Those that drink kombucha claim it has many health benefits. If you haven’t tried Kombucha, you might find its an acquired taste. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t get more than one drink down. At that point, I started out with an intense green tea kombucha, not what I would recommend. I read and heard all the many benefits, so I was determined to try again, but, a little weaker tea. The next time I tried kombucha I chose a berry flavor and was surprised at how much I liked it. Let’s break down all your questions about kombucha and the many health benefits.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is an effervescent fermented drink, usually made from black or green tea. It’s made from a bacteria and yeast, a colony that promotes fermentation with the help of sugar. Kombucha dates back to over 2000 years originating in China and has been called a “magic elixir” . After fermentation, kombucha is high in acid with probiotics, enzymes, b-vitamins, vinegar, sugar, and antioxidants. There are trace amounts of alcohol.
The “SCOBY” Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast is the key to carrying this ordinary tea into the carbonated healthy drink. SCOBY’s look a little scary and odd and usually is many layers of thickness. It grows and changes based on the container you are using to make your kombucha. You will see the SCOBY, Mother or Mushroom as it is called, usually, will be found floating at the top of the container and a gorgeous body of sediment at the bottom.
When kombucha has completed its first fermentation process, you can add unsweetened juice, herbs, or fresh fruit for added flavor. This is called a second fermentation process.
Kombucha is one of the hottest trends currently. Bottles are flying off the shelf and do it yourself classes are popping up everywhere, which I have attended. One 16 ounce glass contains only 60 calories and is very low in sugar. A healthy alternative to sodas or juice.
Health Benefits of Kombucha
Some of the Health Benefits include:
- Immune support
- Aids in digestion
- Increased energy
- Detoxification
- Joint health
Immune Support
D-saccharic acid-1,4 lactone a powerful antioxidant was found during the fermentation process. DSL helps protect against cell damage and inflammation, supporting a healthy immune system, shown to inhibit reabsorption of toxins and expel toxins, controls free radicals.
Aids In Digestion
Kombucha helps populate the gut with good beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Jump starting digestion and restore balance to the digestive system.
Increased Energy
The black tea in Kombucha releases iron and helps with hemoglobin and improves oxygen supply. There is a small amount of caffeine(minuscule). The b-vitamins also help with energy.
Detoxification
Our body takes in toxins daily just from our environment, as well as foods we eat. Kombucha is high in glucaric acid along with DSL aiding the liver in detoxification. Our liver is our bodies biggest detoxification system. Detoxing our body is essential to reduce the load.
Joint Health
Natural source of glucosamine which helps with joint care. Glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid contributing to lubricate our joints and protect them. Many orthopedic doctors recommend Glucosamine supplements to their patients for these benefits.
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that kombucha improves and stimulates metabolism making our body more efficient at burning fat, balancing our overall digestion system. When our body runs better in the balance we have greater ability to process our food. Helping our body not to hold on to excess weight.
Research is still underway on all the benefits connected with Kombucha.
Other Benefits
Help with high blood pressure, menopause, cancer prevention, ulcers, leaky gut, diabetes by lowering blood sugars, and asthma.
Some Considerations
- If you have a sensitive stomach or weakened immune system, it is recommended to be cautious with home brewing. The contamination could be increased if the environment and equipment aren’t sterile. It could cause upset stomach or allergic reaction.
- It is recommended that pregnant or nursing woman not consume alcohol or caffeine. There are low levels of both, so it’s better to be safe.
- Sugar is used to make kombucha, however, during the fermentation process most of the sugar ferments out.
- Kombucha does contain alcohol through the fermentation process. But, rest assured when purchasing from a store the levels are regulated and must be below 0.5%.
Home Brewing
- Clean in boiling soapy water equipment(1-gallon glass jar) suggested using glass versus ceramic or plastic. Most plastic contains BPA and ceramic has the potential to leach lead.
- In a large stock pot bring 1 gallon of filtered water to a boil adding green or black tea or a combination.
- Add 1 cup sugar
- Let Steep for several hours remove tea bags or loose tea. Add SCOBY and 1 cup pre-made kombucha.
- Cover tightly with a cloth and rubber band. Allow enough room for air-exchange but no bugs to get in.
- Let sit for 10-14 days, taste. This is a personal preference time. The shorter fermentation, the weaker and less effervescent. The longer fermentation, the stronger and more vibrant taste.
After this stage, you will decide if you’d like to add unsweetened juice, herbs or fresh fruit, about 1 ounce per gallon. If you choose this second fermentation, you will add letting set for additional 2-7 days. Then bottle in desired size glass containers and refrigerate.
