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    Nespresso’s New Coffee Range Is Here To Boost Your Morning Ritual

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    Millions of South Africans start their day with a cup of coffee. But not just any coffee. We are very particular in that way. Coffee is a personal journey that should fit seamlessly into your daily grind. Many of us can’t even get the day started without it – so we might as well make it part of our wellness journey and do it with more intention and purpose. 

    Why Balance Is Brewing

    According to statistics from a recent study, South Africa’s health and wellness market reached US$26.64bn (R466bn), with expectations for it to hit US$42bn (R738.9bn) by 2033. This is part of a global shift toward more intentional, health-focused living. With wellness top of mind for a growing number of coffee drinkers, Nespresso is personalising the journey with a new focus on energy, intention and balance. 

    The coffee brand has launched its new Functional Coffee Range, a collection of five thoughtfully crafted blends with ingredients designed to support modern lifestyles with the aid of Ginseng, Vitamin B and extra caffeine.

    Considering the wellness trend growing among consumers the world over, Gabriel Nobre, Chief Executive Officer at Nespresso South Africa says society is becoming more conscious of how small, daily habits shape our overall wellbeing. “We know coffee is a staple in millions of homes, but it’s more than a source of caffeine. It’s also a moment of calm, a motivator and for many, a ritual that sets the tone for the rest of the day,” says Nobre.

    The New Functional Coffee Range Line-Up

    Crafted for coffee lovers who seek more from their brew without changing how they enjoy it, the new range features three distinct routes, each with coffees that celebrate their own purposeful ingredients:

    Stormio Go & Melozio Go: With extra caffeine and a bold, roasted profile, this blend supports those get-up-and-go mornings or long stretches of focus.

    Vivida B12 & Active B6: A smooth and uplifting option providing a source of B vitamins, designed to complement busy days and keep you feeling at pace.

    Ginseng Delight: Blended with ginseng and soft, comforting notes, this is the perfect cup to ease into a slower moment or wind down gently.

    Quality Meets Intention

    “These additions are subtle yet purposeful. There are no powders, no blends to mix, just your favourite Nespresso coffee, elevated,” notes Nobre.

    Like all Nespresso products, the Functional Coffee Range is rooted in quality – i.e. responsibly sourced, precision-roasted and designed for exceptional taste. Nobre says this range is distinct as it effortlessly aligns with the everyday rhythms of people who care about their wellbeing but aren’t looking to overhaul their routine.

    “Whether you’re easing into a yoga flow, prepping for a packed calendar, or taking a quiet moment before the day begins, it’s time to put a little extra thought behind every sip,” Nobre concludes. 

    READ MORE: How To Brew Coffee At Home: Plus, The Coffee Makers You Need RN!

    Where To Get It

    The Nespresso Functional Coffee Range is available from 25 August 2025 in Nespresso boutiques and online at www.nespresso.com/za. Each capsule is compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines.

    Discover a more intentional way to coffee, because feeling good should be as effortless as making your favourite cup. 

    Exclusive WH Reader Offer

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    It cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon.

    The code is limited to one-time use per customer.

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      This Super Sexy Smoothie Will Get You All Revved Up!

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      We’re totally crushing on maca, aka Peruvian ginseng! Why? It has some crazy energising and libido-lifting properties. In fact, studies report that women who consumed three grams of maca a day experienced a serious rev in sex drive (no pills needed). Flaxseeds also contain high amounts of omegas, which are major building blocks for sex hormones.Here, these sexy ingredients mix together in one delicious smoothie – with a giant libido pay-off!

      Revved Up Maca Smoothie

      Amy Hopkins

      These sexy ingredients mix together in one delicious smoothie – with a giant libido pay-off!

