When you think of a warm, cozy, and refreshing drink, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?
Perhaps the oldest and healthiest drink we can find in the market is tea. Tea remains to be the go-to drink for most people but over the last few years, the so-called sugary tea or kombucha has gained traction in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a mildly fizzy, slightly sweet and acidic beverage obtained by the fermentation of tea, commonly black tea, and sugar with a specific culture of bacteria and yeasts called SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Other types of tea like oolong and green tea can also be used, but black tea and sugar are considered the finest substrates.
The fermentation of kombucha is a combination of alcoholic, lactic, and acetic acid fermentation. Generally, the begins starts when bacteria and yeasts convert the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid, which gives kombucha its distinctive sour taste. While the actual composition varies depending on how it’s prepared, kombucha is a cocktail of various bacteria and yeast species, antioxidants, organic acids, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and carbon dioxide.
Is kombucha good for you?
Kombucha originated in northeast China 2000 years ago, where it was celebrated for its detoxifying and energizing properties. Because of this, kombucha is considered to be the fastest-growing functional beverage in the United States and has become a popular alternative to processed fizzy drinks like soda which are often loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners.
But is kombucha actually good for you? Take a glance at these 5 amazing benefits of kombucha.
1. Potential source of probiotics
During the fermentation process, different species of bacteria grow and live in the mixture. While there’s still no evidence on the probiotic benefits of kombucha, it is reported that several strains of lactic acid bacteria are present and these generally work as probiotics.
Probiotics are said to be good bacteria that help keep our bodies healthy, specifically aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, and strengthening the immune system.
2. Antioxidants may help manage type 2 diabetes
Since kombucha is made of tea, you expect to reap the antioxidants found in tea. And that’s exactly the case with kombucha. The main substances that cause its antioxidant activity are polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and DSL which are fermentation by-products. Research shows that kombucha tends to have a higher antioxidant activity than unfermented tea due to the production of enzymes during fermentation that modifies the polyphenols in the tea.
Antioxidants lower the risk of many diseases by scavenging free radicals to protect our cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. A study revealed that moderate daily consumption of kombucha is associated with normalized blood sugar levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed to investigate the role of kombucha in controlling blood sugar.
3. Polyphenols may aid in cancer prevention
Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in our diet and they play a role in preventing several diseases related to oxidative damage, such as cancers, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Studies show that polyphenols and their degradation products from fermentation have demonstrated huge potential in protecting against the initiation, promotion, and progression of some types of cancer by regulating enzymes and processes that trigger the growth of cancer cells.
4. Probiotics may enhance gut health
Although not proven to have a probiotic function, kombucha contains living microorganisms that are known to help in maintaining a healthy body by providing a balance of good bacteria in the gut which in turn boosts the immune system.
Studies also claim that kombucha does not only contain probiotics but also prebiotics which is collectively called symbiotic. More research is required to establish the probiotic function of kombucha.
5. Glucuronic acid may assist in detoxification
Our body regularly excretes toxic substances through the liver in a complex process called detoxification. Several enzymes and bacterial acids found in kombucha are very similar to the substances our cells produce to aid in the process.
The glucuronic acid in kombucha is produced due to the oxidation of glucose during fermentation. It is the most significant detoxifying substance in the human body which has the ability to bind to the toxins to ease the excretion out of the liver.
What now?
Most people probably love kombucha for its flavor. While we still don’t know everything about kombucha, it is generally safe to consume the drink as long as you source it from reputable companies. Besides, it’s a perfect alternative to soda and other sugary drinks.
Just like with any fermented products, pregnant women and people with any health condition should consult with a doctor first before having a sip of kombucha.
Go and indulge yourself in a bottle of kombucha the next time a sugar craving strikes.