Step foot in any grocery store and you’ll see a wide variety of the health “elixir” known as kombucha. This probiotic-packed, fermented tea drink dates back to approximately 220 B.C. in northeast China where it was touted for it’s medicinal and healing properties (1).
Kombucha is made by combining brewed tea, white sugar and a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). The end result is a fizzy, tart, slightly sweet beverage, that’s packed with quite a few health benefits.
Good probiotics support your gut health
Your gut is considered the body’s “second brain.” It impacts your emotional health, digestion, skin, immune system, sleep, and so much more. Kombucha provides probiotics thanks to the fermentation process, which have incredible benefits for your gut. Probiotics are “good” or “healthy” bacteria that help nourish the good guys in your gut.
A great source of antioxidants
Antioxidants fight free radicals, which can cause damage to our body’s cells, proteins and DNA. When kombucha is brewed with green tea (which provides antioxidants), your body reaps the benefits.
Kills Bad Bacteria
One of the good bacterias in kombucha is acetic acid. It’s a byproduct of the fermentation process This acid gives kombucha it’s distinct, sometimes vinegary-y tartness and also has many antimicrobial and bacteria fighting properties (1).
Supports your digestive system
Struggling with constipation? Or irritable bowel syndrome? The probiotics in kombucha help nourish the good bacteria in your digestive system and combat the bad bacteria. Often digestive issues are linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Incorporating kombucha into one’s daily routine has been shown to positively impact ones digestive health (2).
Helps manage chronic diseases such as diabetes & heart disease
Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death. When kombucha is brewed with green tea, the antioxidant benefits of the green tea help improve one’s cholesterol (3) in as little as 30 days. Regular consumers of green tea, in fact, enjoy a 31% lower risk of developing heart disease (4).
Type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance, impacts over 300 million people a year. A 30 day study conducted on diabetic rats showed improvements on liver and kidney function, slower digestion of carbs, and reduced blood sugar levels upon consuming kombucha (5).
Boosts the immune system
One’s immune system is majorly impacted by gut health. Around 70% of our immune system is in the gut, so by incorporating the power of kombucha probiotics into your daily routine, you are nourishing your gut health, which improves your immune system.
“The antioxidants in kombucha help to detoxify and reduce inflammation, reducing cell damage and helping to prevent chronic disease. Around 70 percent of our immune system is located in our gut, so good bacteria and probiotics stop the overproduction of candida and restore a healthy balance in the digestive tract. And, since there is a correlation between digestion and brain health, kombucha—rich in B vitamins—increases energy levels and keeps our minds sharp.” (6).
Promotes weight loss
Kombucha is a low calorie, low sugar drink which can be a great replacement for sugary sodas and sports drinks. Green tea, often used to make kombucha, helps curb appetite and has been shown to boost metabolism.
In summary
The list of health benefits by drinking kombucha is extensive, it’s evident that it’s a drink that’s more than a “health trend” or a “fad.” It’s readily available in most grocery stores and also very easy to make at home!
view + leave comments . . .