Kombucha came from the Far East, although the exact country of origin is still unknown. It’s fermented green or black tea. The tea receives a dose of SCOBY—symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast—that starts the fermentation process. It makes it effervescent. The fermentation gives it the probiotic benefits that make it healthy. It definitely looks a bit scary brewing. Even though it’s scary looking, Kombucha has many benefits. It has antioxidants that protect cells, and has been shown to kill harmful bacteria, while also preventing several diseases.
It’s a probiotic.
When you ferment the kombucha, you’re building colonies of healthy microbes. It’s similar to the benefits you get from kim chi, kifir, sauerkraut and yogurt. Adding those beneficial microbes to your diet can boost your immune system. They go to the gut, where 80% of your immunity starts. Beneficial bacteria and microbes help the digestive process and aid in absorption of nutrients. They also fight disease and infection, which can occur in several ways, but one way is by fighting off unhealthy organisms. The nutrients in kombucha vary, but many are antioxidants that fight free radicals and help prevent inflammation, which can cause serious conditions.
If you’re diabetic or prediabetic, kombucha may help you.
You can make kombucha from black or green tea, but kombucha made from green tea is especially helpful. It does need to be made with a lower amount of sugar if you’re prone to or have diabetes. Green and black tea have antioxidants, like polyphenols, to protect cells. Green tea can help you lose weight by boosting the calories burned and reducing belly fat. It can protect kidney and liver functioning, aid in the control of blood sugar and slow the digestion of carbohydrates. Kombucha provides all the benefits of green and black tea and more.
You’ll improve your digestive system with kombucha.
Your digestive system is the core of your microbiome and contains bacteria, yeast and other types of microbes. Kombucha can make the group a healthier combination. Each person has a different healthy type of microbiome, but there is a broader view of what makes the microbiome the healthiest. Just as there’s no “one perfect diet” for everyone, we still have a consensus of what constitutes a healthy diet. If you have an overgrowth of any one type of pathogen, just like yogurt or other fermented food, kombucha can help you get back on track to a healthier gut.
- A healthy liver is important for good health. The liver filters out many harmful substances. Kombucha can improve liver functioning by protecting it with its antioxidants. It can even protect it from damage from an acetaminophen overdose.
- If you’ve ever considered supplementing your diet with apple cider vinegar, why not consider kombucha instead. Like vinegar, it’s antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti fungal when it comes to undesirable yeast and bacteria. Just like in vinegar, it’s the polyphenols and acetic acids that does it.
- Drinking kombucha can lower your triglycerides and overall cholesterol. That makes it heart healthy, too. Kombucha also contains vitamin B12 that can help both your mental well-being, but also your lungs.
- Even though kombucha is healthy, drinking more than 12-ounces a day is NOT recommended. The CDC suggests no more than four ounces consumed three times per day.
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