rich in protein, vitamin B and folic acid.
- Ginger ale, made from ginger, is rich in antioxidants.
Energy drinks
These drinks provide short-term mental and physical stimulation. They generally contain caffeine or amino acids such as taurine, or plant extracts such as guarana or ginseng. They are effective in combating fatigue and increasing concentration and productivity.
However, be careful: consuming them requires vigilance. Choose beverages with a low caffeine content and check the other ingredients in them. In particular, avoid mixing them with alcohol and always consume them in moderation. Otherwise, they can be dangerous to your health, as they can lead to addiction and heart problems.
MushUp functional coffees
Thanks to their adaptogenic mushrooms, you should know that MushUp coffees are real functional drink options that offer another coffee experience: strengthening the immune system, antioxidants, anti-cancer properties, stimulating, calming… our Reishis, Cordyceps, Chagas, “Turkey Tails” and “Hedgehog Hydne” offer you a genuine health concentrate!
Give yourself a break and, depending on the time of day, choose from our wide range of MushUp coffees!
