Kombucha?

An ancient Chinese drink made from fermented tea, Kombucha is popping up all over the place in the hands of celebrities and eco geeks alike. Depending on the brand, some are more like an organic energy drink, powerful, raw, organic kind, or varieties blended with fruit juice.


Among its purported health benefits (not yet evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration) are that it speeds up metabolism, cleanses toxins from the bloodstream, reduces cholesterol levels, helps fight wrinkles, and boosts the immune system. 


The beverage is also said to be useful in eliminating addictions to alcohol and coffee. The bottle of GT's Kombucha warns that "due to the fermentation, this product may contain a trace amount of alcohol (less than 0.5%)."


The retail price of kombucha varies wildly depending upon where it is purchased. Health-food stores sell it for around $3.50 per bottle, while various convenience stores charge as much as $5.00 per bottle.