Category Archives: Beverages

Winners Drink Matcha Tea

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Matcha powder and matcha drinks in containers

By: Erika Cardenas, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2023

Tea has been around for centuries and, after water, is the most popular drink worldwide.1 Every day, two billion cups of tea are consumed.1 Surprisingly, the primary types of tea – white, green, oolong, and black- are all derived from the same plant. It’s true, these teas come from the camellia sinensis plant but differ in cultivation method, processing, and properties.2 While these teas are “true teas,” there are also herbal infusions such as chamomile and hibiscus blends. You may have tried various types of fruit-flavored iced teas and black teas, but none are quite like matcha. Although each tea has its qualities and health benefits, matcha has been trending more recently due to the increased availability and its popularity in drinks, such as matcha lattes. 

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Apple Cider Vinegar to Keep the Doctor Away

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By Talia Bondelli, DTR

Image 9dream studio/shutterstock

I’ve been drinking apple cider vinegar for years and it seems to keep the doctor away! Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is well-known as a home remedy with many health benefits, but what exactly is it? ACV is basically apple juice with yeast in it.1 The yeast goes through fermentation and turns the apple’s sugar into alcohol and then bacteria turns the alcohol into acetic acid.2 Acetic acid gives vinegar the strong smell and bitter taste!1 It is popular to add ACV to a glass of water, tea, or salad dressing to reap the health benefits. There are some health benefits but there are also some myths about ACV with no scientific evidence. 

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Hydrate Your Body

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drinking glass with water

Image: Rawpixel/Unsplash

By: Tania Menachegani Khachatourians, B.S., CSUN Dietetic Intern

Water is an essential part of our everyday life and should be taken on a daily basis for proper bodily functions. The human body can survive weeks without food, but without water we only have a few days to survive.1 Therefore, keeping our bodies hydrated is the most important nutritional need above all else! Continue reading →

Coffee: Not Your Average Joe

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CoffeeBy Shely Salemnia, DTR, CSUN Dietetic Intern

Coffee is heralded throughout the world for its stimulating properties, delicious flavors, and invigorating aroma. But did you know coffee has many health benefits as well?

Commonly known to have originated from Ethiopia, coffee is a beverage enjoyed throughout the world; as a start to the day, as a pick-me-up, or even for ceremonial purposes1. This beverage has a passionate fan base in all four corners of the world, and even has developed its own culture. Coffee is the seed from a fruit called the coffee cherry2. The green seeds are processed and then roasted, giving it a dark brown coloring. The seeds are then ground up and heated with water to extract what we know as coffee. Continue reading →

Hibiscus Flower Tea

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By Laleh Bral, CSUN Dietetic Intern

Hibiscus tea, made from dried hibiscus flowers, is a ruby red herbal tea with a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a refreshingly tangy taste. It works well as a thirst quenching iced beverage or an invigorating hot tea. Hibiscus can be used to make a plant based food dye in items such as frosting and syrup. Continue reading →

Matcha Mania!

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 By: Tiffany Eng, M.S., CSUN Dietetic Intern

Matcha is everywhere. This finely ground green powder can be found in almost every grocery store and local coffee shop.  Characterized by a rich, earthy, and aromatic taste, matcha green tea is a versatile flavor that can be used in a variety of different products from lattes to ice creams. It has been in the limelight for years and is still soaring in popularity among food bloggers and coffee shop goers. Continue reading →