Relaxation Drinks Growing In Popularity

A new trend of relaxation drinks is steadily growing in the drink industry. According to Business Week, the industry's revenue is expected to rise form $73.7 million to $223.5 million by 2016.

Brands like bcalm, Zenify, Just Chill, Koma Unwind, Neurobliss, and Marley's Mellow Mood are some of the top sellers.

Companies market these products to reduce stress, anxiety, muscle tension, and they are even being increasingly used to induce sleep in consumers. With ingredients such as melatonin, L-theanine, GABA, and chamomile, none of these beverages are alcoholic.

If the companies expect to keep up this popularity, the drinks have to be effective. Consumer Reports conducted a survey in May suggesting that most of these drinks, including Marley's Mellow Mood, do not contain the level ingredients that the label claims. This particular brand, which claims to "relieve tension, while calming the soul and easing the mind," demonstrated a lower level of melatonin than the 0.3-5 milligram dose used in clinical trials to treat insomnia.

As for the health risks of these drinks? The same report indicated that there is little evidence of harmful reactions; however, one should use moderation when ingesting the products.