What is Functional Beverage
A functional beverages is a traditional liquid food…
…that is promoted to transmit product components or a rumored health advantage. Although a “functional” beverage may be promoted as a panacea or a performance-enhancing drug, as of 2020, there is no scientific proof for any particular health impacts of such beverages or for their international standard regulation. Dairy beverages, sports and performance drinks, energy drinks, ready-to-drink teas, “smart” drinks, fortified fruit drinks, plant milks, and improved water are examples of functional beverages.
Another cause for the industry’s rise might be the consumer-oriented market system, in which consumers provide creative ideas. By 2008, functional beverages accounted for 48.9 percent of the non-alcoholic sector in the United States, worth $118 billion. There are four categories of participants in the functional beverage industry:
- PepsiCo, Fuze Beverage, and The Coca-Cola Company are examples of traditional non-alcoholic beverage firms.
- Nestlé, Altria, Kraft Foods, General Mills, and Campbell Soup Company are examples of major food corporations.
- Smaller-scale private enterprises and specialist firms, such as POM Wonderful.
Cooperatives in agriculture, such as Ocean Spray and Sunsweet Growers.
History of Functional Drinks
Athletes have been known to use functional beverages since the days of the Roman gladiators. Scientific experts analyzed data from the remains of 22 gladiators, which indicated that despite they ate a comparable diet as normal folk of the period (non-athletes), the gladiators’ bones had far more calcium than their non-athlete counterparts’ bones. Gladiators may have eaten a functional beverage produced from water and plant ash, which is rich in calcium and may have been consumed to help mend cracked or broken bones, according to researchers.
Gaius Plinius Secundus referenced such a drink in his 10-volume book “Naturalis Historia” (published in 77 AD), writing, “One can observe how gladiators after fight are benefited by drinking this.” Sofkee was eaten by indigenous Southeastern Americans such as the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muskogee, and Seminole. Sofkee is a soup or porridge produced by boiling cracked white maize in water laced with wood ash lye, which alkalinizes the water. Sofkee was a vital staple that is still eaten today.
The Hopi people also employed cornmeal and ash in food and drink preparation, resulting in products that were high in important minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sports beverages “Ades” Protein shakes and meal replacements energizing beverages Teas made from herbs Water with vitamins Beverages made with soy Vitamin-fortified fruit drinks Milk enriched with vitamin D and other nutrients Black water (also known as “fulvic water” or “mineralized water”) containing fulvic and humic minerals and perhaps vitamin additions.
For Non-Athletes
Life is hectic. While some claim that we are busier than ever, it is possible that we are simply busier in various ways and are unhealthily occupied. Automation and other technology have promised us less work and more leisure time since the 1950s and throughout the digital era. While many areas of life have become more convenient, these advancements have also led in many individuals adopting more inactive lifestyles. We eat fast food and beverages because they are convenient and save us time.
We “marathon” or “binge-watch” our favorite shows while gorging on unhealthy food and drink from the comfort of our couch or bed. As a result, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even depression and anxiety are on the rise in North America. We sacrificed our health for the sake of convenience.
Functional drinks, such as bottled black water, emerge as a result of rising health-consciousness. We are well aware that we do not get enough exercise. We all know that we don’t always eat and drink healthily. We know that making lifestyle adjustments and paying attention to diet may prevent disease and enhance our overall physical and mental well-being. Functional beverages were initially designed for athletes, but we all desire a “edge” that replenishes critical nutrients and protects against toxins.
The Use Of Functional Beverages
Functional drinks are popular among individuals who want to get more health advantages from their diets and beverages. Convenience and health have both been highlighted as key considerations in customers’ food and beverage purchasing decisions. Functional beverages are promoted as having a variety of health advantages. Some claim to enhance heart health, immunity, digestion, and joint health, while others claim to be satiating and energy-boosting.
Functional Beverages of Energy Boost
Energy is one functional beverage type that is growing in popularity. And there’s a lot of cross-categorization in this industry: there’s energy water, juice and energy, tea and energy, sports and energy, milk and energy, and coffee and energy. For starters, energy is a critical requirement for today’s hectic lifestyles. But, for consumers, the immediacy and tangibility of an energy boost is also important: they want to know that the drink they’re drinking is making a difference.
“An instant increase of energy that will help you get to grips with the day or work, or whatever it may be,” Renfrew added. “There is thus concrete outcomes and that is extremely significant, since it is going to let customers know what they drink.”
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