As early spring arrives, many office workers and students feel lethargic and suffer from spring fatigue. To boost their energy, many students and young professionals buy multi-functional beverages. Once this becomes a habit, they even stop drinking water, relying solely on these seemingly potent drinks, believing they can both replenish nutrients and quench thirst. Nutrition experts say that multi-functional beverages cannot replace water, and long-term consumption can even stimulate the central nervous system.

  Functional beverages are drinks that regulate bodily functions to a certain extent by adjusting the composition and proportion of nutrients in the beverage.

  There are currently four types of functional drinks on the market, each suitable for different body types.

  Vitamin drinks for those with unbalanced nutritional intake

  It can supplement the vitamins needed by the human body, mainly B vitamins and vitamin C. These vitamins play a certain role in regulating the body's metabolism, eliminating free radicals and anti-aging. It is suitable for people with unbalanced nutrition, gastrointestinal discomfort and those who need to supplement vitamin C.

  Mineral drinks for those prone to fatigue

  These products are used to supplement the body's needs for potassium and sodium. Some contain a variety of minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, which help improve the balance of minerals in the internal environment, enhance immune function, and have a certain anti-fatigue effect. They are suitable for people who like sports and are prone to fatigue.

  High-intensity exercisers – sports drinks

  It contains electrolytes such as polypeptides, amino acids, sugars, sodium, and potassium, which can replenish the water and electrolytes lost by the body due to excessive sweating during exercise or labor, thus restoring fluid balance. It is suitable for high-intensity exercise, summer exercise, and those who sweat a lot.

  For those with indigestion – probiotics or prebiotic drinks

  Supplementing with probiotics promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and preventing constipation. This makes it suitable for those who sit for long periods, suffer from constipation, the elderly, and those with indigestion. Additionally, some functional beverages contain caffeine, taurine, and other special ingredients. For those prone to fatigue or those who experience high levels of mental or physical exertion, if these beverages help improve their condition, they may be a good option. However, it's important not to consume too much at once; moderation is key to avoid dependency.

  Minors and people with high blood pressure should drink with caution.

  Nutrition experts, however, believe that the best choice for daily beverages is plain water or natural mineral water. These not only won't cause weight gain but also help quench thirst and don't contain any additives. Not everyone is suitable for energy drinks, as some contain caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system.

  Because some energy drinks contain caffeine and other central nervous system stimulants, they should be consumed with caution by children. While adults can generally consume energy drinks without restriction, some special considerations should be taken into account. For example, sports drinks are suitable for consumption after strenuous exercise and heavy sweating, as their electrolytes and vitamins can quickly replenish the body's functions. However, these drinks are not suitable for consumption when not exercising, as the sodium content can increase the burden on the body, leading to increased cardiac load and elevated blood pressure. Therefore, people with high blood pressure should choose these drinks carefully.