Kombucha!

Every morning I have my breakfast and a Kombucha. What is a Kombucha you say? Well, I shall tell you. Firstly it is pronounced kom-BOO-cha. It's a tasty drink, but it's so much more than that. It's an organic and raw elixir... of life!

G.T.'s Synergy Kombucha says, "Kombucha is alternately known as a Chinese tea, a plant, or a mushroom. But it's not really any of these. It's a living culture of beneficial microorganisms.... it is delicately cultured - some liken it to fermentation - for 30 days. During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality."

I came across it after an advanced yoga training in Hawaii. At least 30 or more folks were driking it between classes. I'm not in to overpriced juice drinks. I don't waste my money on bottled juice period. Eat the fruit for goodness sake. So what is this expensive bottled drink that tells me it will rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, repelenish and regenerate me? I was determined to find out for myself.

I picked up a bottle at the local Whole Foods for a hefty price tag, there were plenty of flavors so I went for the one that sounded the most tasty, mmmmm mango. So I open it and have a little taste and then immediately dumped the whole thing out. Bleh! What a waste of money! Those people who drink this stuff are crazy! Gross! A week later, I've sworn off Kombucha and I mentioned this to a fellow yogi. He told me he felt the same way until he tried the grape. He always recommends "first time Kombucha-ers" try grape. So I gave it another shot... hmmm... not bad... if you like wine or beer, there is a similar fermented flavor and aroma of grape must... kinda tasty in fact... and immediately I noticed my head feeling clearer, my shoulders relaxing and my energy lift. My stomach, though not upset, actually felt settled and my entire body felt great!

How on earth can a simple "tea" do all that?

Kombucha isn't so simple, it's packed organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids, and polyphenols. It helps with elimination y'all, and who here in the south doesn't need help with that! Kombucha also helps with: digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, healthy skin and hair. (from G.T. Dave, Synergy Kombucha). Now it's no miracle pill, it's just a drink guys - so don't get up in arms if you try it and you aren't "fixed." You have to fix you, but this drink can certainly help.

The controversy you may have heard about in regards to this amazing drink is some folks who made it themselves at home in unsanitary conditions. The "tea" must ferment so that will take time - if you do it at home, be very careful and follow instructions completely. Or just quit Starbucks and join the Kombucha revolution like me. Yes, it's pricy but man is it worth it!

So - go to your natural health food store and pick up the Grape flavor. Look for one with a few bubbles on the top, it should be lightly effervescent. DON'T shake it, could very well explode all over you! (I speak from personal experience whilst driving - bad idea.). Then venture out and try all the flavors - my long time favorite is gingerberry.

Mmmmm... just finished my last sip. Love this stuff.