In a world full of tight schedules and a market full of sugary, unhealthy drinks, wellness beverages can be your refreshing alternative. They may not be ready-made from the shops. But with a little effort, they have the potential to take you on the path towards natural wellness.
We are team My Organic BD. A group of doctors, nutritionists, and food experts working together to create insightful and scientifically sound articles for a larger population.
In this article, we will discuss wellness beverages and their benefits, the 10 best wellness beverages, and common questions regarding healthy drinks.
Let’s start.
What are Wellness Beverages?
Wellness beverage refers to the drinks that come with wellness benefits such as mood, gut health, energy, detox, vitamins, etc. This is a marketing umbrella term that includes truly beneficial drinks to overhyped wellness products!
Products claim wellness beverages are not always beneficial. But if you have a good idea of what works and what does not, you can get good health benefits from them.
Nowadays, the wellness beverage industry is growing rapidly. But the term should not refer to industrial products only. You can also make your wellness drinks according to your wellness goals.
There can be a few different categories of wellness beverages.
- Functional Drinks
Functional drinks are made focusing on a specific purpose. Such as an electrolyte drink, a gut health drink, etc.
- Fortified Beverages
Those are the drinks with added vitamins, minerals, or healthy herbs. Fortified milks and juices are examples of fortified beverages.
- Natural drinks
Teas, herbal drinks, and fermented drinks are examples of natural drinks.
What are the proven health benefits of Wellness Beverages?
It’s tricky to list all the health benefits of wellness beverages. There are many different types of wellness drinks for different purposes, with different ingredients and nutritional benefits. Still, we can see a few common proven health benefits of wellness drinks.
1. Hydration
This is a common benefit you can get from every wellness beverage. Proper hydration benefits energy level, cognition, digestion, detox, and temperature regulation. All our metabolic activities are dependent on water. Some wellness beverages provide hydration and also help restore electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. If you are doing physical activity and sweating, electrolyte drinks are very good for better hydration.
2. Micronutrients
Some fortified drinks offer vitamins and minerals that your body needs. They can be beneficial for avoiding nutrient deficiency for some people. For example, fortified milk with vitamin D can be beneficial for women during pregnancy. They often contain extra iron and calcium that improve the absorbability of vitamin D.
3. Antioxidant intake
Many health drinks, including green tea, herbal tea, and smoothies, can contain rich antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent the body cells from oxidative damage and even protect our body from chronic disease. Antioxidant-rich drinks often come with low or no sugar. Smoothies can be one of the best sources of antioxidants, depending on what you use in them. You can easily make smoothies with turmeric, spinach, and other superfoods to make a super drink.
4. Gut health
A good number of wellness beverages are fermented drinks and milk products. Kafir, butter milk, and other dairy products are a great source of gut-friendly bacteria. You can also use chia and other nuts & seeds in smoothies. Those contain a good amount of fiber that can improve your gut health.
5. Caffeine and cognitive boost
Macha, coffee, and other teas contain caffeine that can improve alertness, mental focus, and learning. But they come with problems too. Too much caffeine can result in anxiety and sometimes poor sleep. Do not drink a caffeine beverage 6 hours before sleep.
How do Wellness Drinks impact healthy living?
Wellness drinks can play a good role in your overall wellbeing in case you are consistent and use the right ones. If you drink a chia seed and honey smoothie every morning, you will get a good amount of fiber. It can improve your gut health, reduce sugar spikes, and provide a lot of other nutrients. If you run every morning, an electrolyte drink after a workout can restore your energy and help with quick recovery. Drinking kefir or buttermilk every day or a few times a week can improve your gut health considerably. Smoothies with herbs, fruits, and seeds can provide you with a range of benefits depending on the ingredients if you take them regularly.
Want to know about healthy foods? Read the superfoods for wellness : An Honest Starter Guide
What are the best Wellness Drinks? A List
The best wellness drinks for you depend on your nutrition needs & wellness goals. But overall, those are some of the best wellness drinks you can consider having.
