Kombucha Tea

Kombucha Tea is cold fermented tea. It is made by fermenting black tea or green tea. Fermentation is achieved using strains of live yeast and bacteria, which in technical terms is called Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY).

SCOBY is added to green or black tea and is left to ferment for a period of one week. During this period, a layer of SCOBY which looks similar to mushroom develops on tea, giving it a popular name Mushroom Tea. So if you listen someone talking about Mushroom Tea, don’t get misled. It has nothing to do with mushroom. It is just the physical similarity of layer of SCOBY to mushroom that at some places, it has gained popularity with the name Mushroom Tea. This layer can further be used as culture to make more Kombucha Tea.

It is not sure where did it originate. According to some scholars it originated in China, some claim its origin in Japan and to some it originated in Russia & Eastern Europe. Wherever it originated, it is sure that it was in use some 2000 years ago. It entered American markets in early 20th century; and gained worldwide recognition during past couple of decades only.

PROPERTIES OF KOMBUCHA TEA

During the process of fermentation of Kombucha Tea acetic acid, some other acids, traces of alcohol and gases are released making it carbonated. So it is fizzy.

Kombucha Tea has vinegar like smell and sour taste. Some people love this taste, while some find it weird.

HOW TO CONSUME KOMBUCHA TEA?

Kombucha Tea can be consumed in its original form. But some people may find its taste not so good. It may take some time to get used to its taste. In that case, you can add fruits like berries, cherries or even almonds to enhance its taste. To add some flavour to Kombucha Tea, cinnamon, ginger, basil, lemon or fresh fruit juice can be added. So you can customize your cup of this magical drink as per your taste.

WHAT MAKES KOMBUCHA TEA BENEFICIAL FOR HEALTH?

  • Having undergone the process of fermentation using a culture of yeast and live bacteria, it contains a lot of Probiotics.
  • If the Kombucha Tea has been prepared using green tea, it gains all the benefits of Green Tea.
  • During its fermentation, little alcohol is also produced; enriching this bizarre drink with the health benefits of consuming alcohol in little quantities.
  • If you are still not convinced, let me tell you that Kombucha Tea is loaded with Antioxidants making it an anti ageing drink.

By now you must be aware that it is a MAGIC DRINK which has multifarious benefits of Probiotics, Green Tea, Alcohol and Antioxidants making it an outstanding choice to improve overall health.

What Are Kombucha’s Health Benefits?

Read on further to know the health benefits of Kombucha Tea in detail:

#1. IMMUNITY BOOSTER –

Probiotics produced during the process of fermentation are known to boost immunity. The Probiotics or “Good Bacteria” help the body in fighting the malicious bacteria which may cause ulcer, inflammation etc. It is believed to be a magical remedy for liver and its regular intake makes our liver healthier over a period of time. It also simplifies the work of Pancreas due to its properties.

#2. DETOXIFICATION –

Detoxification in most simple terms is, to flush out the toxic elements from the body. Detoxification of body largely depends on smooth functioning of liver. Kombucha Tea’s strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties assist the liver in performing its function of detoxification more effectively. It enhances the amount of amino acids released by the liver, which further combines with toxins. Toxins are subsequently passed out from the body in form of urine. Large amount of antioxidants in Kombucha Tea also play a part in flushing out the toxins from bloodstream.

#3. IMPROVES DIGESTION –

Due to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle, one of the biggest challenges in modern times is to keep our gut functional and healthy. With cut throat competition in jobs for promotions and appraisals, we barely have time to cook fresh food. Junk food and processed food have become a part and parcel of our lives. We may not be able to avoid it completely, but we can certainly overcome the possible damage it can incur to our digestive system. Whenever we eat something laden with oil and chemicals, it increases the content of harmful bacteria in our digestive tract. A simple way to kill those harmful bacteria is by enriching our belly with the army of good bacteria. Kombucha is one such source of probiotics. So, next time you have a big Mac Burger (big not only in size but also in amount of processed cheese and sauces) in breakfast, make sure to follow it with Kombucha tea during 11am break.

#4. PREVENTS ARTHRITIS –

Kombucha Tea is one of the natural sources of Glucosamine. It is a chemical which assists the body in building ligaments and tendons of our joints. Glucosamine also aids in the production of cartilage. Kombucha Tea can, therefore, prevent arthritis.

Some people claim to have cured arthritis quite fast when their medication was supplemented with a daily dose of Kombucha Tea. There is, however, no scientific evidence for the same.

#5. PREVENTS CANCER –

Kombucha Tea, if made from green tea, is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which are one of the main causes of loss of collagen. These also have a role to play in repairing the damaged cells. Many studies have proved that antioxidants suppress the growth of cancer cells.

So, there is no doubt about the role which Kombucha Tea can play, in preventing and delaying the onset of this dreadful disease.

#6. LOWERS BAD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS –

Recent studies have revealed that intake of Kombucha tea reduces LDL (Bad Cholesterol) and increases HDL (Good Cholesterol). A higher LDL and lower HDL put a person at higher risk of increased blood pressure and cardiac issues.  This weird beverage can prove to be a boon to people with higher LDL levels.

#7. ENERGY BOOSTER –

Kombucha Tea boosts the energy level of our body due to presence of Vitamin B12. Many sports persons swear by it. They also claim that drinking Kombucha Tea helps in replenishing the lost energy and also soothes the sore muscles caused due to wear and tear.

#8. AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS-

Kombucha Tea can do wonders when it comes to weight loss. If taken 30-45 minutes before meals, it helps in limiting the intake. Not only does it limit the intake of the amount of food, but also improves metabolism.

A point to be noted is that no food and no drink can act magically to control your weight. There are, however, some foods and drinks which aid in the process of weight loss due to some special properties possessed by them; and Kombucha Tea is one such drink

#9. IMPROVES MOOD-

Kombucha Tea is significantly rich in B Vitamins, more so in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. These vitamins are known to fight depression and improving mood. It also helps in keeping our “mood swings” at bay.

Moreover, desired amount of alcohol in Kombucha Tea is helpful in bringing positive vibes and thus enhancing the overall mood

#10. REDUCES INFLAMMATION-

Inflammation is seen when white blood cells fight any potential threat to our bodies. It is a response of body to something unwanted. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases like arthritis and even cancer. Inflammation also brings a lot of discomfort. It is, therefore, advisable to soothe it. Kombucha Tea is very effective in reducing the inflammation and thus giving you much needed relie

#11. GOOD FOR LIVER-

When Kombucha Tea reaches our liver, its antioxidant properties act there. It can bind to the toxins in liver and helps in its detoxification. A research conducted on rats revealed that in some cases liver toxicity decreased by as high as 70%.

No Research has yet been conducted on humans to study the effects of Kombucha Tea concretely on liver; yet we can hope it reduces the liver toxicity in substantial amounts.

FINAL SAY

No potential side effects of Kombucha Tea have been established yet. All we know is its broad spectrum health benefits. So why not give it a try. It can prove to be beneficial in many ways.

People who are fond of carbonated drinks, Kombucha Tea can be a great substitute. It will satisfy your cravings for a carbonated drink while protecting you from its potential harms.

All those who want to boost immunity, improve digestion and lose weight should also give it a try.

It is a drink which we recommend not only to a specific section of people, rather Kombucha Tea can be incorporated in lifestyle of every one of us to improve overall health.

Author Bio

Hello Readers !! Natalie and Caitlyn Bell are the founders of Healtholine, They started Healtholine to provide a platform where they could share informative articles related to health, fitness, beauty, weight loss etc Natalie is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry. Connect with both sisters to know more.