Is the CBD Beverage the New Gatorade?
There’s no denying drinks featuring cannabidiol (or CBD) are becoming the new it-beverage. In fact, according to The Sun, sippers featuring the ingredient are a hot commodity at Queen Elizabeth’s market in Windsor, with an insider claiming fans are picking them up in packs of eight at a time. And Modern Restaurant Magazine predicts that you’ll be seeing more CBD-spiked offerings when restaurants go back to normal dining (whenever that is). Another area where they’re generating a lot of fizz is in the sports world, where they’re lauded for their ability to speed and support recovery after tough workouts.
The link seems obvious to those in the field. “CBD beverages are becoming more mainstream as consumers are looking for new ways to relax and recover,” says Brent Facchinello, co-founder of Miraflora Naturals, a brand that has crafted three sparkling CBD beverages. “Not only are they a great alternative to alcohol as a way to relax after a long day of work or taking care of the kids, but their soothing support makes them a great post-workout drink.” That’s why the brand recently launched the +Sports Hemp Infusions sparkling beverage, which is endorsed by pro-triathlete Sam Long.
Why Use CBD After Exercise?
Research on CBD is fairly new, but there are two major ways that CBD, a compound derived from the hemp plant, is thought to help with sports recovery. (Recovery is a critical part of your workout routine, as it’s when the body repairs and strengthens itself.)
The first is by way of its anti-inflammatory magic, which may calm and soothe aching muscles and help tackle pain in general. The other is that it is believed to support the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in many of the body’s processes including metabolism, mood, and immune response. By bringing it into balance, research suggests it keeps you running as smoothly as possible, exactly what your body needs as it recuperates from a tough workout.
While scientists continue to research its benefits, plenty of the plant’s fans are willing to give the sippers a try, as cannabidiol is generally well-tolerated. That explains why some professional athletes and celebrities have gotten into the space with their own brands, and why the extract is making its way into other sports products like muscle balms and soaks.
“I was looking for something to help me calm down and deal with the stress before it impacted my performance,” says pro triathlete Sam Long, who is sponsored by Miraflora. “Miraflora just seemed like the right fit, because the products do help me relax and stay grounded when I need to be.”
And for those wondering, these drinks won’t produce the intoxicating effects of its good friend marijuana. With just .03 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive impacts), its path to relaxation and recovery does not include a buzz.
What’s in Miraflora’s +Sports Formula?
One of the major points of difference between Miraflora’s drink and all the others is just how much CBD it contains. With 35 mg of hemp, compared to the 20-25 mg found in most others, it simply has more of the soothing stuff in it. And it’s then supported by other body-helpers—including electrolytes from sea salt and coconut water, vitamins, the amino acid L-tryosine, and collagen (an important body building block shown in a 2015 study to increase muscle strength).
Sweetened with monk juice concentrate and weighing in at only 15 calories a can, it’s formulated to have little to no hemp taste so you can savor the hibiscus berry flavor. It’s also emulsified using a proprietary water-soluble hemp technology to keep it stable, which increases the bioavailability of the ingredients—meaning it’s easier for your body to use all that CBD goodness.
