Its not unusual for celebs to be seen tucking into ‘new and exciting’ foods and drinks from around the world, but one of the latest trends to hit Hollywood isn’t so much new as over two thousand years old. Kombucha tea is an ancient remedy that originates from China. With records of consumption dating back to the Chinese Tsin Dynasty of 221BC, Zen masters declared Kombucha to be a source of ‘Chi’ – life energy which aligns and harmonises the body with the soul.
Kombucha is a totally unique drink, produced in a natural and organic process from an infusion of green tea, black tea and sugar being metabolised by the Kombucha mushroom (a symbiotic colony of friendly bacteria and fission yeasts). As the yeasts breakdown the sugar and combine with the tea a potent brew of organic acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals is created, which is thought to be behind a whole host of health benefits.
One of the many benefits to drinking Kombucha tea is that it is full of Probiotic bacteria, which help to populate the large intestine with ‘friendly bacteria’ and dissolve harmful micro-organisms. Kombucha’s high concentration of probiotic-rich acids is also thought to provide a powerful energy boost, increase metabolism and aid weight loss, detoxify and cleanse the blood of disease-causing toxins, and reduce cholesterol. Furthermore, perhaps of particular interest to some of the stars recently seen with Kombucha in hand, it is thought to help curb alcohol cravings.
Also packed full of anti-oxidants Kombucha acts as an adaptogen and is said to work on a wide array of conditions from wrinkles to diabetes and help to restore balance and support the immune system.
If all of this sounds a bit far fetched there are now scientific studies beginning to be published that show that the celebs might just be on the right track this time and the Chinese claims of the drink’s powerful properties could be well founded.
Published studies have shown that Kombucha has anti-oxidant, anti-microbial (probiotic activity), and immune system enhancing properties. Further studies go on to show Kombucha consumption may help increase life span, beat stress induced conditions and even help combat the effects of poisoning.
The drink itself is a tangy, carbonated beverage. The UK’s leading brand is Gourmet Kombucha Probiotic, which is available directly from Gaia Brands Ltd at www.gourmetkombucha.com currently in Root Ginger, Peach, and Blackcurrant flavours.
We are giving away 20 bottles of Gourmet Kombucha to lucky www.fathappens.com members. Sue will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been one of the 1st twenty to register, But, we do want to know what you think of this drink, so if you leave your name for a free copy you MUST come back here after you’ve received it to give us your review. So, if you are willing to give your review, be one of the first 20 to register by adding your name and whether you want to try Root Ginger, Peach or Blackcurrent flavour in the comment box here:
