Wonder Drinks
Promising Energy, Pep, Anti-Aging, Beauty and Intelligence
Additives are being added to drinks--labeled "functional" or "healthy"- - for reasons other than taste or quenching thirst. The potions are intended to lure the growing number of health-conscious consumers into buying them to improve well-being or performance. These special purpose drinks are flooding the market, according to Beverage Daily. The following are just a taste of the many available:
Performance BoostersWhen you want to beat the competition, go for the beet drink. Daniwco of Denmark is producing a betaine-laced sports nutrition beverage for its “performance enhancing properties.” Betaine occurs in common beets and has been used in medicine for muscle weakness. Bioenergy of Minnesota has developed another performance booster drink. Its Ribose is also aimed at athletes. A corn-derived sugar, has been used medically to help heart patients heal after surgery. The new ribose drink aids athletic performance because it achieves quicker energy recovery and less muscle soreness and stiffness in athletes.
Wild of Germany’s “Activating Water” boosts energy in two phases:
- A quick energy kick from natural caffeine, green coffee beans and dextrose
- The maintenance of energy over a longer period by a combination of fructose and fiber
One category of energy-uppers has authorities in England, France and the United States worried. Neil Harrison, professor of molecular neuropharmacology at Will-Cornell Medical Center, New York, explains more research on the cardiovascular effects of such highly caffeinated drinks is needed. Red Bull, dor example, contains 80mg and Cocaine Energy Drink ,while drug-free, contains 280 mg of caffeine compared to Canada Dry Cola’s 30 mg.
Anti-Aging Drink
Frutarom of Israel and Copalis of France have collaborated to produce a prototype anti-aging skin drink called “Collative.” It is composed of marine collagen and elastin designed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin moisture. Collagen is a protein found in connective tissue. The collagen fibers in connective tissues in the skin undergo changes during aging and contribute to wrinkles. Elastin is also a protein in connective tissue and is used in hair and skin cosmetic products as a moisturizer and conditioner.
Protective Potions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a wide range of benefits including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, joint health, as well as improved behavior and moods. GR Nutriceutical Company of Canada claims, that for about the cost of a regular coffee, its product can provide a "rich" source of omega-3 that can be suitable for use in a variety of drinks like cappuccinos, lattes and espresso.
UK-based Tate & Lyle recently entered the hot green tea market with a Canadian coffee and tea specialist, A. Holliday & Co., to distribute Teawell 95, which contains a 95 per cent concentration of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The most potent of the green tea antioxidants, EGCG has been reported to have a range of health benefits including weight management, the maintenance healthy blood sugar control and cardiovascular health.
Brain Boosters.
Nestlé USA has launched fortified juice drinks for children specifically targeting brain and immune development in the under-five age group.Nestlé’s probiotic Boost Kid Juicy Juice Brain Development is fortified with omega-3 DHA for children aged one to two. Nestle claims it is the only children’s fruit juice drink on the market made with DHA, an essential fatty acid (‘docosahexaenoic acid) .DHA is found in cold water fatty fish and fish oil supplements and is essential for the development of the nervous system and visual abilities during the first 6 months of life as well as for the proper functioning of adult brains, according to researchers at the University of Maryland. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are part of a healthy diet that helps lower risk of heart disease.
Diet Water
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has launched what it is calling “the world's first, flavor-neutral satiety water” based soluble whey protein. It dampens hunger. Coca Cola and Nestlé launched Enviga, a carbonated beverage with the powerful antioxidant EGCG accompanied by calorie-burning claims. Twenty six states in the US objected to the claims and the two companies adjusted their promotions. Blue California of Rancho Santa Margarita has a new tea containing 95 percent EGCG and also claims it can be used for weight management because of its ability to raise metabolism.
Common Cold Fighting Drink
Probiotics are "good" bacteria that benefit gut health and boost the immune system. Probi, a Swedish probiotic producer and a Swedish dairy, Skånemejerier, are teaming up to debut a probiotic beverage to battle the common cold. The new drink will contain two probiotic strains patented by Probi. Laboratory tests in Berlin, Germany, used 310 volunteers to demonstrate its effectiveness. In the German study, common cold symptoms and the duration of the illness were reportedly significantly reduced in the group that received Probi’s product.
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