- Sparkling water unsweetened
- Green tea
- Black tea
- Hibiscus tea
- Chamomile tea
- Peppermint tea
- Rooibos tea
- Matcha
- Black coffee
- Americano
- Kefir dairy
- Kefir non-dairy
- Plain kombucha low sugar
- Coconut water
- Pumpkin seed smoothie
- Vegetable smoothie
- Nuts and seeds smoothie
- Fresh vegetable juice with low fruit content
- Tomato juice, low sodium
- Plant-based milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Infused water with lemon
- Infused water with mint
- Cherry juice unsweetened
- Pomegranate juice
- Low-fat milk
- Skim milk
- Wheatgrass juice
- Celery juice
- Beetroot juice
Top 10 types of Wellness Beverages & Unique uses
Now, let’s discuss the top 10 wellness beverages and their uses and benefits.
Infused water
Infused water is regular water soaked or enhanced with natural flavor from fruits, herbs, and spices. It includes some of the nutritional properties of the water. They usually come with no added sugar. They may or may not always contain the full nutritional properties of the ingredient. But it surely makes the hydration fun.
Types
Cucumber-mint, strawberry-basil, orange-rosemary, lemon-ginger, etc. are examples of infused water.
Ways to use
Chill for 2-10 hours and enjoy it as a fun drink. Keeping it in the refrigerator can enhance its freshness. There are no limits on infused water; you can take it whenever you like it.
Benefits
Makes drinking fun, and provides trace antioxidants from the ingredients.
Honey
Honey is one of the beneficial natural sweeteners made by bees. It’s often used in organic wellness products.
Types
There can be different types of honey, such as raw honey, manuka honey, and clover honey. Different honeys can contain slightly different types of enzymes and antioxidants.
Ways to use it
You can add it to tea, juice, smoothies, and a healthier alternative to white sugar. Can consume directly.
Benefits
Honey provides quick energy, supports immunity, and improves healing power.
Read the basics of Honey.
Coconut
Coconut drinks are widely popular in almost every part of the world. Coconut drink is one of the few natural electrolyte sources.
Types
Coconut water contains electrolytes and natural sugar, while coconut milk provides heart-friendly fat and nutrients.
Ways to use
Coconut drinks are excellent as a natural electrolyte drink. You can drink it after a workout or physical activity. Coconut water and milk both fit well with smoothies, coffee, and lattes. Always look for unsweetened coconut drinks.
Benefits
It will boost your recovery by balancing electrolytes in your body. Coconut water and milk also provide healthy fat and energy.
Read the health benefits of coconut : A complete guide for wellness.
Smoothie
Smoothies are blended drinks made with fruits, milk, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, or anything you like. Smoothies are a very convenient way to get a diverse nutrition boost without taking the hassle of cooking.
Types
The best thing about smoothies is, you can design your smoothies according to your taste and need. You can make a fruit-based smoothie using banana, berries, mango, and milk. Adding nuts and seeds to these smoothies can make them more nutritious and delicious. You can make a green smoothie with spinach, kale, and yogurt. If you need sweetness in your smoothie, natural honey is a better option.
Ways to use
The best way to drink a smoothie is with breakfast. Prepare the ingredients last night and blend with ice. It will give you a nutritional headstart in the day. But you can drink a smoothie anytime of the day. Make sure to limit the amount of sugar.
Benefits
The benefits of a smoothie depend on what ingredients you use in the smoothie. Fruits and vegetables add a high amount of antioxidants that take care of your eyes, skin, detox, and fight oxidative stress.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the more popular health drinks due to its beneficial properties and taste. It contains a molecule called catechins and antioxidants.
Types
Sencha, Jesmin green tea, gunpowder green tea, and hojicha are some of the types of green tea.
Ways to use
You can drink green tea hot or iced. The tea tastes good even without any sweetener.
Benefits
Green tea is known for its metabolism-boosting effects. It supports brain health and reduces oxidative stress. Green tea is also good for heart health. It contains l-theanine, which can improve your focus and cognitive health.
Matcha tea
Matcha tea is powdered green tea which is directly whisked into water and milk. Compared to regular green tea, matcha tea is more potent and contains more health benefits. Matcha is rapidly growing in popularity and becoming a part of world culture.
Types
There are ceremonial grade matcha tea for drinking and culinary grade matcha for cooking.
Ways to use
You can drink hot matcha, drink matcha lattes, make cold tea, and smoothies.
Benefits
From matcha tea, you will get potent antioxidants, flavonoids, and l-theanine. They can fight oxidative stress and improve cognitive power.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are caffeine-free teas from herbs, flowers, and spices. They are becoming popular due to their unique flavor, taste and wellness benefits.
