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Kombucha is a traditional fermented drink made of black tea and sugar. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has been prized by traditional cultures for its health-promoting properties.
Once a very obscure drink, Kombucha is now a popular beverage that is available at most health food stores and many local grocery stores.
Many people also brew at home using various methods including the batch method and continuous brew.
SCOBY: A Colony of Microbes
• The SCOBY, or Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast, is the collection of microbes responsible for turning sweet tea into a probiotic beverage.
• Essentially, it is a living colony of beneficial organisms that turn sugar into healthful acids and probiotics.
• You may also hear a SCOBY called “The Mother” as it is the parent culture that creates the tea. During the brewing process, the SCOBY also often creates a “baby” or secondary culture on top of itself, which can then be used to brew other batches.
• If properly taken care of, a SCOBY can last for many years.
Kombucha Nutrition
• Kombucha is lower-calorie than other carbonated beverages like soft drinks, with only about 30 calories per cup.
• It is fat-free and does not contain any protein.
• It contains about seven grams of carbohydrates and about 20% of the daily value of B-Vitamins.
• To see a list of other vitamins and minerals contained in kombucha, head here.
What does it Taste Like?
• This fermented tea has a slightly sweet and slightly tangy flavor, reminiscent of a shrub or vinegar based drink.
• Finished kombucha tea can also be flavored in a process called secondary fermentation by adding juices, fruit or herbs.
KOmbucha Benefits and Probiotics
The nutrients it contains are wonderful at supporting the
body in various ways.
To be clear- it isn’t some magic pill or silver bullet, but it may help the body function
well by supporting the following ...
Improving Digestion• Kombucha contains probiotics, enzymes and
beneficial acids and these have been researched for their health benefits.
• Harvard Medical School explains that a healthy gut will have 100 trillion + microorganisms from 500 different identified species.
• Kombucha contain billions of these beneficial bacteria, enzymes and acids that help keep the gut in balance.
Natural Detoxification and Liver Support
• The liver is one of the body’s main detoxification organs.
• Kombucha is high in Glucaric acid, which is beneficial to the liver and aids its natural detoxification.
Immune Boost
• Kombucha is naturally high in antioxidants and supportive of the immune system.
• It contains a compound called D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone that has amazing antioxidant properties.
May Support Joint Health
• Kombucha is a natural source of compounds called glucosamines, which are often recommended for joint health and to alleviate joint pain.
• Glucosamines naturally increase hyaluronic acid in the body and helps protect and lubricate the joints.
More Nutritious Alternative to Soda• Kombucha is a great alternative to
sugar-laden drinks like soda. It is naturally carbonated.
• This means that the secondary fermentation process naturally produces bubbles and carbonation.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Kombucha Risks and Cautions• Pregnant and nursing moms and anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor before consuming. It contains both caffeine and sugar, which should be limited during pregnancy.
• Some people experience bloating from drinking it.
• If kombucha is made incorrectly, it may contain harmful bacteria and could be dangerous.
• Preparing kombucha in a ceramic vessel may be dangerous as the acidic brew can leach any lead from this vessel into the finished drink.
Oral Health Concerns• The most logical concern I’ve seen with Kombucha is its potential to cause dental problems. Since it is high in natural acids (but still lower than most sodas) it can be harmful to the teeth.
• Here’s an article about consuming kombucha without harming your teeth.
Caffeine Content
• In general, it is considered to have less caffeine than soda or coffee.
• Caffeine content also decreases during fermentation, so the longer the ferment, the less caffeine typically left in the brew.
• If caffeine is a concern, here are ways to reduce the caffeine content.
Sugar Content• Sugar is used in making kombucha, and for this
reason many people are concerned about the sugar content in the finished tea.
• Fortunately, the majority of the sugar ferments out during the fermentation process.
• Because the sugar is the food for the bacteria, it is not possible to make without any sugar at all.
Alcohol Content• Kombucha does contain a very small
amount of alcohol, which has been a source of much controversy in recent years.
• Sources estimate that store bought brews contain 0.5% to 1.0% alcohol. To put this in perspective, a person would have to drink a six pack of kombucha to approach the alcohol in a single 12oz beer.
How to Find Kombucha
Click here for a tutorial on making your own kombucha at home.
If you want pre-made kombucha, some of my favorite pre-made brands are:• GTs Kombucha• Humm Kombucha• Buchi
TO Learn more about the Many Benefits of Kombucha, Click Here.
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