      Total Time 5 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 serving

      2 frozen bananas2 cups strawberries1 cup Swiss chard1 tbsp flaxseeds1 tbsp Organic Maca Root Powder1 tbsp honey

      Keyword Smoothie

      All the right kind of juices should get flowing soon enough… which means you’ll definitely be able to jump into these positions tonight. Hello sex drive (hello orgasm)!Shop Maca Root PowderThe other bedroom benefit of maca, besides a welcome ‘O’? It might just help you sleep better too. Research suggests that compounds in maca can support more restful sleep. Talk about a double win!Soaring Free Organic Maca Powder

      Lifestyle Food Maca Powder

      Health Connection Maca Powder

      Smoothie Recipes For Every Kind Of Day More

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      in diet and nutrition

      This Chamomile Smoothie Will Make Falling Asleep Easier Than Ever

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      If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, your daily habits might be sabotaging your sleep without you even realising it. But before you resign yourself to another restless night, try this…The answer to your nightly nightmare might be… hemp! Yup, hemp. Forget the association with weed – there’s no THC in hemp powder. The reason you’ll sleep better with hemp in your diet is because it contains high amounts of magnesium, which studies show helps to decrease cortisol – the stress hormone that keeps many of us up at night. Take this a step further by making this smoothie with chamomile tea, which helps to ease anxiety. We’re totally going to try this – because 50% of fat loss happens when you sleep!READ MORE: Creatine Could Boost Your Brain After A Bad Night’s Sleep, Research FindsPlus, whether you’re vegan and need to make sure you’re getting all your amino acids, or you’re building some muscle and need the extra protein, adding hemp to your diet is a healthy way to increase your intake.Sleepy Girl Smoothie RecipeYou’ve heard of the viral sleepy girl mocktail (over 50 million views on TikTok) – now, meet its dreamy (and nutrient-packed) alternative: the sleepy girl smoothie.

      The Sleep Better Smoothie

      This smoothie is packed with magnesium from hemp to help lower cortisol and chamomile for its calming effects – perfect for a better night’s sleep.

      Total Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      ½ cup cooled chamomile tea1 cup  frozen berries¼ cup walnuts1 tbsp cashew-nut butter1 tbsp hemp powder

      You can swap cashew-nut butter for almonds and walnuts for macadamias.

      Keyword Smoothie

      READ MORE: Struggle Sleeping? Here’s How To Create A Bedtime Routine, Per ExpertsShop The RecipeChamomile Flowers Tagged Tea Bags

      Früt Frozen Mixed Berries

      Faithful to Nature Walnuts – Raw

      ButtaNutt 100% Cashew Nut Butter

      Superfoods Hemp Protein Powder

      Eiger Vortex 600W Jug Blender

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      6 Time-Saving Smoothie Hacks That Are Total Game-Changers

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      We can all agree that smoothies are the ultimate grab-n-go meal: they’re perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or a quick post-workout refuel. Luckily making one doesn’t need to be a time suck. These smoothie hacks will help you whip up that delicious drink in half the time!The fastest way to get a smoothie in your hands is to… buy one, right? Sure, but your wallet will end up hating you. The solution? Make it yourself.But, let’s get real. Sometimes there just ain’t no time for that — especially in the mornings — because you’re rushing out the door, or like us, you’d rather get an extra 15 minutes of snooze time in the mornings.So, say hello to the smoothie hacks that’ll help up your smoothie game in a time crunch. Ready, steady… get your blenders out!1. Freeze those greensThe worst thing about buying all that kale? Most of it just ends up wilting in the fridge and you have to bin it. So save money (and time) by freezing them instead. Just portion your greens out into labelled Ziplock bags and then you can grab your greens whenever you need them. See ‘ya later, soggy spinach!2. Ice, ice baby!Move over H2O! Rather use your ice tray for freezing coconut water, almond milk or soy. Not only will this add essential nutrients to your smoothie it’ll also add flavour. Plus, you don’t need to measure anything out… all you’ve got to do is grab 5 blocks and you’re ready to blend. Missed your prep window? An ice maker will make sure you’ve got ice ready when you need it.

