Functional Beverages - Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

Introduction

Functional beverages are processed liquid drinks made up of water, milk, teas, etc. They are artificially flavored and are made appealing to the consumer. They are marketed as popular energy drinks or health drinks. The consumption of these beverages has increased among youngsters. They are artificially sweetened and flavored drinks that are liked by all.

Moreover, it is more of a style statement for many young children to flaunt themselves while having these popular beverages. As a result, functional beverages occupy the largest portion of the food sector industry. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports the health benefits of these drinks.

What Are the Popular Functional Beverages?

There are a wide variety of functional beverages available in the Indian market, such as -

• Dairy-Based Beverages - They are made up of milk, artificial or real fruit flavors, and sugar. They may be marketed as healthy alternatives to aerated drinks. It can be replaced with plant-based milk such as soy and almond milk. It can be artificially sweetened with stevia and aspartame (sugar substitutes). They may look appealing and taste great but could be healthier as excessive preservatives exist.

• Energy Drinks or Sports Drinks - These are very popular among teenagers and young adults. These drinks only have superficial effects on the body as they contain plenty of caffeine and sugar. They only increase blood sugar levels, and caffeine gives a sense of refreshment, which is only short-lived. More and more drinks will be required to be consumed daily to reproduce similar effects, making them highly addictive.

• Probiotic Drinks - They are dairy-based or fruit juice-based drinks that contain probiotic bacteria that promote gut health. But along with the helpful bacteria, there is a high amount of sugar and artificial flavors along with preservatives that help to make the beverage palatable. These drinks may be of some benefit, but the heavy amounts of sugar and preservatives make them unfit for consumption.

• Caffeinated Beverages - Caffeine is a common ingredient in many beverages. The stimulant effects of caffeine make it a desirable ingredient of functional beverages.

• Fruit Drinks - They are fruit juices made from real pulp in small quantities and artificial flavors in large quantities.

• Flavored Water - To enhance the plain taste of the water, it has been infused with fruits to give it a good flavor. But there are all artificial flavors used for this infusion.

• Aerated Drinks - These are carbonated water drinks full of sugar and caffeine. The fizzy appearance and taste of these drinks are what attract customers. These drinks irritate the alimentary canal and stomach with their strong acidic effect. It also erodes the enamel of the teeth if consumed regularly.

What Are the Common Ingredients of Functional Beverages?

Functional beverages usually consist of the following constituents -

• Dairy-based or plant-based milk.

• Glucose syrup.

• Sugar substitutes like stevia and aspartame.

• Maltodextrin (sugar substance used as an artificial sweetener).

• Artificial flavoring and coloring agents.

• Caffeine (a natural chemical found in tea, and coffee, supposed to have stimulant effects on consumption).

• Taurine (is an artificial amino acid with properties similar to the amino acids present in the body and has antioxidant properties).

• Ginseng (it is a herb rich in antioxidants).

• Vitamin B complex (it is a combination of eight essential B vitamins).

What Is the Purpose of Consuming These Drinks?

Energy drinks are marketed as drinks that will help increase the energy levels and alertness of an individual. Some drinks even claim to have health benefits, such as improving gut health with probiotics, sugar-free beverages for individuals with diabetes, and energy-boosting drinks for athletes. In contrast, these claims are lofty and do not have any scientific basis. They are just fancy products that are attractive and are very low in nutritional value.

Are There Any Benefits of These Drinks?

Functional beverages have emerged as a popular and convenient way to enhance overall well-being and support specific health goals. These innovative drinks offer a wide range of benefits, from providing hydration and essential nutrients to promoting cognitive function and boosting energy levels. With their diverse formulations, including herbal infusions, probiotic-rich blends, and nutrient-packed concoctions, functional beverages offer consumers a refreshing and effective way to incorporate targeted health benefits into their daily routines. As research and innovation in the field continue to expand, the future of functional beverages holds promise for even more exciting and personalized options.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of These Drinks?

Consuming large amounts of sugar and caffeine have detrimental effects on the human body. They are associated with obesity, diabetes, chronic heart conditions, and damage to other organs. Regular consumption of these beverages will lead to the following complications -

• Dehydration - When athletes consume these drinks, it quenches their thirst, but they skip the water. As a result, there is no sufficient water in the body for proper function.

• Heart Problems - Excess caffeine intake will lead to irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation. If atrial fibrillation is ignored and untreated over time, it can result in blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

• Anxiety And Insomnia - Energy drinks loaded with caffeine can cause anxiety, palpitations, and even the inability to sleep.

• Obesity - Owing to the high sugar content of these drinks, obesity is a common complication of long-term consumption.

What Are the Healthier Alternatives to These Processed Beverages?

There are simple and cost-effective options that are underrated healthy beverages, such as -

• Milk sweetened with honey or dates syrup. Milkshakes are prepared at home with natural fresh fruits such as a banana or strawberry milkshake.

• Fresh lemonade prepared at home.

• Buttermilk and yogurt drinks such as lassi.

• Coconut water.

Conclusion

Marketing these functional beverages must be limited, especially because these drinks affect the maximum young population. It may lead to chronic health diseases. Specific guidelines have to be put into force regarding the formulation of these drinks. They must be limited to the recommended dietary allowance and must not exceed the recommended intake. Avoiding such beverages and always opting for fresh homemade options is recommended. Hence, consumption of these beverages should always be considering the pros and cons of these drinks.