What are Adaptogenic Drinks?
Imagine a drink that chills you out and helps you focus, all without jitters, strange side effects, or a weird aftertaste (mostly). That's the promise of adaptogenic drinks! These beverages are becoming increasingly popular as a natural way to adapt to stress, manage anxiety, boost energy, and improve overall well-being. These concoctions are infused with herbal extracts like ashwagandha, ginseng, L-Theanine, cordyceps, and rhodiola - and they come in all sorts of styles, from sparkling waters and teas to fancy mocktails.
They're gaining massive popularity with the sober-curious crowd and they're kind of perfect for moments when you want to unwind, feel a little lighter and maybe even a little fancy.
What Exactly Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a category of herbs and plants that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The term itself was coined in 1947 by a Soviet scientist, and it refers to these natural ingredients' purported ability to help the body cope with stress. Think of them as nature's shock absorbers for your system.
Adaptogens are believed to help the body reach a state of homeostasis or balance. This can translate to feeling calmer, more focused, and even having a stronger immune system.
Here's a deeper look into some popular adaptogens and their potential benefits:
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Ashwagandha: This ancient herb, sometimes called Indian ginseng, has been shown in some studies to reduce anxiety in adults.
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Lion's Mane: This mushroom is gaining popularity for its nootropic qualities, potentially supporting focus, memory, and nervous system health.
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L-Theanine: This amino acid is found in green tea and is known for its relaxing and focus-enhancing effects.
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Moringa: This adaptogenic herb is packed with antioxidants and may boost energy levels.
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Rhodiola: This adaptogen is known as an "herbal stress shield" and may help the body adapt to physical, chemical, and environmental stressors.
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Reishi Mushrooms: These adaptogenic mushrooms are revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their immune-supporting properties and potential to aid in stress management.
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Turmeric: This trendy spice contains curcumin, a compound that may help regulate cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
Are Adaptogenic Drinks Worth the Hype?
The science on adaptogens is still evolving, but there's promising evidence to suggest they can offer some health benefits. While adaptogenic drinks can't replace a healthy diet or exercise, they can be a tasty and convenient way to incorporate adaptogens into your routine.
Important Considerations Before You Sip
While adaptogens are generally considered safe, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying them, especially if you take any medications. Some adaptogens may interact with certain drugs. Additionally, adaptogenic drinks are not regulated by the FDA, so quality and effectiveness can vary between brands.
So, You Want to Try Adaptogenic Drinks?
The good news is there's a wide variety of adaptogenic drinks to choose from, including sparkling waters, teas, kombucha blends, and even non-alcoholic mocktails. In the name of research, I tried five canned varieties - some during my nightly routine to unwind and some in social settings with friends. Here's what I came up with:
Hiyo - Hiyo markets itself as a "social tonic" with adaptogens like ashwagandha, Lion's Mane, and l-theanine. The brand's tagline is "Feel The Float" - and float, I did. But not at first. One can in; I chalked it up to a delicious beverage that was lovely over ice. Two cans in, I noticed an ever-so-slight lift in my mood. Side note, I've become such a fan that I've purchased every flavor multiple times over. My current favs are Watermelon Lime and Strawberry Guava.
Recess Mood Drinks - Recess' mood line features sparkling water mocktails with mood-boosting ingredients like magnesium and adaptogens like l-theanine, lemon balm and ginseng. This line also comes in several delightful flavors like Blood Orange, Peach Ginger and Strawberry Rose. I didn't feel as much of a noticeable difference like I did with Hiyo, but they're certainly delicious and I'll probably give another flavor a go soon.
Moment - I do love me a good Moment. These little mood-boosting bevies deserve to be served up in a champagne glass (pinkies up!). The brand encourages consumers to "Drink Your Meditation" - I indulged in three sparkling varieties (they also have still versions) at a birthday party for a friend who had her fridge stocked chock full of them. I will say that I felt good. Not in a weird, "I'm not on this planet anymore" kind of vibe - that's never really stoked my fire. But I'll say that I did feel more relaxed and social, and the flavors were so yummy that I kept going back to the fridge for more. I tried the Blood Orange Ashwaganda, Cherry Hibiscus, and Lychee Mint. The flavors even rotate seasonally.
Kin Euphorics - Founded by supermodel Bella Hadid and Jen Batchelor, these adaptogenic drinks are more refined in their approach to taste and seem to include a wider variety of adaptogens, like damiana and schisandra. They're definitely not as sweet as some of the others and are made with cocktail replacements in mind. The Kin Spritz airs on the herbaceous side with orange bitters, hibiscus, ginger, and citrus. I prefer the Actual Sunshine, with notes of pineapple, cardamom, turmeric, and saffron, as a replacement for a Sunday morning mimosa.
De Soi Aperitif - Another celebrity-founded brand, this one's by Katy Perry and co-founder Morgan McLachlan. This one's my least favorite of the five brands I tried. De Soi markets their beverages as aperitif cocktail replacements for busy moms. The two that I tried - Trés Rose and Champignon Dreams - seemed to be obvious attempts at replacements for rosé or champagne, at least in their flavor profiles, but I didn't find them to be all that complex. Trés Rose, although refreshing over ice, tasted only like raspberry juice (the third ingredient on the label). I did, however, appreciate the matte feeling of the cans, as it provided a different sensory experience that made the product feel more elevated.
The Final Fizz on Adaptogenic Drinks
Adaptogenic drinks are a new and exciting addition to the wellness world. While more research is needed to solidify their claims, they offer a natural and potentially beneficial way to support stress management, focus, and overall well-being. Just remember to do your research, choose quality brands, and consult your doctor before diving into the world of adaptogenic elixirs.
