It's called Kombucha and it's a tart sparkling fermented tea with roots in the Himalayas that began one hundred generations ago (although some debate that).
Ok, don't get grossed out...it is only fermented tea. Yes, fermented. But it's good, I swear! Although --- full disclosure -- not all agree.
But today I am going to do it...I am drinking the green one:
Don't get me wrong, I like my greens. I probably am more tolerant than the average person but still, it looks daunting. I am used to my kale, beet, cucumber, apple, lemon and carrot concoction I make in the morning...so this should be a breeze with its blue-green algae and spirulina!
Ok so here is the breakdown of what kombucha supporters say the benefits are of this ancient brew:
*Probiotics – healthy bacteria
*Alkalize the body – balances internal pH
*Detoxify the liver – happy liver = happy mood
*Increase metabolism – rev your internal engine
*Improve digestion – keep your system moving
*Rebuild connective tissue – helps with arthritis, gout, asthma, rheumatism
*Cancer prevention
*Alleviate constipation
*Boost energy – helps with chronic fatigue
*Reduce blood pressure
*Relieve headaches & migraines
*Reduce kidney stones
*High in antioxidants – destroy free-radicals that cause cancer
*High in polyphenols
*Improve eyesight
*Heal excema – can be applied topically to soften the skin
*Prevent artheriosclerosis
*Speed healing of ulcers – kills h.pylori on contact
*Help clear up candida & yeast infections
*Aid healthy cell regeneration
*Reduce gray hair
*Lower glucose levels – prevents spiking from eating
According to the Mayo Clinic, health benefits attributed to kombucha tea include stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer, and improving digestion and liver function. However, there's no scientific evidence to support these health claims.
There have, however, been reports of adverse effects such as stomach upset, infections and allergic reactions in kombucha tea drinkers. Kombucha tea is often brewed in homes under nonsterile conditions, making contamination likely. If ceramic pots are used for brewing, lead poisoning might be a concern — the acids in the tea may leach lead from the ceramic glaze.
So be careful if you are brewing at home!
If you want to check out many sides of the story read A Strange Brew May Be a Good Thing By Malia Wollan of the New York Times.
She quotes Dr. Andrew Weil, a doctor and leader in alternative health from his Web site: “I don’t recommend kombucha tea at all. I know of no scientific studies backing up the health claims made for it.”
He goes on to warn of home brews contaminated with aspergillus, a toxin-producing fungus, and cautions pregnant women, the elderly, children and anyone with a compromised immune system against drinking it.
So do your homework first! As for me, I am happy with buying it at the store.
Off I go to drink the green machine....
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