What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a tea preparation and has been used in China and Japan for various health benefits since ancient times. It is made by fermenting green or black tea for a week; by adding strains of yeast and bacteria along with sugar to it.
This formula is known as the SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast)mix. This mixture contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process in combination with sugar.
On fermentation, the yeast and bacteria form a mushroom-like blob of the film on the surface of the liquid tea. This is why kombucha is also known as mushroom tea.
This process of fermentation produces acetic acid along with other acids and traces of alcohol; to make it a carbonated drink. A large amount of healthy bacteria present in the drink makes it probiotic in nature and improves gut health. Thus adding kombucha tea to your diet might have a beneficial effect on your health in many ways.
10 Reasons Why You Should Take Kombucha Tea to Improve Your Health.
1. Powerful antioxidants.
As Kombucha tea is made by fermenting green tea, it incorporates all the benefits of green tea into itself. Green tea is considered one of the healthiest amongst drinks by dieticians as it is packed with antioxidants. Studies have shown that green tea increases metabolism, reduces cholesterol levels and helps in blood sugar control. Drinkers of this green tea also show reduced instances of prostate, breast and colon cancer.
2. Reduces liver toxicity.
Kombucha tea, when made with green tea as a base; has antioxidant effects on the liver. Studies conducted on rats have shown that regular intake of kombucha tea decreases liver toxicity caused by harmful chemicals, by up to 70%.
3. Probiotic effect
The fermentation process causes a concentration of lactic acid bacteria which are known for their probiotic properties. Probiotics improve gut health which in turn has a positive effect on the health of human beings.
Aids in digestion as components of kombucha has a prominent lactobacillus population which help to stabilize digestive tract. Drinking kombucha has a beneficial effect on irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, constipation and inflammatory bowel diseases.
4. Kills harmful bacteria
The process of fermentation by which kombucha is made facilitates the production of acetic acid which is also present in vinegar. It has polyphenols which help in killing many harmful microorganisms. However as these antimicrobial effects kill off undesirable bacteria, they do not affect the good probiotic bacteria.
5. Improves heart health
Kombucha tea has been known to improve good cholesterol levels (HDL) and decrease bad cholesterol levels (LDL). This ability of kombucha to positively improve and maintain cholesterol levels has a good effect on heart health.
6. Treats depression
Kombucha helps in improving mental health by stabilizing mood levels. The compound l- theanine found in green tea increases levels of the hormone serotonin which helps one in keeping relaxed and balanced.
7. Helps manage type 2 diabetes
Drinking kombucha slows down the digestion of carbs which lowers blood sugar levels. It inhibits a-amylase production which is a protein present in the pancreas and is the cause of higher post-meal glucose levels.
8. Prevents cancer
As kombucha is loaded with antioxidants it helps the body to get rid of free radicals and toxic substances which promote the growth of cancerous cells. The compounds in kombucha which may help in the inhibition of cancer growth are polyphenols, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, lactic acid and vitamin C.
Ingredients in kombucha also inhibit the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancers, especially prostate cancer.
9. Helps in maintaining weight
Even though kombucha is a sweet-tasting drink, most of its sugar is fermented. Per serving it has only 6 gms of sugar, compared to traditional drinks which have double the amount. In addition to this kombucha increases metabolism which aids in weight loss.
10. Improves fertility
Kombucha contains lactobacillus which helps in suppressing the growth of certain bacteria. When women want to conceive, the balance of vaginal ph is a very important factor to produce fertile mucus. Without an environment of fertile mucus to thrive in, sperm are killed off quickly on contact. Also, the calming effects of drinking kombucha tea have a positive effect on a woman’s fertility cycle.
Conclusion
These are several of the reasons why kombucha is known as the “Immortal Health Elixir”. It was discovered by the Chinese about 2000 years ago and has stood the test of time in proving it’s efficacy.
Add Comment