7 Healthy Ingredients That Make You Feel Relaxed

Between work pressures, family commitments, global political drama, and climate woes, it’s fair to say we live in a stressful world. Just getting through your everyday life can easily run you ragged. Sometimes, don’t you just want to step back and feel relaxed?

Carving out time for self-care practices like meditation or yoga is all well and good, but when you’re sitting in traffic or slogging through a stressful meeting, you don’t always have the option to bust a downward dog. Good news, though: when time is tight or circumstances don’t allow you to feel relaxed, you can reach for foods and beverages with relaxation-inducing ingredients. One such option is Moment beverages. With a tagline “drink your meditation,” these canned drinks are packed with all-natural herbals, adaptogens, and spices known for their soothing powers.

Get ready to get your “ahhh” on with these 7 healthy ingredients that make you feel relaxed.

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1. L-theanine

You may have seen L-theanine popping up lately in everything from mood-boosting gummies to stress-relieving smoothie powders. So what exactly is it? Turns out, L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid found in some teas and mushrooms. It offers promise for calming stress, strengthening immunity, and sharpening mental focus. In fact, in a 2016 systematic review, four out of five randomized controlled trials linked L-theanine with reduced stress and anxiety in people experiencing acute stress.

Moment’s proprietary adaptogen blend features a mix of L-theanine and ashwagandha, so no matter which still or sparkling drink you choose, you’re covered for a dose of these soothing ingredients.

2. Ashwagandha

Its name may look intimidating to pronounce, but ashwagandha is anything but overwhelming. An ancient Ayurvedic adaptogen (whose name means “the smell of the horse”), ashwagandha is used for a variety of health benefits—most notably its ability to squash stress.

There’s plenty of evidence for Ashwagandha’s effectiveness! A 2019 double-blind study of 58 participants found that those who took ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks had significantly lower levels of perceived stress than people who took a placebo. Other research reveals that ashwagandha’s ability to bring down stress levels is probably due to its ability to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

Try any of Moment’s beverages for your daily ashwagandha (we’d suggest the Blood Orange Adaptogen drink as a citrusy starter).

3. Chamomile

There’s a reason folks have turned to chamomile tea for centuries to soothe away stress. This tea leaf has evidence-based relaxation properties. In one study, people with generalized anxiety disorder received a pharmaceutical-grade chamomile extract for a total of 38 weeks. After this period, they had significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, compared to a placebo group.

Granted, most teas and beverages don’t contain a pharmaceutical-grade amount of chamomile, but there’s still plenty of cause to drink up. Additional research has linked chamomile to better management of depression, improving cardiovascular conditions, and stimulating the immune system. Moment’s Strawberry Chamomile Adaptogen drink mixes the calming power of chamomile with the summery sweetness of strawberries.

4. Tulsi

Tulsi, sometimes called holy basil, also holds its place in the ranks of stress-relieving botanicals. According to The Journal of Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine, there’s mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress. It’s long been used in soothing teas, but these days you can find it in other beverages, too! The Tulsi Lemon Adaptogenic drink from Moment features tulsi with zingy lemon—all with zero sugars so you won’t get the physical stressor of a blood sugar spike and crash.

5. Ginger

Ginger: it’s more than the spice in your favorite pumpkin pie. Ginger has been heavily researched for its anti-inflammatory properties, with study after study confirming that this spicy root reduces inflammation and fights off the oxidation that can damage healthy cells.

So what does this have to do with stress? There may be an indirect pathway by which ginger can help relieve feelings of overwhelm. Some research shows that anxiety can be fueled by inflammation—so as ginger lowers the body’s level of inflammation, it could eventually relieve stress. Enjoy the unique flavor combo of ginger and mango in Moment’s Spiced Mango Adaptogen drink (which, don’t forget, also packs L-theanine and ashwagandha).

6. Turmeric

Just like ginger, turmeric has been the subject of extensive research for its anti-inflammatory potential. Its active ingredient, curcumin, appears to be the key to turmeric’s ability to tamp down inflammation. According to a 2021 study in Drug Design, Development, and Therapy, curcumin regulates signaling pathways that stop the body from producing inflammatory mediators. Researchers concluded that curcumin could help fight depression, among other health conditions.

Need a tasty way to drink your turmeric (instead of trying to fit it into meals)? Moment’s Lemon Turmeric Adaptogen drink has a nearly 5-star average, based on over 1,300 reviews.

7. Ginseng

Once you learn about its many benefits, you’ll be singing the praises of ginseng. From reducing inflammation to enhancing the immune system to fighting fatigue, this herb is a powerhouse for overall well-being. Besides these possibilities, it may also put your mind at ease. Some research suggests that ginseng regulates immune and hormonal changes due to stress, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Kick back and relax with a Plum Ginseng Adaptogen drink from Moment.

Read next: 9 Recipes That Seriously Reduce Your Stress Levels