      Eiger 12KG Bullet Ice Maker

      No smoothie is complete without a liberal helping of ice. And neither is your after-hours cocktail repertoire. This sleek icemaker produces bullet-style cubes that have a hollow core and elongated shape for quicker chilling. User-friendly controls make it super simple to bring on the freeze and a transparent lid gives you a clear view of this ice-making magic in action. With the ability to produce an impressive 12kg of ice per day, you’ll be covered when it comes to your daily and entertainment needs.3. Think aheadWhy not just make a week’s worth of smoothies in one go? Just pour the contents into freezer-friendly jars or containers and store. Defrost your smoothie in the fridge overnight and then just shake it up before drinking.4. Bag itHey, they say ‘preparation is the key to success’… and that truism definitely applies to your breakfast smoothie. If you don’t want to make a bunch of smoothies in advance, just bag all your ingredients instead (including liquid ingredients). In the mood for a banana berry shake today? No, problem. Grab that smoothie pack from the freezer, dump the frozen contents into the blender and bingo! Smoothie done in 10 seconds.5. Have the right tech Your smoothies are only as good as your kit and these top-shelf blenders from Eiger Living will serve up delicious drinks with minimal effort. Consider these your ultimate kitchen remix.

      Eiger Vortex Nutriforce 1000W 8PC Blender

      This powerful blender (it boasts 1000W of power) combines high-quality engineering with modern design and a sleek finish to make a statement in any kitchen. Finetuned for optimum performance and durability, its high-torque copper motor and precision-engineered blades will make short work of any ingredients destined for your smoothie. And it’s versatile, too, including both a grinder and extractor blade for various blends, plus two resealable lids to keep your kitchen efforts fresh. The flip-top drinking lid allows for easy sipping, exactly what you need if you’re en route to the gym.

      Eiger Vortex 600W Jug Blender

      Elevate your blending with the Vortex 600W Jug Blender, a perfect fusion of power and elegance. This blender combines a robust 600W motor with a minimal yet mighty dial, so you can blend to your preferred texture. Whether you’re whipping up smoothies, soups or sauces, the Vortex delivers dynamite in a small(er) package, making every blend an effortless indulgence.

      Eiger Vortex 2000W Jug Blender

      With 2000 watts of power, this blender is the definition of a powerhouse. In other words, it’ll elevate every mix. But it’s not all brawn and no finesse: the Vortex serves up sleek functionality, giving you precise control over texture and taste. Whether you’re whipping up a post-workout smoothie, quick soup or game-changing sauce for your braai, the Vortex delivers unparalleled performance and simplicity, making every blend an effortless indulgence.And the cleanup? There’s a time-saving hack for that too…The WORST part of making smoothies is the cleanup. Well, forget washing that blender by hand. Simple squirt some washing-up liquid into your blender, fill it up to the half-way mark with water and turn it on. A few turbo-charged pulses and a quick rinse later, your blender will be sparkling clean.Try These Smoothie Recipes: Enhance your everyday living with Eiger appliances exclusively available at Makro and Game stores countrywide. Shop the entire range at Makro.co.za and Game.co.za.**WH Partnership More

