4 days ago
From mushrooms to magnesium and Gaba – we test three booze-free drinks for Alcohol Awareness Week
WE all know that booze isn't good for us.
Alcohol causes hangovers and sleepless nights in the short term – and in the long term, too much can lead to a higher risk of increased blood pressure, cholesterol and even cancer.
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Drinking even a bit less can make a big difference to your health and boost energy levels.
For Alcohol Awareness Week, I've put three booze alternatives to the test . . .
FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS
MUUSH can be mixed with sparkling water for a non-boozy alternative and is naturally sweet (with just 2.6g per 100ml) and as it's made with natural fruit and Lion's mane mushrooms, it's also packed full of plant fibre and vitamins.
The flavour of the mushrooms give this thirst quencher a distinctive mushroomy smell but add soda and ice and it's palatable. Loved the different flavours which include raspberry and lychee, and blood orange and ginger.
A 100ml serving only contains 10.4 calories but has added Vitamin A and Vitamin D. £30 for a 70cl bottle. See
GABA
SENTIA is a 0 per cent alcohol spirit designed to boost brain health.
It works by boosting something called Gaba – a neurotransmitter – that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain.
Low levels of Gaba may be linked to anxiety, stress and mood disorders. Mix a 25ml shot with your favourite soft drink and apparently this can promote deep, restorative sleep and lessen stress.
It's a great alternative to booze and I loved drinking it with ginger beer. There's three varieties to choose from: Gaba Red which helps you unwind, Gaba Gold lifts your mood and Gaba Black to boost energy levels. A 25ml serving contains no more than 9.5 calories, 1.6g sugar and less than 0.01g salt.
You shouldn't drink more than 100ml a day due to the drink's herbs, a limit set by regulators. £32 for 50cl bottle. See
MAGNESIUM
TRIP offers a selection of CBD or magnesium-infused soft drinks to help you unwind.
The range of CBD flavours include elderflower mint, peach ginger and raspberry orange blossom.
But I tried the wild strawberry lightly sparkling magnesium and botanicals drink because I am obsessed with magnesium for relaxation.
It's basically made with sparkling water and fermented grape juice concentrate for a slightly grown-up flavour.
There is also strawberry, lemon balm, calming chamomile and sour cherry juice, sweetener, lion's mane and magnesium citrate, which is the type you want at night to help with your sleep.
I loved these and have ordered more. Each 330ml can contains 30 calories and 120mg of magnesium. From £1 a can. See
