Immune boosting drinks

The corona pandemic has made people around the world aware of an important question: How can I effectively strengthen my immune system? In addition to sufficient exercise, healthy sleep and less stress, diet plays a decisive role: Ingredients from traditional chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda are the new top stars for immune boosters in drinks and help protect the body from viruses and other diseases.

The importance of a strong immune system has rapidly moved into the focus of consumers as a result of the Covid 19 crisis: In China, 64 percent of people expressed concern about their own and their families' health as a result of the pandemic, and in the United States, 75 percent of people want to improve their health through diet. The immune system is practically the guardian of the body: It protects the organism from all influences that are harmful.

During the lockdown, tips and strategies to strengthen the body's defenses and to protect yourself better against corona with the help of immune boosters were circulating in the media almost daily. The fact that psyche, intestinal health and the immune system are closely interrelated is known from new research, and so a holistic approach is most effective in making the body strong against viruses, bacteria and various diseases.

Self-care for a strong immune system

Mintel expert Stephanie Matturcci writes in her survey "Support immune health in new ways" how important it is to improve self-care routines for a strong immune system. Because: If people permanently suffer from too much stress and bad sleep, their immune system is attacked. Natural ingredients that promote relaxation, improve sleep and strengthen the immune system have been more popular than ever since Corona. Immune system boosting drinks can support you in this way.

Drinks as a new source of immune booster

What people are looking for in dietary supplements may be a part of beverages in the future. In the US, 53 percent of adults say their ideal supplement will provide immune support, 47 percent will improve their sleep, and 41 percent will consume supplements to reduce anxiety and stress.

Sources: "Nutrition watch: immunity in APAC - As COVID-19 persists, focusing on factors affecting immunity and the power of traditional medicine, backed by solid science, are vital in product innovation.", Michelle Teodoro, Mintel, May 2020

"Support immune health in new ways - Offer consumers a holistic way to support their immune system by pairing immune benefits with stress-relief, improved sleep and self-care routines.", Stephanie Mattucci, June 2020

"STYLUS - the future of soft drinks", Emilia Morano-Williams, January 2020

From TCM to Ayurveda: Corona creates new drinks - some made from old ingredients

Less stress, better sleep and a targeted supply of micronutrients can be the key to formulating beverages and can help strengthen the body´s defences. Brands can also specifically use traditional and old ingredients - for example from TCM and Ayurveda - as these are considered to be very effective against certain symptoms. This natural doctrines of salvation have been practiced for over 5,000 years and are particularly indispensable in Far Eastern cultures. There is a good reason why they are increasingly finding their way into different areas of life: people long for a literal return "to the roots", which, with the ancient schools of TCM and Ayurveda, meets the current needs of many people in Western countries .

Immune boosters: Governments recommend natural remedies

In Far Eastern countries, TCM and Ayurveda are already on the agenda: the National Health Commission of China even explicitly states the combination of Western medicine and TCM active ingredients in its guide for the fight against Covid-19. The Ministry of AYUSH recommends the use of sesame oil as well as tulsi, ginger, guduchi and turmeric to combat the symptoms of Covid-19.

In Indonesia, the traditional medicinal drink Jamu has experienced a new boom due to the pandemic: The prices for its ingredients - namely turmeric, red ginger and lemongrass - have risen by 150 percent since the pandemic. A new drink was even launched in New Zealand that is supposed to clear the ears, noses and sinuses – not really surprising that its ingredients are 100 percent plant-based!

Source: "Nutrition watch: immunity in APAC - As COVID-19 persists, focusing on factors affecting immunity and the power of traditional medicine, backed by solid science, are vital in product innovation.", Michelle Teodoro, Mintel, May 2020

Ayurveda: 1,500 herbs promote health as immune boosters

The ingredient potential of Ayurveda is enormous: Indian healing art lists more than 1,500 herbs with potential health benefits. In addition to turmeric, ginger and tulsi, Brahmi, Manjistha, Amalaki and Ariphala are also famous due to their versatile effects on the body. Meanwhile also trendy and well-known ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine are ashwagandha, Indian frankincense and amla.

Source: “Natural ingredients are the soul of Ayurveda”, Nutrition Insight, Kristiana Lalou

Vitamin stars: Citrus fruits and carrots as immune boosters in drinks

It is not for nothing that the main ingredients such as citrus fruits and carrots are now the focus of attention in juices: They score with a high content of vitamins A and C and contain many antioxidants that eliminate free radicals in the body and thus the immune system can fully arm against external attacks. In terms of taste, carrots and citrus fruits can also be combined with ginger, individually and together.

Source: "Nutrition watch: immunity in APAC - As COVID-19 persists, focusing on factors affecting immunity and the power of traditional medicine, backed by solid science, are vital in product innovation.", Michelle Teodoro, Mintel, May 2020

CONCLUSION:

The corona pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of a strong immune system. Now consumers worldwide want to build up and protect their body’s immunity in different ways. A holistic approach works best, because the immune system can only function well if the body is also protected from stress and can regenerate sufficiently while sleeping. Immune boosting drinks have an opportunity to become the new top stars: Natural ingredients from ancient healing arts such as TCM and Ayurveda are now gaining popularity as immune boosters and as ingredients in drinks!