What Are Alive Drinks?
Alive drinks, primarily the Ancient Mushroom Elixirs by GT's Living Foods and the Synbiotic soft drinks, are sparkling beverages formulated with functional ingredients. The mushroom elixir line features adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail, along with other ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and caffeine from tea. The Synbiotic line focuses on delivering live probiotics and prebiotics. Both products aim to provide a healthy alternative to conventional sugary sodas by offering functional benefits like improved gut health, enhanced focus, and balanced energy.
The Functional Ingredients in Alive Drinks
To answer the question, "are Alive drinks healthy?", it's important to break down their core components:
Adaptogenic Mushrooms
- Reishi: Known as the "mushroom of immortality," reishi is praised for its ability to enhance the immune system and reduce stress. It may also help with sleep and reduce fatigue.
- Chaga: Often used for its anti-inflammatory effects and high antioxidant content, chaga is believed to help combat oxidative stress. Some studies suggest it may support immune health and detoxification.
- Turkey Tail: This mushroom is recognized for its impressive immune system support and promoting gut health through polysaccharides like PSK and PSP.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
- GT's Alive Ancient Mushroom Elixir contains prebiotics, particularly from raw apple cider vinegar, which feed beneficial gut bacteria.
- The Alive Synbiotic soft drink line explicitly contains a billion live probiotics and prebiotics, focusing on improving gut flora. Probiotics are essential for a balanced gut microbiome, which is linked to better digestion and immunity.
Low Sugar and Natural Sweeteners
- Many Alive drinks use erythritol and stevia as natural, low-calorie sweeteners to replace high-fructose corn syrup. This makes them a suitable choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
- For example, GT's Alive Cola Ancient Mushroom Elixir contains only 5g of total sugar per 16 fl oz bottle, with 4g listed as added sugar, making it significantly lower in sugar than traditional sodas.
Caffeine
- Some Alive drinks, particularly those in the GT's mushroom elixir line, contain a modest amount of caffeine (around 75mg per bottle from loose-leaf tea) to provide a gentle, natural energy boost without the jittery crash of high-caffeine energy drinks.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
While Alive drinks contain beneficial ingredients, it's important to have a balanced perspective. The potential health benefits are primarily linked to the functional components, but the effects can vary by individual.
The Good
- Healthier Soda Alternative: For those accustomed to sugary soft drinks, switching to Alive is a step towards reducing sugar consumption. The lower calorie count also helps in weight management.
- Supports Gut Health: The inclusion of prebiotics, and in some products, probiotics, can contribute to a healthier gut microbiome, which is vital for overall wellness.
- Potential Immune Support: The adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail have been traditionally used to support the immune system.
- Natural Energy Boost: The moderate caffeine content from tea provides a lift without the excessive jitters and subsequent crash associated with many energy drinks.
The Not-So-Good and Considerations
- Limited Scientific Evidence: While adaptogenic mushrooms have a long history of traditional use, the scientific evidence supporting the health claims of these ingredients in beverage form is still evolving and requires further research.
- Individual Reactions: Some users report digestive issues or mild discomfort due to the adaptogenic ingredients or the sugar alcohols like erythritol.
- Taste Preferences: The inclusion of ingredients like apple cider vinegar can create a unique and strong flavor profile that isn't for everyone.
- Cost: Alive drinks are generally more expensive than standard soft drinks, which might be a barrier for some consumers.
Comparison: Alive Drinks vs. Traditional Soda vs. Kombucha
| Feature | Alive Ancient Mushroom Elixir | Traditional Soda (e.g., Coca-Cola) | Kombucha (e.g., GT's Synergy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content | Low (around 5g total sugar) | High (approx. 39g total sugar for a 12oz can) | Low to moderate (often 12-16g) |
| Sweeteners | Erythritol, stevia, maple, cane sugar | High-fructose corn syrup | Organic cane sugar |
| Key Ingredients | Adaptogenic mushrooms (reishi, chaga, turkey tail), apple cider vinegar | Water, high-fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid | Fermented tea, SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | Contains prebiotics from ACV. Synbiotic line contains live probiotics. | None | Billions of naturally occurring living probiotics |
| Caffeine Content | Moderate (75mg, or 150mg for Yerba Mate) | Moderate (approx. 34mg for 12oz can) | Trace amounts, naturally occurring |
| Potential Health Benefits | Immune support, gut health, mental clarity, balanced energy | None (contains empty calories) | Gut health, immunity boost |
| Considerations | Distinct taste, individual reactions | Linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues | Can be high in sugar if flavored, stronger fermentation taste |
Conclusion
So, are Alive drinks healthy? The answer is nuanced. Compared to traditional sugary sodas, they are a much healthier choice due to their significantly lower sugar content and inclusion of functional ingredients like adaptogenic mushrooms and probiotics. The potential benefits for gut health, energy, and immune support make them an appealing option for health-conscious consumers. However, they should be viewed as a functional beverage with potential benefits rather than a cure-all. It is crucial to remember that scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these ingredients, especially in these specific formulations, is still developing. As with any supplement or functional food, moderation is key, and personal reactions should be monitored. For those looking for a flavorful, low-sugar alternative to conventional soft drinks, Alive drinks represent a worthwhile option. For the most authoritative guidance on diet and health, consumers should consult with healthcare professionals, as advised by reliable sources such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A Note on Moderation
While Alive drinks offer benefits, they should not replace whole, unprocessed foods or plain water in your diet. Integrating them as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is the most effective approach. For those with specific health conditions or sensitivities, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, consulting a healthcare provider before consumption is a wise step.
