FUELED Wellness + Nutrition | Zero-proof cocktails with functional ingredients

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Ready to elevate your zero-proof game? In Wednesday’s FUELED segment, we’re highlighting adaptogens and functional ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine, lemon balm, and lavender, that can bring calm, focus and flavor to any non-alcoholic cocktail.

WHY FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS?

• Calm & Focus: Ingredients such as l-theanine and ashwagandha are traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress and enhance mental clarity.
• Relax & Unwind: Lemon balm and lavender are linked to stress reduction, mood support and improved sleep quality.
• Flavorful Twist: From floral to herbal to earthy, these ingredients can add depth and sophistication to any alcohol-free beverage.
• Lifestyle Supplement: While these ingredients may offer some benefit, they’re not cure-alls. Consider them as they are – simply supplements to an otherwise healthful lifestyle, with solid habits like regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a nutritious diet.

Four Functional Ingredients to Try

Download the free Eat Fit mobile app (iTunes or Google Play) for creative zero-proof recipes to blend these functional ingredients into your daily routine.

1. L-Theanine
   1. Potential Benefits: Calm alertness; may enhance focus.
   1. Flavor: Sharp and somewhat savory; pairs well with citrus or herbs.
2. Ashwagandha
   1. Potential Benefits: Reduced cortisol, improved mental focus.
   1. Flavor: Earthy; works well with a wide range of flavor profiles
3. Lemon Balm
   1. Potential Benefits: May reduce stress, support mood and sleep.
   1. Flavor: Light, lemony; great with citrus sparkling water.
4. Lavender
   1. Potential Benefits: Linked to easing anxiety, improving mood.
   1. Flavor: Floral; a little goes far—try in hibiscus tea or lemonade.

Be mindful, some of the above ingredients may lower blood sugar or blood pressure; also may interact with meds. Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regime – especially if you’re taking prescription medications. And avoid these products if you’re pregnant or nursing.

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Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian and nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of the Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s articles and TV segments at mollykimball.com, and download the Eat Fit mobile app to stay in the know about Eat Fit partners, new dishes, festivals, and more. To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org.

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