While there has been a growing interest in kombucha tea recently, this fermented drink has been around for thousands of years. More studies are being dedicated to understanding kombucha health benefits. Let's dive into this fascinating tea.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is made by fermenting black or green tea with specific strains of bacteria, yeast, and sugars. The fermentation process takes about two weeks to complete. During this process, a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, called SCOBY, forms on the liquid's surface. This SCOBY looks like a mushroom-shaped film and is why this drink is often referred to as "mushroom tea."
The fermentation process is where the magic happens. It produces acetic acid, trace levels of alcohol, and probiotic-acting bacteria. All of these products support kombucha health benefits. Since it is made with black and green tea, it also delivers the perks of the bioactive compounds found in these drinks. Teas contain powerful groups of antioxidants, or polyphenols, including:
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
- Theaflavins
- Tearubigins
- Other catechins or flavinoids
What Are Kombucha Health Benefits?
While mushroom tea can seem unappetizing, there are several attractive health benefits that are associated with kombucha that overshadow its murky origins.
1. Improves Gut Health
Lactic-acid bacteria formed during kombucha's fermentation process have a probiotic function that can improve gut stability. This helps improve digestion and symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases. Moreover, about 70% of the immune system is located within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Thus, enhancing your gut health will strengthen your immune system.
2. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
Drinking kombucha regularly may decrease blood sugar and improve the body's insulin levels. A study reported that black tea aided the body's ability to break down sugar and helped to control post-meal blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Some studies even showed that this drink had a curative effect on diabetic rats after only 30 days.
3. May Boost Cardiovascular Health
Generally, green and black teas protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, from oxidation, which is believed to contribute to the onset of heart disease. Rat studies have also shown that regular kombucha intake can lower LDL and increase High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, in as little as 30 days.
4. May Promote Liver Health
The main function of the liver is to help detoxify the body from harmful substances. Because of the powerful antioxidants in kombucha, regular ingestion helps fight free radicals from damaging cells. Kombucha helps the liver by assisting this mighty organ in the detoxification of the body.
5. May Reduce The Chance of Chronic Disorders
Many chronic disorders are precipitated by inflammation. Because of its ability to improve the GI, liver, and immune systems through its probiotic and antioxidant functions, drinking kombucha is a great way to complement a well-balanced diet and active lifestyle to prevent chronic disorders.
How Can You Access Kombucha Health Benefits?
The potential of this beverage is great, but many people do not know how to incorporate regular intake into their daily routine to access all the kombucha health benefits. Superfoods Company has the answer. Our instant kombucha powder is easy to use and is packed with all of its antioxidant power. Vegan-friendly, all-natural, and free from gluten and harmful additives, our innovative kombucha can help anyone achieve a healthy lifestyle. Contact us today!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-kombucha-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-benefits-kombucha/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6512146/
