There seems to be a lot of hype about Kombucha tea, which has actually been around for a very long time. In a lot of health-forward cities, it has started to steal the show from coffee, even with the less-known health benefits of coffee starting to come into the light. This fermented drink is made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It is said to stimulate the immune system, improve digestion and liver function, and prevent cancer.
Detox
The drink has been around for more than 2,000 years and has been called the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the ancient Chinese. The drinks ability to detox the body is one of the main attractions for the consumers. The drink is rich in bacterial acids and enzymes that your body uses to detox your system, as well as being high in Glucaric acid that has recently been shown to help prevent cancer.
Digestion
Kombucha is naturally fermented with bacteria and yeast, which helps to fight harmful yeast overgrowth, improve digestion, mental clarity, and mood stability. It has also been said to help with anxiety, depression, and muscle pain. The main reason Kombucha supports digestion is due to the high levels of probiotics and enzymes in the drink.
Immune Booster and Energy
The drink is rich with anti-oxidants, which increases your energy levels and boosts your immune system. The iron that is formed and released from the black tea while being fermented is the reason behind the energy boost. The drink also has b-vitamins and caffeine aiding in the energy boost. The vitamin C present in Kombucha is what helps protect against cell damage, tumors, and inflammatory diseases.
Related: Is Matcha Tea the New Coffee? What You Need to Know About the Health-Boosting Super-Food
Cancer prevention
A study published in Cancer Letters found that drinking glucaric acid in Kombucha helped reduce the risk of cancer in humans as well as help in the recovery process. While President Reagan was battling stomach cancer he reportedly drank Kombucha daily to help with his recovery.
Weight Loss
The drink is high in acetic acid and polyphenols, which are proven to help increase weight loss. The drink improves your metabolism and limits fat accumulation.
The drink can be found in most health food stores, but is also very easy to make in the comfort of your own home. Here is a sample recipe that makes around eight cups of Kombucha.
What you need:
- 1 large glass/metal jar or bowl that has a wide opening. Avoid using a plastic jar or bowl because the chemicals in the plastic can leak into the kombucha during the fermentation period.
- 1 large piece of cloth or dishtowel to secure around the opening of the jar with a rubber band.
- 1 SCOBY disk. You will need to purchase a SCOBY disk and can find one either in a health food store or online.
- 8 cups of water
- ½ cup organic cane sugar or honey
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup of pre-made kombucha
Directions:
-
Bring your water to a boil in a big pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add your teabags and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. - Allow the pot to sit for about 15 minutes, then remove and remove the tea bags.
- Let the mixture cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, add your tea mixture to your big jar/bowl. Drop in your SCOBY disk and 1 cup of pre-made kombucha.
- Cover your jar or bowl with your cloth or thin kitchen towel, and try to keep the cloth in place by using a rubber band. You want the cloth to cover the wide opening of the jar and stay in place, but be thin enough to allow air to pass through.
- Allow the kombucha to sit for 7–10 days depending on the flavor you’re looking for. Less time produces a weaker kombucha that tastes less sour, while a longer sitting time makes the kombucha ferment even longer developing more taste.
If this seems like a lot then head into your local health food store to buy the drink, and make sure you consult with your doctor to see if this drink is a healthy option for you.
I discussed the drink with my friend Timmy Stak who has been drinking it for the past three months. He began drinking due to a recommendation from a friend, and after researching all of the potential health benefits. “I do not see an overall change in my quality of life yet, but if the drink does what it says it does, I’ll keep drinking it till I see a change” said Tim. He has yet to have any negative side effects since drinking Kombucha and he loves the taste. “Kombucha is trendy and different and my favorite flavor is strawberry serenity.”
If you are looking for something new in your diet with all of the possible health benefits discussed above, check with your doctor and try out Kombucha Tea if you get the go ahead!
written by
