10+ Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kombucha

There is evidence that more than 2,000 years ago the Chinese consumed kombucha tea to take advantage of its stimulating and healing properties. Since this tea has become a global trend, it’s appropriate to focus on fully understanding its benefits, applications, and possible side effects.

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Kombucha is brewed as a tea after a fermentation process known as “SCOBY” (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast), a culture of bacteria and yeast, as well as the kombucha fungus.

This is precisely what makes it a drink rich in vitamins, minerals and essential organic acids.

What Is Kombucha Used For?

Since ancient China, kombucha has come a long way to be among the most demanded products on the European continent.

Its boom is not surprising because its properties and benefits are many.

Kombucha is prepared with a mixture of green or black tea and a symbiotic culture of yeasts and beneficial bacteria, as well as the kombucha fungus that has a gelatinous appearance, and is capable of transforming the polyphenols in the tea into other organic compounds, after fermentation of between 7 and 14 days.

During this period, it becomes a somewhat acidic refreshing drink, to which its flavour can be improved by adding natural fruits after the fermentation process.

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Kombucha Properties

• It has antioxidant properties.
• It has vasodilator and anti-inflammatory effects.
• It serves as a moisturiser, being rich in water, vitamins and minerals.
• Its antibacterial virtues are recognized.
• It has digestive attributes.
• Its organic acids and probiotics can balance and regulate intestinal flora.
• It has a diuretic effect.
• It has purifying action.
• It’s exhilarating.
• It has astringent properties.

Health Benefits Of Kombucha

The benefits of kombucha tea for the body are diverse; among them are:

• Provides antioxidants: it is an ally in the fight against free radicals and cellular deterioration.
• It’s a natural probiotic: it’s claimed that it activates gastric juices and improves the process of intake and absorption of nutrients, thus optimising digestion.
• Helps lose weight: much has been said about the benefits of kombucha for weight loss, largely due to its power to cleanse the body of toxins, improve the intestinal tract and expel accumulated fat, although others think that kombucha makes you fat.
• Helps detoxify the body: its glucuronic acid component manages to adhere to toxic substances and eliminates them through urine.
• Reduces cholesterol: it can reduce markers of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Therefore, it’s beneficial for heart and blood circulation.
• Helps the liver and kidneys: it does this by stimulating liver enzymes to more easily dispose of toxic compounds. In addition, this drink improves the metabolism of sugars and the general functioning of the kidneys.
• Strengthens the immune system: the bacteria and yeasts in kombucha help strengthen the immune system in the presence of possible infections, which makes it a natural antibiotic.
• It has a high content of vitamins and minerals: it contains B vitamins and C, iron, zinc, copper and manganese help the body in important biochemical processes.

How To Use Kombucha?

Kombucha is a 100% natural drink, with probiotic properties, it’s vegan and gluten-free.

Kombucha tea produced in an industrial way is conveniently sterilised, although in this way it loses its probiotic effect and part of its nutritional value.

For those who want to take full advantage of kombucha’s properties, there are brewing starter kits available to purchase, and if made under a careful hygienic process, it may be a good and inexpensive alternative to the store-bought versions.

Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach can improve digestion, because it’s brimming with enzymes that break down food in the digestive tract, making it easier to absorb.

When consumed for the first time, it must be done in moderation, as it’s possible that a little bowel movement will be experienced.

Hence, it’s recommended to start with only 60-120 ml daily.

Disadvantages And Risks

During the Chinese Tsin dynasty, kombucha was considered the elixir of life and immortality.

Millennia later, its medicinal attributes are still valued.

However, a few disadvantages and risks must be taken into consideration:

• It’s not recommended for children and pregnant women: although its consumption has become widespread, it must be borne in mind that it is a slightly alcoholic beverage since when the sugar is fermented it becomes ethylic substances.
• It can affect the immune system: if not prepared correctly, it can contain high concentrations of dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Helicobacter Pylori, if it’s not made with proper hygienic measures.
• This makes the use of kombucha contraindicated in people who are immunosuppressed or who have deficiencies in the functioning of the immune system. Pregnant women, lactating women, children, and patients with HIV or affected by any infection should avoid consuming kombucha.
• Kombucha is not recommended for people who suffer from insomnia since it contains caffeine. In addition, you have to use common sense when consuming it, because drinking it in excess can cause diarrhoea.

Final Thoughts

In short, kombucha is a healthy drink that provides many health benefits.

One highlight is that it’s vegan and gluten-free.

If consumed in a reasonable way, it can be a great ally to staying healthy.

Clinical trials are still underway to learn more about its therapeutic properties.

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