Fitness drinks: Scientists weigh in on the benefits and potential risks of ingredients

Functional beverages — or drinks promoted as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration — are growing in popularity around the world. Hundreds of companies have jumped into the market, hoping to get some buzz with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.

Here are some of the latest ones found in functional beverages and what scientists say about them.

Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that may help your body respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue or enhance feelings of well-being.

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Examples include American and Asian ginseng (an herb), ashwagandha (an evergreen shrub), eleuthero (a shrub), Rhodiola rosea (a flowering plant) and chaga (a mushroom).

The Cleveland Clinic says adaptogens are...