There’s a big chance that you’ve heard about this fizzy drink called Kombucha. It’s known for its sweet-tangy taste and multiple health benefits. Kombucha tea contains an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It’s only one of the few health beverages that have been promoted and valued by traditional culture for its health advantages.
Kombucha is a fermented tea made with a “symbiotic community of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY)” or tea fungus. Don’t get scared by that term because it’s a good thing.
This amazing tea originated in northeast China approximately 1,600 years ago. From China, this health-promoting drink reached Japan, where it was predominantly used to treat digestive problems. It gained popularity when it was used to cure a common digestive illness at that time. It eventually became popular in Russia, Germany, Italy, France, and North Africa.
Kombucha Nutrients
Kombucha is a fermented drink of black tea and sugar (from a variety of sources like sugar cane, honey, and certain fruits). The tea is considered as a functional food. It carries a nest of bacteria and yeast that trigger the fermentation once the sugar is incorporated. Once the fermentation process is completed, the tea becomes carbonated. The end product is packed with good acids, B-vitamins, enzymes, and probiotics.
Based on research, the fizzy drink has a lower calorie count than other carbonated drinks. It has roughly 30 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, and 20% value of the daily recommended B-vitamins per cup and it’s also fat-free.
Kombucha Benefits
This ancient health drink is credited with many health benefits. Its nutrients are an excellent source of body support and sustenance. However, Kombucha tea is not a magic beverage that can cure everything. With that being said, it does tremendously helps in:
- Detoxifying the liver
- Improving pancreas function
- Increasing body energy
- Improving digestive conditions
- Boosting one’s mood
- Helping in nutrient consumption
This power tea is also attributed as a weight loss supplement. To some extent, the majority of these benefits is due to the level of good enzymes and acids found in Kombucha. Take note that it does have sugar in it so you don’t want to overdo it.
6 Kombucha Advantages
- Improves digestion.
Health experts find the good enzymes and acids present in the drink is beneficial to treating digestive problems. A Harvard Medical School study explains that a healthy stomach requires over 100 trillion microbes from 500+ various species.
Fermented beverages like Kombucha tea have billions of good bacteria, enzymes, and acids. The combination of these valuable microorganisms helps in maintaining a healthy stomach.
- Detoxifies body organs.
One of the body’s major organs for detoxification is the liver. Kombucha, which has a high level of Glucaric acid, acts as the liver’s natural detoxifier.
Also, the drink helps the body absorb food easier and quicker which can eliminate the need to consume caffeinated drinks.
- Boosts the immune system.
Kombucha is loaded with antioxidants helpful in boosting the immune system. It has a compound known as “D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone” which has remarkable antioxidants advantageous for cellular detoxification. Other unfermented drinks don’t have this particular compound.
- Relieves joint pains.
Kombucha is loaded with Glucosamine, a compound known to relieve joint pains. Glucosamine organically boosts the body’s hyaluronic acid. It also supports joint protection and lubrication. In some medical trials, the hyaluronic acid offers the same relief found in over-the-counter pain medications.
- Increases body energy.
The ability of Kombucha tea to invigorate people is attributed to the iron emitted from the black tea in the fermentation process. Also, it has a miniscule amount of caffeine and a massive amount of B-vitamins, both known to energize the body.
Through the process of chelation, the released iron boosts blood hemoglobin, which improves oxygen supply to body tissues. It then fuels the energy-producing action at the cellular level.
- Substitutes sodas.
Kombucha is an excellent alternative to artificially-carbonated, sugar beverages like soft drinks. This tea is organically fizzy. The second fermentation method creates bubbles and carbonation naturally. Sodas, in contrast, are unnaturally bubbly because the carbonation is forced into the liquid.
Also, unlike Kombucha, sodas lack probiotics and nutrients. This tea also has less sugar than soft drinks. The sugar used in making the tea serves as the food of the good bacteria and is absorbed in the fermentation process.
Kombucha Potential Risks
Like any other food or drink with health-promoting properties, Kombucha tea has its share of potential risks.
- Nursing moms, expectant mothers, and anyone with a medical condition must consult with a doctor before drinking Kombucha. The tea has traces of sugar and caffeine – both are unhealthy during pregnancy.
- Some people became bloated after drinking the tea. This may be due to the probiotics found in Kombucha. Anyone with a digestive condition should first ask a doctor’s advice before drinking Kombucha tea.
- Homemade Kombucha can be tricky. If done incorrectly, the good bacteria can turn into harmful ones – and that could be life-threatening. Preparing the drink using a ceramic container may also be risky. The acidic brew can absorb lead from the container.
Making Kombucha Yourself
If you are planning on brewing Kombucha at home, proceed with caution. Fermentation is a meticulous and somewhat complicate process. It’s different from just baking or cooking something. The fermentation of a live organism entails careful food handling and safety.
Failed homemade Kombucha can trigger a heart attack, lead poisoning, or a severe allergic reaction. In making Kombucha yourself, cleanliness is very important. The right brewing utensils and methods are also necessary.
Kombucha tea is fast becoming the go-to tea of many, thanks to its significant benefits to the body. I personally like to just buy it at the health food stores that I trust. Sometimes I even buy them in bulk for me and my children to enjoy. Yes, even they love it!