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      in diet and nutrition

      5 DIY Flavoured Waters For Every Situation

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      Flavoured water has taken the health community by storm – and now, it’s near impossible to have a sip of good old H2O without craving a bit of cucumber and lemon to spice it up. But it’s actually a great way to flush toxins while at the same time fixing a few niggles in your system.Here are five flavoured waters for every situation…If you’re hungover Hydration, hydration, hydration! And this doesn’t necessarily involve chugging buckets of plain water either. Drinking in excess means you’ve lost vitamins, most importantly Vitamins B, C and folic acid. Spike your water with strawberries (a yummy source of Vitamin C) and oranges, an ace source of Vitamin B12 and folic acid. And since you’ll be chugging the stuff all day, alternate with lemon water: it’ll not only flush out toxins but balances out the PH levels in your body that are out of whack after a night of booze-induced revelry. You can thank us tomorrow morning.If you’re at the gym Go for what’s rich in magnesium, a mineral that powers your bones and keeps you going for long periods of time. Add leafy greens to your water, like spinach or kale. To even out the bitter taste and promote flushing out last night’s cheat meal, add some lemon, too.READ MORE: What To Look Out For When Picking A Water BottleIf you need to freshen your breath Reach for sprigs of peppermint: it freshens up your mouth with menthol and eases IBS (perfect after a giant plate of garlicky, cheesy nachos). Throw in some cucumber for added hydrating benefits.If you’re nauseous Tummy bug? Ginger’s your gal: she’ll ease inflammation and gas, and coupled with anti-inflammatory pineapple, you’ll be sipping your way to a better gut. Add in mint, too – it combats bloating and constipation.If you’re in need of a detox Drop kiwis and blueberries to your water. It sounds almost too delicious to be true but kiwis are super nutrient-dense with lots of vitamin C, which helps prevent wrinkles and promotes skin rejuvenation. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, the stuff that combats harmful elements in the air. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      2 Super Smoothies That’ll Help You Fight Off That Cold

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      The probiotic health trend is having a massive moment right now and it’s moving away from those tablets you take with antibiotics, to drinkable or edible fermented foods like kimchi and kefir.

      Next time you’re drinking a smoothie, add some probiotics to the mix: the lactic acid bacteria in the drink create an environment in your tum perfect for better absorption of nutrients. You can get your fix from Rawbiotics, a range of live liquid probiotics that works to correct microbial imbalances, or kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains that’s been drunk for years in the Eurasia region.

      We’ve rounded up two must-try recipes loaded with probiotics that’ll boost your immunity – and are totally delicious!

      Spiced Apple Smoothie

      Other than the fact that this smoothie is truly delicious, kefir’s been used for many years. That’s because it’s rich in amino acids, vitamins, and is alive with tummy-loving bacteria. One study even found that kefir has the ability to reduce lactose intolerance in adults.

      Spiced Apple Smoothie

      This vitamin-packed smoothie is bursting with amino acids and tummy-loving probiotics. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious!

      Course Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      1 Apple½ tsp Cinnamon½ tsp Nutmeg½ cup Oats1 cup KefirHoney, to taste

      Keyword Smoothie

      The Green Monster Smoothie

      Green smoothies are powerhouses for your health: the phytochemicals in green food make them great ways to up your immunity. Add some probiotic, gut-healthy Rawbiotics to the mix.

      Healthy Gut Green Smoothie

      Green smoothies are health powerhouses! Packed with phytochemicals, they boost your immunity. Add some probiotics to make them even better.

      Course Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      Handful of spinach leavesJuice of half a lemon1 Kiwi30 ml Rawbiotics Gut Correct Probiotics250 ml Water

      Keyword Smoothie

      Looking for more smoothies to try? More

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      6 Smoothie Recipes That Pack All The Goodness – But None Of The Fat

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      Smoothies are a great way to get a good dose of your five-a-day portions of vegetables and fruit. When you juice fruit, you remove the fibre and some other important nutrients, whereas a smoothie includes the whole fruit, just broken down. Choosing a smoothie over juice allows you to gain more of the benefits of the fruit – but eating the whole fruit remains the best option.

      Not all smoothies are created equal…

      It’s important to realise that not all smoothies are equal and even if a smoothie is loaded with fruit, it may still be very high in kilojoules and fat, depending on the ingredients. The kilojoule count could be as high as an average meal or even higher.

      “I usually try to make my own smoothies, so that I know what’s in them and if I get one at a store, I go for the smallest serving, fruit-based, with yoghurt instead of ice cream and not too many ingredients. Try to fit your smoothie into your daily plan. By this, I mean that if it replaces a meal, it should be nutritious enough and if you’re having it as a snack or drink with a meal, try to keep it skinnier.”
      Celeste Naude, dietitian

      Quick tip

      If you’re having your smoothie as a snack or adding it to a meal as a drink, think, “If I kept all the ingredients in this smoothie separate, would I eat all of them as a snack or in addition to the meal on my plate?” Remember, because it tends to be easier for us to drink and it takes less time, it’s effortless to glug down a smoothie.

