/oss/taxonomy/term/1457/all en /oss/article/health-nutrition-you-asked/does-drinking-kombucha-have-any-health-benefits <hr /> <p><em>Shira Cohen is studying Nutrition at the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ University, specializing in Global Nutrition. </em></p> <hr /> <p>Kombucha is a slightly sweet, acidic beverage that is made by adding a mix of bacteria and yeasts to tea. Some animal experiments have suggested improved liver function after the organ is damaged by acetaminophen (Tylenol). In diabetic rats kombucha suppresses the activity of two enzymes, amylase that breaks down carbohydrates and lipase that breaks down fats. This can lead to better blood sugar control.</p><p></p> Thu, 15 Aug 2019 16:58:11 +0000 Shira Cohen, Student Contributor 7872 at /oss /oss/article/food-health-toxicity-you-asked/you-asked-can-kombucha-tea-prevent-flu <p>While some people are looking to stockpile Tamiflu in case the bird flu strikes, a few others are placing their bets on a foul concoction with a folkloric history of curing everything from AIDS and baldness to flatulence and cancer. Kombucha tea is brewed by incubating a culture of bacteria and yeasts in sweetened black or green tea. The microbial culture, which is passed from believer to believer, ends up floating on top of the tea and resembles a mushroom, which is why sometimes the concoction is referred to as the Kombucha mushroom.</p> Wed, 29 Jan 2014 04:41:38 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2080 at /oss