Kombucha-what?? For Weight-loss

Komba-whattaaaa? Kombucha. I know...it's a weird word in itself. And get this, it's also known as TEA FUNGUS. If you haven't heard, just like frozen yogurt became a phenomenon that replaced most ice cream stores, Kombucha is a product that is becoming a new health rage around the country. Secretly used for centuries, I first discovered it when I went to a yoga class one day. There was a tiny refrigerator with drinks, and as I walked over and picked one up, I stared into the bottle and noticed a brown looking drink with chunks floating in it. This ladies, is Kombucha, and it's currently one of the most popular and crazed weight loss trends circulating our stores and homes.

Credit from http://www.pvnutritionaltherapy.com

I'm going to break it down, because when you first look at the drink, you have absolutely NO idea what it is and why things are afloat inside of it. Kombucha tea is made by fermenting bacteria and adding it to black or green tea. Enough said there. Just like people debate whether or not things like "Acai berries" can help with weight loss, there is a lot of talk about the health and weight benefits of Kombucha, and how it contributes to staying fit. There is no major medical research to support this weight-loss theory, but many people who have become regular Kombucha drinkers have noticed overall health benefits. For weight loss, it is recommended that you drink 4-8 oz. 30 min. before meals. Now, athletes are starting to drink this fermented drink as a recovery drink after tough workouts, and people claim that it helps with digestion and boosts energy levels.

Taken from
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu
/chicago/news.aspx?id=201085

Basically, so it is claimed: When you drink Kombucha, you are bringing a bunch of good bacteria into your system. This helps to cleanse you, boost health conditions, and aids with recovery. This means that your body can digest your food better, and vitamins and enzymes will boost your energy, and reduce sugar cravings. More energy means more calorie burning while training.

To me, Kombucha tastes like an old mushroom and smells like vinegar...I really can't lie and tell you that it tastes like an incredibly delicious fruit tea and that I drink it everyday. I don't....really ever. If you aren't a texture person and don't mind drinking something with fermented unpasteurized bacteria floating around the bottom, go for ittt! But like I always remind you, you should never force yourself to eat something that you don't want to eat, because you think it will help you lose weight. Food is meant to be enjoyed. If you enjoy drinking a more earthy and tart flavored drink in a bottle, than Kombucha is a new holistic rage that you should try! It can't hurt, but do please understand that drinking it will not lead to significant weight loss overnight. It is considered a food, and not a supplement, and can be found in health food stores like Whole Foods.

I want to know what you think! Is Kombucha tea a success or a scam?! Is this new craze true, or do many find it to be tea with a label?

Food for thought...or in this case...bacteria for thought. Cheers to that ;)

-Lil Miss Strong