      READ MORE: Calories Vs Nutrients: What You Need To Know About Losing Weight

      Skinnier Smoothie Recipes

      Here are a few delicious skinnier smoothie ideas. Each recipe yields one portion and you should serve it ice cold.

      1. Tropical Twist Smoothie

      Tropical Twist Smoothie

      Celeste Naude

      Bursting with refreshing flavours and made from just three simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate sip of paradise.

      Course Breakfast, Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      2 large rings of chopped pineapple½ chopped mango175ml fat-free mixed fruit yoghurt

      Keyword Smoothie

      2. Quick Kiwi-berry

      Quick Kiwi-Berry Smoothie

      Celeste Naude

      Made with zesty kiwi fruit, juicy raspberries and chilled apple juice, it’s a vibrant burst of flavour designed for the woman on the move.

      Course Breakfast

      Servings 1 serving

      1 kiwi fruit peeled and sliced1 cup frozen raspberries100ml chilled apple juice 100%, unsweetened

      Keyword Smoothie

      3. Banana Blast Recipe

      Banana Blast Smoothie

      Celeste Naude

      Start your day with a nutritious punch, along with a boost of potassium and fibre.

      Course Breakfast, Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      1 medium banana sliced1 tbsp oats1 tsp honey200ml skimmed milk

      Keyword Smoothie

      4. Very Berry Smoothie

      Blueberries are renowned for their brain-boosting properties, while raspberries bring their fibre-rich goodness to the mix. This is a must-have!

      Very Berry Smoothie

      A super fresh berry blast that’ll have you coming back for more! Loaded with the goodness of blueberries and raspberries, this vibrant blend packs a punch of antioxidants and vitamins.

      Course Breakfast, Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      1 cup fresh blueberries1 cup frozen raspberries6 ice cubes1 tsp honey

      Keyword Smoothie

      5. Red and Yellow Rush Smoothie Recipe

      Red and Yellow Rush Smoothie

      Celeste Naude

      With its vibrant hues and tantalising appearance, you might mistake it for a cocktail – but don’t let its looks fool you! It’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

      Course Breakfast, Snack

      Servings 1 serving

      10 frozen strawberries1 medium banana sliced1 medium orangeice cubes
      Take 10 frozen strawberries and one medium-sliced banana and blend into a paste. Add a few ice cubes and the juice of one medium orange and blend until the ice is crushed. Serve immediately.

      Keyword Smoothie

      6. Peaches and Cream Smoothie

      Peaches and Cream Smoothie

      Celeste Naude

      Course Breakfast, Drinks

      Servings 1 serving

      1 large peach peeled and chopped175ml fat-free peach yoghurt1 tbsp oat bran
      Blend the chopped peach with yoghurt and oat bran.Serve, garnished with a peach slice.

      Keyword Smoothie

      More smoothie recipes: More

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      in health and weelbeing

      6 Health Benefits Of Kombucha You Should Know About, According To Dieticians

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      As far as drinks that have transcended hipster status go, kombucha – and kombucha health benefits – is right up there with green juice and coconut water. Convenience stores and petrol stations carry the stuff these days. So it’s safe to say kombucha has officially gone mainstream⁠ — and, in the process, gained a rep as a health tonic for everything from gut trouble to lifeless skin.

      But is the slightly sour-tasting drink really a magic health potion ⁠— or just another health fad? Given today’s surge in all sorts of wellness products (and the growing research on the benefits of probiotics on many aspects of health), kombucha is here to stay, says Beth Warren, a dietician and author of Secrets of a Kosher Girl. In the age of pills and supplements, “kombucha is a major source of whole-food probiotics,” she says.

