Benefits of Kombucha

Kombucha is one of those things that some people will absolutely love while others will never try it again. But kombucha may be a great decision to add to your daily or weekly health regimen. Kombucha is a fermented tea (usually black, though sometimes green) with sugar. The fermenting process creates a slightly fizzy drink that is rich with probiotics which means it contains live bacteria and yeasts that benefit your digestive system. The benefits of kombucha mainly come from its strong antioxidants (Polyphenols) and also provides B vitamins, a few essential minerals, organic acids, glucuronic and D-Saccharic acids.

These acids have been known to be antimicrobial which means they fight against bacterial growth and can also promote detoxification by helping the liver get rid of undesired compounds it produces. Some of those acids are produced from ethanol so it’s worth noting that kombucha contains low levels of alcohol, usually around 0.5 to 3 percent which is less than an average craft beer which ranges between 6 to 8 percent.

Beside alleviating digestive problems and detoxifying your liver, kombucha has many more benefits. The bacteria in kombucha can also help stimulate the immune system, which is closely connected to the living organisms in the stomach. Probiotics, specifically from those in fermented foods, can strengthen our natural defenses against harmful microbes and some forms of illnesses. Another powerful compound found in kombucha is glucosamine, which can alleviate all types of arthritis symptoms. Glucosamines enhance hyaluronic acid production, which may help to protect cartilage and reduce arthritic pain. When it comes to health problems, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, it's important to incorporate natural combatants into your diet in the form of good bacteria which can be found in kombucha.

Kombucha is also filled with different vitamins and minerals which keep your body working at its peak performance. In addition to small amounts of caffeine, kombucha contains B vitamins and iron. The iron can help increase hemoglobin in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen flow and energizing your body. Kombucha is thought to increase the metabolism when consumed before meals. The green tea and black tea varieties of kombucha are particularly effective by combining the antioxidant power of the tea and the symbiotic colony in the kombucha just like apple cider vinegar. The vitamins in kombucha, specifically vitamins B1, B6, and B12, may help battle depression, stabilize mood swings, and enhance mental concentration. The vitamin C in kombucha, inhibits the release of the hormone cortisol which reduces stress.

While Kombucha is extremely beneficial for your body, too much of anything is bad for you. Consuming kombucha one to three times a day is considered safe but you shouldn’t consume more than 12-13 ounces. Drinking too much kombucha could potentially lead to reactions like headache, nausea, GI distress, or ketoacidosis which is a medical problem where there is too much acid in your bloodstream. Since kombucha does contain alcohol, pregnant women and young children are recommended to stay away from it.