Types
There are different types of herbal teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, rooibos, and ginger. They contain a wide variety of antioxidants, polyphenols, and plant antioxidants.
Ways to use
You can drink herbal tea hot or iced. Adding honey can make it tastier. You can also use it in smoothies and juices.
Benefits
Depending on the herb, those teas can support relaxation, digestion, and provide anti-inflammatory effects, etc.
Mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a blend of regular coffee and medicinal mushroom powders. It is one of the popular ways to have medicinal mushrooms.
Types
You can find instant mushroom coffee with different mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps.
Ways to use
You can brew it like regular coffee. Instant powder dissolves faster in the water and is more convenient.
Benefits
Mushroom coffee comes with a wide range of brain-boosting ingredients, antioxidants, and immunity-supporting components.
Please read the best medicinal mushroom – benefits, wellness and more.
Functional beverages
Functional beverages are made to provide health benefits with hydration. It can be an essential vitamin for adaptogens.
Types
Any drink that fulfills some health purpose is a functional drink. Electrolyte drinks, protein drinks, vitamin waters, and adaptogen blends are some of the types of functional drinks.
Ways to use
Drink functional beverages according to your health & wellness needs. Those drinks should contain no sugar and unnecessary additives.
Benefits
Functional drinks can support hydration, provide antioxidants, electrolytes, immune boost, and stress reduction, depending on type.
Wellness shots
Wellness shots are concentrated drinks containing herbal ingredients. They are a convenient way to take medicinal herbs.
Types
Ginger shots, wheatgrass shots, vitamin blends, turmeric shots, certain juices, and probiotic shots are examples of wellness shots.
Ways to use
Follow the instructions from the wellness shot packets. Different wellness shots have different ways of use.
Benefits
They commonly boost antioxidant intake, improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, etc.
What are the main nutrients of Wellness Beverages?
Here are the main nutrients of wellness beverages.
Water: The Base of all wellness beverages, essential for hydration.
Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are common electrolytes. They can be found in coconut water and electrolyte drinks.
Vitamins: Vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins are common in different wellness drinks like fortified milks, herbal tea, and juices.
Minerals: calcium, magnesium, and zinc are common minerals of wellness beverages. You can find them in dairy, mineral water, and green vegetable juice.
Antioxidants: polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids are common antioxidants. They are found in hibiscus tea, macha, green tea, and pomegranate juice.
Probiotics: Actobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces are common probiotics found in kefir, kombucha, and other fermented drinks.
Protein: Whey protein and soy protein are commonly found in different muscle-gaining drinks.
Functional vs wellness beverages
Functional drinks come with a specific purpose with active ingredients that provide targeted wellness benefits. It focuses on particular wellness goals like providing energy, electrolytes, protein, probiotics, etc. Depending on what you need, you will have to choose a specific functional beverage. For example, if you work out, electrolyte drinks can help you recover faster. If you want to grow muscle, a protein shake can help you in the journey. Taking probiotic drinks can improve your gut health.
On the other hand, wellness beverages offer general well-being. They come with natural ingredients and organic nutrients that support better health. They work best when taken regularly as a part of a healthy life. They are more of a self self-care habit, not focused on one fixed purpose. Herbal teas, infused waters, etc are examples of this.
What are adaptogenic Wellness Beverages?
Adaptogenic wellness beverages are the drinks that help our bodies adapt to stress. They improve resilience and provide overall wellness. They are not something that provides you instant good feeling. They will silently cure your physical, mental, and emotional stress over time. These beverages contain adaptogenic ingredients such as ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, tulsi, ginseng, reishi mushroom, etc. They can reduce oxidative stress, improve energy metabolism, support immunity, and improve the hormonal balance of the body.
Why are Wellness Beverages considered the healthiest drinks?
Wellness beverages are often considered the healthiest drinks as they are made to improve wellness without any complications. Most wellness beverages are made from organic ingredients like fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds. Most of them are safe for everyone. When taken regularly, the right wellness beverage can improve your specific health needs. Unlike sodas, juices, and artificial drinks, they are not filled with sugar and additives. They come from nutritious ingredients. They are also a good source of antioxidants and bioactive components. Wellness beverages that you make at home are usually better than buying from the stores. Making your own healthy food is a mindful habit that can make you feel better.
Are Wellness Beverages good for pets?