      What is kombucha?

      Quick refresher: Kombucha is a mixture of black or green tea and sugar that’s fermented with the help of a SCOBY (short for symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Essentially a blob of live bacteria that sits on top of the tea mixture, the SCOBY turns kombucha into the carbonated beverage you know and (maybe) love.

      People generally describe the brew as “rather effervescent with a slight vinegary and tea taste,” says Keri Gans, a dietician.

      Kombucha fans claim the slightly nose-stinging stuff does everything from help with weight loss and boost energy, to lower blood pressure and (yes, really) even prevent cancer, says Gans.

      So what are the kombucha health benefits I should know about?

      Honestly, it would be pretty much impossible for kombucha to live up to every single health claim associated with it.

      So far, research on the drink is pretty scant. Example: Though one study on mice found that the bubbly brew could help lower both cholesterol and blood sugar, researchers haven’t replicated these findings in humans yet.

      Still, if you break down all the components in the drink, you’re still looking at some pretty promising health benefits, says WH advisor Dr Samantha Nazareth, a gastroenterologist.

      READ MORE: 10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

      1. Probiotics for your gut

      Like other fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, kombucha’s health benefits extends to its probiotic properties. It contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that have been linked to gut health, says Nazareth. Having the right balance of these microbes in your gut helps with immunity, digestion and balancing blood sugar.

      Kombucha’s probiotics come from its sugar and the yeast in the SCOBY. Though they’re different than those you’ll find in fermented cabbage, the benefit is likely similar, notes Nazareth.

      2. Kombucha’s antioxidants may help fight disease. 

      Since kombucha is made with green or black tea, it’s rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and repair damaged cells, says Nazareth. Tea polyphenols may even protect against some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to research published in Critical Reviews of Food Science and Nutrition.

      Tea also contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been associated with a lower risk of cancer, notes Gans.

      3. The acetic acid in kombucha helps fight bad bacteria.

      Kombucha gets its slightly vinegary flavour from acetic acid, an anti-microbial agent found in vinegar like apple cider vinegar (a.k.a. ACV). The acid can help fight off bad bacteria that enter our systems when you eat, says Nazareth.

      4. Drinking kombucha may help you kick your soda habit. 

      Whether you love soda’s bubbles or sweetness (or both), fizzy and flavorful kombucha can be a great better-for-you option when the craving strikes. “If someone replaces their daily high-sugar soda with a lower-sugar, probiotic-packed kombucha, then that is a win-win,” says Gans.

      5. Kombucha might be good for your waistline, too. 

      Full disclosure: Some promising research supports this claim but it’s not super robust. After an older study found that obese women who took green tea extract lost more weight than those who didn’t, experts began wondering whether tea-based kombucha might also have weight-related benefits. “It is hypothesised that kombucha made with green tea, specifically, may have a similar effect on weight loss,” says Warren. But, of course, research on kombucha itself will truly confirm the theory.

      6. Kombucha’s probiotics can help your skin glow. 

      You already know that kombucha’s probiotics can help balance out your gut⁠—and those balancing benefits can carry over to your complexion, too. In fact, according to Warren, as probiotics nourish the gut microbiome, they can help with inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema. However (as with kombucha’s potential impact on weight), more research is needed to understand its true skin benefits, Warren says.

      READ MORE: What Is Kombucha, Really? Here’s What You Should Know

      So I should grab a bottle right now?

      With so many nutritional hard-hitters, it’s tempting to have a daily ‘booch, but you might not want to chug bottles every day.

      When people first started drinking kombucha thousands of years ago, they took it as a shot, multiple times a day, says Nazareth. That was probably a good idea, considering the Centers for Disease Control recommends sticking to less than 350ml a day.

      How come? According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking a lot of kombucha may lead to stomach upset.

      Another reason not to overdo it: Kombucha does contain sugar (often about six or seven grams per serving). Drink a full bottle (two servings), and you’ve downed 14 out of the 25 grams of sugar you’re supposed to consume per day, says Nazareth. (Still, a significantly better option than soda.)

