If you live in Houston, Texas, you probably have noticed an increase in the options and brands of kombucha at your grocery or local health food store. You probably also note that it is a bit pricey. Is it really worth the price? If you really like the taste, you don’t need to go any further. It’s about the same price as a Starbucks specialty coffee. If you only drink it for its health benefits, finding out whether it’s truly healthy is important.
The microbes in it can boost the benefits.
Whether you drink green tea, black tea or other variations, there are health benefits. The benefits increase when you ferment that tea, which is exactly what kombucha is, fermented tea. Just like sauerkraut, kim chi, kefir and yogurt, it offers health benefits from the microbes that occur during the fermentation process. It’s a probiotic, boosting the health by giving bacteria in the gut, which is responsible for a high percentage of your immunity. Not only do the bacteria help digest food, making them easy to absorb by the body, they aid in fighting infection and provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It all starts with the tea.
The tea has polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help decrease inflammation. The fermentation process then increases the polyphenol contents. Like vinegar, it has organic acids, such as glucuronic, acetic and D-Saccharic acids, which are antimicrobial and can aid in detoxification of the liver. These organic acids also aid in the movement of polyphenols throughout the body. There are several studies that show kombucha is beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels, cholesterol and reducing the potential of cancer. It’s also been shown to have antimicrobial properties, while improving digestive functions and liver functioning.
You can keep the cost down by brewing your own.
Like all fermented foods, it starts with a “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast,” known by the acronym SCOBY. You also need a starter tea, which can be any type of tea, but normally black or green tea bags are used, sugar, and water. You can buy the SCOBY or make your own. You need bottles and time, but it may be worth the effort if you’re on a limited budget, since it lowers the cost from several dollars a bottle to several cents. Be aware, there are some things that can destroy your plans, like using flavored tea, decaf tea, honey or sugar substitutes, metal containers, antibacterial soap or putting the kombucha in the refrigerator.
- Like yogurt, kombucha can be a good drink to help prevent Candida from yeast overgrowth if you’re taking an antibiotic. According to the CDC, four ounces three times a day is a safe option to help with that problem.
- The benefits to diabetics are still uncertain, since studies vary. The sugar in it is for the SCOBY to digest, not for the person who consumes the kombucha. Always talk with your health care professional before consuming.
- The high antioxidant content of kombucha can aid in liver health by providing protection. It can also aid in preventing damage from acetaminophen overdose. Kombucha can also be good for the brain and the lungs.
- There are side effects from drinking too much kombucha. If it’s homemade, some caution should be taken. Pregnant and lactating women and children shouldn’t drink kombucha. Neither should people with a compromised immune system or those with alcohol dependency.
For more information, contact us today at Rising Fitness Gym