When it comes to natural beverages, what was old is becoming new again. Tea and juice blends with old roots are experiencing renewed interest because of the focus on healthy living.
Take kombucha, for example. It’s a fermented tea beverage that may date back more than 2,000 years. It uses bacteria cultures, which can be seen floating in the bottles. It’s said to improve digestion, fortify the immune system and provide more energy.
“On paper, it’s a tasty, fizzy drink that can have some health benefits,” said Dr. Carrie Mitchell, a naturopathic doctor at Calgary’s Grassroots Naturopathic Medicine Health Clinic. “In practice, I feel it’s dependent on the person.”
Kombucha is a low-dose probiotic – like yogurt, but without the dairy. Mitchell explained the benefits or detriments can depend on how much of that good gut bacteria is already in your system.
“It can be a good thing for people that need some gentle support, but it’s not going to help people that need medicinal amounts or have too much,” she said.
Shades of lemonade
Activated charcoal has been used as a medical treatment for over a century. Today, it’s being incorporated into beverages – turning your tart yellow lemonade a mysterious black.
Mitchell explained that when it’s consumed, activated charcoal binds toxins, allowing them to more easily pass through your system.
Like any healthy food and beverage, too much of a good thing can have unintended effects. Mitchell maintained that there are digestive tract benefits from activated charcoal in small servings, but having too many drinks could dilute the impact of certain prescription drugs and supplements.
Healthy convenience
“Juices and blended drinks can be used as healthy convenience food,” said Mitchell.
She noted that the structure of the fruit and vegetables change when juice is extracted. They contain all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but you lose some of the fibre that can help lower cholesterol. And while different than carbonated sodas, keep in mind there are still significant amounts of sugar in fruit and root vegetables.
Mitchell recommends complementing cold-pressed juices with the basics, choosing lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a whole food diet with enough protein and healthy fats.
Co-op is working with Calgary-based Well Juicery to make hand-crafted, small-batch juices with no additives or preservatives. Look for Co-op Pure juice blends, including kombucha and charcoal lemonade, in your Co-op store’s produce section. Enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.