      To minimise the sugar issue, “look for brands that have less than four grams of sugar per serving and drink them in small amounts,” says WH advisor and integrative physician Dr Frank Lipman, founder of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City. He recommends mixing kombucha with soda water to dial down the sugar content further.

      Also good to know: Because kombucha is fermented it does contain traces of alcohol, (some brands more than others), says Gans. It also contains caffeine, which can make you anxious or unable to sleep if you chug too much.

      READ MORE: 15 Wellness Journals To Kickstart Your Year

      Curious? Try one of these kombucha brands.

      If you’re intrigued by kombucha’s funky flavour and potential benefits, Gans recommends trying one of the following quality kombucha brands on for size.

      BREW Kombucha Original

      Theonista Ginger & Rooibos Kombucha

      CultureLab Lemongrass Kombucha

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com. More

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      10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

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      Even the fastest and fittest like to let their hair down (and so do we!), but we might as well get some nutrients out of our cocktails, right? These low-calorie cocktails pack a punch and are nutritionally dense, too. Each low-calorie cocktail contains fruits and veg that deliver nutritional benefits beyond the buzz you’ll feel while sipping away. Let Happy Hour begin!

      Cocktail Essentials

      Get your cocktail on with these essential tools – and consider yourself the bartender aficionado of the party.

      Cocktail Making Kit

      With this kit, you’ll find all the essentials you need to create any cocktail. You’ll find a strainer, stirrer and multiple other tools.

      Woolworths Vivi Coupe

      These are so pretty to drink from and are the correct size for cocktails, including margaritas and zingers. Pour away.

      Humble & Mash Spirit Stones

      These won’t dilute your drinks and keep them cool while you shake up your infusion. Plus, they’re neutral-coloured and can complement any drink.

      Beat-The-Bloat Zinger

      Big up the beet – the plant pigment betacyanin, which gives the veg its rich colour, has been found to ward off cancer. Beetroot also stimulates the liver’s detoxifying function, making it the ultimate damage-minimising mixer for a boozy blend.

      Prep Time 15 minutes mins

      Course Appetizer, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 125 kcal

      5 cm ginger4 beetroot50 ml vodka or ginice to tastesplash soda waterrosemary sprigs to garnish
      Peel the ginger, then juice with the beetroot. Pour into a shaker with vodka or gin (not both) and shake well.Pour over ice, add a splash of soda and garnish.

      Keyword Beetroot cocktail

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Kickstarter Kiwi Margarita

      With 12 kiwis, this is only three short of a rugby team. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium, the kiwi is the rugged forward of fruits, tackling the fat in your blood and kicking sleep problems into touch.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course cocktails, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 444 kcal

      1 lime12 kiwis peeled50 ml tequilaice2 tsp Himalayan salt2 tsp coconut sugarpinch Cayenne pepper30 ml organic rice syrup
      Juice the lime and kiwis; blend with tequila and ice.In a saucer, mix the salt, coconut sugar and cayenne; set aside.Put the syrup into a second saucer.Dip the glass rims in the syrup, then the salt concoction. Pour in the cocktail and serve.

      Keyword kiwi margarita

      READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Vodka Sour

      Put the sweet in this sour with rice syrup – a fructose- free alternative to the traditional cocktail syrup. Like the rice it’s made from, the syrup contains energy- enhancing B vitamins.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Calories 165 kcal

      5 cm ginger70 ml vodka20 ml organic rice syrup20 ml lemon juice2 egg whitesicepinch cinnamon
      Peel and juice the ginger, then add to a cocktail shaker along with the vodka, rice syrup, lemon juice and egg whites.Mix first without ice, then add ice and shake. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

      Cucumber Spritz

      Glugging your cucumber is just as good for your skin as donning two slices monocle-style – its inflammation-busting antioxidants soothe puffiness. The fruit is also rich in elasticity-boosting silica. Bottoms up!

