FitSugar

You Asked: Is Kombucha Tea Worth All the Hype?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering . . .
Dear FitSugar,
Kombucha tea seems to be all the rage at my local grocery store. There are
many purported health benefits such as improved digestion and circulation.
Can you please let us know if there is substance behind the Kombucha hype?
Many thanks!!
– Kombucha Betty

I know many folks, Cameron Diaz for one, that love, love, LOVE this tea. It is true that the benefits listed on the bottles are endless – Kombucha seems to cure just about everything but bunions. All that aside, clinical studies in humans are seriously lacking so there is no direct scientific evidence to back up the health claims found on the bottle. However, researchers have found potent antioxidant effects as well as stimulation of the immune system in animal populations with limited toxicity. That is good news. Kombucha is prepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria, creating a slightly carbonated "tea" thus earning the nickname "champagne of life." It could be the high caffeine and sugar content that provide drinkers of this "Manchurian mushroom" (that isn't really a mushroom) a boost in energy.

Bottom line: None of the purported health benefits of Kombucha tea can be backed with scientific evidence in human populations, so hopefully someone will study this soon. The fact that a not-so-pleasant tasting, slightly acidic drink has been around since 221 B.C. suggests some folks truly find it beneficial. So drinking it can't really hurt you, but do be wary of homemade brew because it is easily contaminated.

Source

Get the Snack: Cameron Diaz

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:30:00 -0700

Cameron Diaz has been looking very healthy and fit these days. We've seen her hit the gym and the beach for workouts lately and it sure is paying off.

Cameron's known for eating a bunch of small meals throughout the day, so it's no wonder that she was spotted toting around a very healthy snack recently. Honestly, it looks like a snack I could get into, so here's what she's eating:

Blue Corn Chips: They're great because they're made with organic corn, no hydrogenated oils, no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives, no trans fat, made with expelled pressed oil, Kosher certified and cooked in filtered water.
GT's Organic Raw Kombucha: It's got probiotics, live active enzymes, L-Theanine (an amino acid), organic acids and Polyphenols (antioxidants). The taste is an acquired one, one that you love or hate.
Water. I'm actually surprised that Cameron is not drinking out of a reusable water bottle, like a Sigg, but water is important to drink through out the day. Here she's opted for a 1.5 liter bottle of Poland Spring.

It also looks like she has some healthy leftovers too, which she does have in a reusable container. I'd also be willing to bet there is some protein in there too.

There are more pics of Cammie and her healthy snack, not to mention her cute (and simple) headbands, so read more

View 10 Photos ›

Pacific Coast News & Source

Kombucha Tea: Fact or Fiction

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

More than a few people have asked me if the benefits of Kombucha Tea are fact or fiction. I truly wish I had a definitive answer, but there really haven't been too many studies on kombucha for me to give you all a simple "fact" or "fiction" answer.

For those of you that have never heard of the stuff, kombucha tea (pronounced "com-boo-cha") is a health drink that supposedly boosts the body's ability to fight sickness and disease as well as bring a healthy balance back to your metabolism and organs. Often referred to as a mushroom, kombucha is actually a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast. When sugar and black or green tea are added to kombucha, a fermentation process results in the "tea." The final product of this process is a liquid containing vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds. Popular with models and health foodies, I have heard a lot of anecdotal evidence mostly in the positive about drinking kombucha. Some folks think it just tastes awful, but most claim the drink gives them a calm energy and that they feel like it helps cleanse them of toxins.

On the other hand, even though it has been consumed by the Chinese since 221 B.C., there hasn't been a single human trial that has been reported in the peer-reviewed literature on the benefits of kombucha. A study of this sort would give the drink some serious cred with scientists. While that doesn't necessarily mean there are no benefits to the tea, it does make all the claims seem a bit suspect to me. Many people brew their own tea at home, which poses health risks since a home-brewing process can lead to contamination.

I am curious if any of you have tried kombucha tea, where you found it, how it tasted and if you felt the benefits? With all those questions, you can tell I am really curious. Tell me about your kombucha experience in the comments section below.

Source

Your Top Five Tips for Kicking the Soda Habit

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Recently a user asked for advice on kicking the soda habit and you came through with some fabulous tips and advice, especially since many of us have had to kick our own Coke guzzling practices to the curb. Your top tips are:

Switch to seltzer water or sparkling water. You'll get the fizz, but not the sugar. If you miss the flavor try the flavored varieties. If possible find those flavored without high fructose corn syrup.
Find a healthier drink to be addicted to. Suggestions include iced tea, milk, and Kombucha tea.
Drink water. Lots and lots of water. If you can't stomach the plain water, try flavored. Think about adding your own flavors like a splash of 100 percent fruit juice or Crystal Light.
Cut down. Don't deny yourself your pleasure, that could only make you want it more. Slowly eliminate it from your diet.
If all else fails, go cold turkey. Sounds hard, but many of you guys think that stopping drinking soda completely is the only way to ultimately quit.

To see all the great advice, check out the comments here.

Source

A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Don't forget to eat your calcium and to opt for organic tomatoes whenever you can since they are higher in antioxidants than conventional tomatoes.

Check out these beautiful celeb moms and learn how they lost their baby weight already.

Try this yoga pose and you can be a Hero!!! Yep the pose is named "hero" and it is great for the knees.

Take it from me and Jennifer Garner - use the weight machines. Strength training is important.

I am curious which kind of fit man attracts you? Cast your vote in the "Matthews" poll.

Health food fanatics might want to read this - Kombucha Tea: Fact or Fiction.

Are you irritated by the bumps on your arms? If yes, you are not alone.

What hot topic is dividing France on Bastille Day? Read and see.

Tell me if you think cellulite reducing shorts are cool or not.

Wii Fit will rival Wii Sports and it comes with a groovy balance board.

Do you think a sandwich or a bag of chips contains more sodium? Take the Quiz and see.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid gaining weight.

Flynet