Wellness beverages made for humans are usually not good for pets. Pets have different metabolisms and different health requirements. Wellness beverages often contain caffeine, xylitol, and potent components like chamomile. Peppermint can cause harm to the pets. So, you should not give your pet a wellness beverage made for humans. At least you are sure it is safe for your loved pet.
Do Wellness Beverages have side effects on humans?
Yes, some wellness beverages might have mild side effects, especially if you overconsume them. Many wellness beverages can contain potent ingredients that must be consumed in moderation. Some wellness beverages can interact with drugs. So, if you are on medication, you should consult with your health professional.
Many wellness beverages like coffee and green tea have caffeine, which can cause anxiety and sleep issues. Some herbal drinks also cause allergies. Probiotic drinks like milk products, kafir, and kombucha can cause digestive irritation, etc. The beverages are generally safe for people.
What are the unhealthiest drinks to avoid?
Sadly, our drink and beverage industry does not care about health and wellness. That’s why the list is very long. Industrial beverages are focused on taste, high sales and the availability of ingredients.
That’s why we see too many sugary sodas that don’t come with food values. Let’s make the list—
- Regular soda
- Diet soda with artificial flavor
- Sugared iced tea
- Sport drink with sugar and caffeine
- Sweet fruit juice
- Artificially flavored vitamin water
- Alcoholic cocktails with sugar
- Canned Frappuccino’s
- Flavored malt drinks
- Artificial lemonade
- Sweetened tonic water
- Flavored milk with sugar
What are the best Wellness drinks for general wellbeing?
Teas and smoothies are the best wellness drinks for general well-being. If you can incorporate those two drinks in your daily life surely improve your wellness and quality of life. There can be many different types of tea like green tea, lemon tea, and herbal teas. Again herbal teas are like chamomile, hibiscus, etc. These are the teas with the best potential. When it comes to smoothies, you can easily make a super nutritious one with super vegetables, super fruits, nuts and seeds, yogurt, and spices. They can save a lot of cooking time and still give you a ton of nutrients and hydration.
For better understanding & making healthy drinks, please read the healthiest super fruits to eat and Super Vegetables: List, Health Benefits, Types, Wellness, & More.
What is the healthiest drink for a man?
The healthiest drink for a man depends on specific wellness goals and health conditions. If you are looking for metabolism and mental wellness, green tea is one of the best. If you are more physically active, beetroot juice, almond milk smoothie can be good options. For muscle growers, protein shakes are the best functional beverage.
What is the healthiest drink for women?
If you look for a specific drink for women’s health, bone broth can be a great one. It contains the necessary vitamin D and calcium that can reduce their risk of bone problems. Women are more prone to bone-related issues. Green tea can regulate hormones and provide necessary antioxidants for women’s better health.
What are the healthiest drinks for Teens?
Smoothies are one of the best drinks for growing teens. They are less likely to take nutritious vegetables, herbs, teas, etc. Smoothies with no sugar can fulfill their nutrient requirement easily. Coconut water is also a good electrolyte drink for active teens.
What are the best healthy drinks for gut health?
Fermented dairy drinks, such as kefir and buttermilk, are one of the best gut health drinks if you are not lactose intolerant. They contain beneficial bacteria that can improve your gut health and digestion. Kombucha and green tea also come with gut-friendly components. Adding chia seeds to your smoothies can provide a lot of the daily required fiber.
What are the best drinks for mental clarity and brain function?
Coffee, green tea, matcha, blueberry smoothie, cocoa drink, and beetroot juice are some of the best drinks for mental clarity and brain function. Tea and coffee with caffeine can boost your alertness and mental clarity almost instantly. But they cause sleep problems as well.
What is the healthiest drink for weight loss?
Drinks that have fewer to no calories & improve metabolism help your weight loss journey. Lemon juice, coffee, green tea, and apple cider vinegar have good weight loss properties. Drinks alone can not help you lose weight. It takes a change in lifestyle and food habits. Those drinks can make your journey easier.
Final Thoughts
Often, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet takes a lot of effort. These beverages can be your key to wellness with minimal effort. Making a habit of taking wellness drinks can help you achieve your wellness goal more effectively.
Please read Healthy Diet: Benefits, Tips, and Mindful Nutrient Needs for a better living.
Mr. Shariful Alam Pavel believes in natural living. To live a healthy conscious living, we need to eat green, live green. MyOrganic Bd is a green wellbeing brand, educating millions to live a better life with mother nature.