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

      1 cucumber50 ml gin50 ml sparkling watermint handfulcucumber slices to garnish
      Chuck cucumber into juicerStir with gin and sparkling water, then pour into highballs and garnish with mint and cucumber.

      READ MORE: The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

      Pear Sipper

      To keep your diet from going pear-shaped, load up on, well, pears. A Brazilian study found those who ate them daily consumed fewer overall kilojoules thanks to satiety-boosting fibre.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 169 kcal

      2 pears, peeled2 tbsp cinnamon50 ml spiced rumpinch of nutmegpear slices, to serve
      Toss the pears into a juicer, then mix the juice with the cinnamon in a shallow pan and warm gently over a low heat.Stir in the spiced rum and serve in glasses garnished with nutmeg and pear slices.

      Hail Mary

      Deadlines doing your face no favours? Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can boost levels of procollagen to help keep your skin elastic and youthful. Sip those eye bags away.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 102 kcal

      4 tomatoes1/2 beetroot1/2 cucumber1/4 lemonpinch ground Cayenne pepper50 ml vodkaicecelery sticks and cherry tomatoes to garnish
      Juice the tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber and lemon, then add a pinch of cayenne.Mix in a shaker with vodka and ice, and showcase your third-base wrist action.Serve in highballs with celery and a cherry tomato, then knock ’em back!

      READ MORE: How To Add More Vegetables To Your Diet, Even If You’re Busy

      Power Daiquiri

      This packs a potassium one-two punch, thanks to the bananas and spinach. A trial of cyclists found that the humble banana powered them through intensive exercise as effectively as a sports drink. It’s recovery fuel and a party starter.

      Prep Time 2 hours hrsCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

      1 banana1/4 lime, plus wedges to serve15 g baby spinach30 ml organic rice syrup50 ml light rum
      Pre-party prep: cut the banana into six pieces and freeze.Juice the lime and add to a blender with the banana. Juice the spinach and whizz with the rice syrup, then the rum and serve with lime wedges.

      Berry and Basil Bellini

      Studies have shown basil to be antifungal and antibacterial, bolstering your immunity as you rack up countless bar tabs on the party circuit. And strawberries can reduce the risk of heart disease in women by 32 percent if consumed three times a week. Cheers!

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Calories 113 kcal

      50 g fresh basil, finely chopped plus extra to serve400 g strawberries200 ml sparkling white wine
      Purée the basil and strawberries.Divide between two Champagne flutes, top up with sparkling wine and decorate with extra basil.

      READ MORE: The 27 Best Wines For Any Occasion You Can Imagine

      Mocha Martini

      Being caffeine-free, the buzz in this Martini comes from its theobromine, a compound in raw cacao that triggers mood- lifting “happy hormone” serotonin. It gets better: polyphenols in coffee (even decaf) sharpen cognitive function!

      Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 158 kcal

      120 ml decaffeinated espresso30 ml organic rice syrup4 tsp raw cacao powder70 ml vodkaice
      Brew four shots of decaf espresso and leave to cool. Meanwhile, create a paste by mixing rice syrup and raw cacao powder.Combine everything with ice cubes and shake. Pour from a height into two Martini glasses. Dust with cacao powder to serve.

      Piña Colada

      Coconut oil’s lauric acid wards off infections and boosts collagen for healthy skin.

      Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 321 kcal

      1 pineapple, chopped2 tbsp coconut oil50 ml golden rum32 ice cubespinch unsweetened desiccated coconutpineapple wedges, to serve
      Freeze half your pineapple in advance.Come cocktail hour, juice the fresh pieces, then blitz in a blender with the frozen chunks and coconut oil.Add the rum and ice and blend for 30 seconds.Serve with a sprinkle of coconut and a pineapple wedge.

      This story was written by Julia Scirrotto; Photograph by Helena Yankovsk/Unsplash More