Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese, kombucha is a beverage with many health benefits. The fermented drink has been around for centuries but recently became popular in the U.S. because of its reported perks.
What is Kombucha?
Although you may hear it referred to as mushroom tea, kombucha is not actually made from mushrooms; the bacteria and yeast that grow on top of kombucha result in a glob that looks like a mushroom. It is made by adding the bacteria and yeast to sugar and black or green tea and allowing the brew to ferment.
Most people say that kombucha tea has an earthy, tart taste with mild carbonation and a vinegar-like smell. Some people enjoy the taste, while others add juice to the tea to make it more palatable. If you look close, you may notice little floating bits of bacteria in the unpasteurized drink.
The fermented beverages are high in acid and contain sugar, vinegar, B vitamins, antioxidants, and other chemical compounds. One 16-ounce bottle contains about 60 calories, which is much less than most fruit juices or sodas.
Improved Digestion
Kombucha is a powerhouse of a beverage, with live enzymes and probiotics, used in various cultures for thousands of years. The main way kombucha improves digestion is by replenishing good bacteria, also known as probiotics. By supporting healthy gut bacteria, kombucha helps the body digest food more easily and provides quicker, easier energy. If digestion is sluggish, cells get overloaded and backed up with the toxic waste that should be exiting the body. Because kombucha contains DSL or D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone with incredible antioxidant abilities, it has been shown to promote cellular detoxification and aid in elimination.
Weight Loss
Recommendations for weight loss vary greatly and are unscientific, but those who have had success with kombucha tea and weight loss recommend drinking 4 to 8 oz. 30 minutes before eating. Drinking a glass upon waking up in the morning is sometimes recommended to help stimulate the metabolism and reset your digestive system.
Immune Support
Your immune health may improve by drinking kombucha regularly. Kombucha’s ability to help the immune system is because of its enzymes and microbes and its antioxidants from the tea. Kombucha is usually made with green or black tea, which is high in flavonoids. Flavonoids help promote antioxidant production, digestion, and immune support. When you drink a beverage that is high in enzymes, it can help counteract the side effects of eating unhealthy, processed foods.
Cleansing and Detoxification
Kombucha benefits your body with both its cleansing and detoxification properties related to weight loss and cleansing. It detoxifies the digestive system while simultaneously cleansing the liver. The cultured kombucha contains glucuronic acid, an organic acid that binds with toxins in the body and safely eliminates them. Many health practitioners utilize the detox components of kombucha for conditions like arthritis, joint ailments, and gout.
Reduced Joint Pain
Many athletes swear by kombucha as part of their daily routine. They have discovered that not only does kombucha boost their energy levels during performance, it also helps their bodies recover more quickly post-workout.
The reasons for kombucha’s powerful assistance to joint health are a matter of debate among researchers everywhere. It’s commonly said that kombucha contains several substances that can directly improve joint health, including glucuronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, mucoitin sulfate, heparin, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine. These enzymes are believed to be responsible for helping the body rebuild tissue, especially in the knees. Although this isn’t 100% proven, many people still believe it helps with joint pain.
Helps You Sleep
The enzymes in kombucha help process undigested food that lack raw enzymes. If you have an imbalance of bad bacteria in your gut, then you’re going to be more susceptible to ailments like poor sleep. People who have impacted digestion don’t process the food they eat efficiently, leading to poor sleep.
By drinking kombucha, you’ll be getting good bacteria, B vitamins, and beneficial enzymes. Drinking kombucha is a healthy habit that’s perfect for detoxification of the liver. It’s a refreshing drink that can help you feel good, clear up brain fog and provide a kick of extra energy.
