Probiotic sodas are a new addition to the health world portfolio of innovative drinks. Gut health is a major area of medical research, and if soda can be good for you, take my money.
We associate sodas with lots of added sugar, not with a healthy gut. So, what is the catch with probiotic sodas? Ingredients.
We’ll explore the ingredients that confer health benefits to these tasty beverages, so let’s start with probiotics.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms included in probiotic drinks and have been shown to prevent disease and detoxify the body by modifying your gut bacteria composition.
Probiotics are like little superheroes for your gut, swooping in to fight off the harmful bacteria that threaten to wreak havoc and rescue the day by fostering balance and well-being.
These are the good guys of the microbiome, toiling away to maintain optimal digestive function and general well-being.
Consider them the best friend you didn’t know you needed, there to offer a hand (or, more accurately, healthy bacteria) whenever required.
Let’s explore probiotics’ benefits backed up by science.
Digestive Health Benefits of Probiotics
As more and more people learn about the advantages of live probiotics, the global probiotic soda market is exploding with enthusiasm.
As they provide a safe and efficient means to enhance health and lessen the danger of contracting particular illnesses, these microscopic warriors have attracted a lot of research and money.
The word “probiotic” must be reserved for living bacteria that have been demonstrated to confer a health benefit in controlled human research. Lactobacillus GG (LGG) is one of the most studied probiotic strains. Studies indicate that LGG is beneficial for treating recurrent Clostridium difficile colitis and preventing and easing other forms of diarrhea. It has now become one of the best clinically established probiotic strains.
Effects of Probiotics on Mental Health
Did you know there may be more benefits to drinking probiotic soda than just the familiar flavors you grew up with? According to recent studies, taking a probiotic pill may help alleviate feelings of tension and nervousness. This is because scientists are more convinced now that a flow of information between the stomach and the brain,known as the gut-brain axis, could regulate our mood and enhance our well-being. Controlling the production of GABA receptors in the brain, made possible by the interplay between the gut microbiota and GBA in response to physiological stress, anxiety, and depression-related behaviors, may be lessened.
Probiotics may also boost hippocampal neurotrophic factor messenger RNA production, reducing anxiety-like behavior. Remember that there may be more benefits beyond just the soothing cherry cola soda flavor the next time you check the nutrition facts list of your favorite probiotic drink.
Fitness Benefits of Probiotics
Ingesting probiotics may do more than maintain a healthy digestive system. If you’re an athlete, they could be the extra ingredient to enhance your aerobic capacity. Several studies suggest probiotics may raise VO2 max, an essential fitness factor.
How does it work? It has recently been discovered that the microorganisms in your gut may influence your body’s energy system. When you put your muscles to work, they need a great deal of energy, which may be obtained from various sources. The gut bacteria may supply part of that fuel by converting fatty acids and other molecules into energy-dense chemicals.
It’s a fascinating illustration of how the gut-brain axis might influence our general health and performance. Consider including probiotics in your diet to increase your aerobic capacity. Your stomach (and your muscles) will be grateful.
Probiotic Soda Trends
When it comes to their health, more and more people are eschewing time-honored pills in favor of novel probiotic meals and drinks. Consumers are following this fad because they want products tailored to their needs and interests and are becoming increasingly aware of the significance of gut health and the microbiome. Gone are the days of drinks filled with refined sugar or trans fat. People are wise consumers now.
When I first heard of probiotics and prebiotic soda, I thought, why? Isn’t fruit juice or organic juices, in general, enough to provide us with beverages without artificial sweeteners? The answer is no.
People want health, but the soda business is ready for disruption without sacrificing the flavor, history, or cultural significance of classic sodas. This has resulted in the creation of novel products that deviate from the conventional soda mold by using beneficial components such as kudzu, ginger, and calendula while keeping the standard soda taste profiles or adding exciting new flavors like tart cherry or kombucha inspired sodas.
The health advantages of these new products are unique, but the emphasis on those advantages may work against their commercial viability. Customers care less about how the beverage would affect their digestive health and are more interested in a pleasant drink. So, balancing regular soda’s health advantages and recognizable and pleasurable qualities is crucial.
Your Turn
I believe in convenient ways to consume healthy foods and drinks. I suggest or would prefer to eat real fruit every time I want, but that’s not feasible in this day and age. Sometimes we’re moving and need to continue doing so.
Don’t ditch real organic fruit juices, but give probiotic soda a try. I think you will like it.
