Kombucha is a tea obtained by the fermentation of black or green tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, also known as SCOBY. It is this symbiotic culture that sits at the top of the fermented tea and feeds on the sugar before transforming it and unlocking things in the food that you would not normally get access to. It can come in various flavors, depending on whether it’s made from black or green tea, and has a fizzy texture on the palate with a slight alcoholic taste.
This tea has been famously known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” in ancient Chinese culture, and there are more than a few reasons why this is. From minerals to probiotics, here are six health benefits of kombucha you may want to know about.
#1: Detoxification
Kombucha contains large amounts of organic acids and powerful antioxidants that can help shield the body from oxidative damage. These antioxidants work by looking out for free radicals and neutralizing their effects, ultimately repairing and protecting the body from chronic diseases and inflammation.
#2: Helps The Digestive System
Because kombucha is fermented, it means that it is rich in probiotics, which sustain gut health and provide relief for various abdominal disorders including chronic constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, probiotics play a role in how your system processes food, absorbs nutrients, as well as how your metabolism and immune system function.
#3: Enhances Mood
Fascinatingly enough, it is the microbes in the stomach that are responsible for producing 90 percent of the body’s serotonin, which is one of the four major chemicals that help regulate your mood. The consumption of fermented foods, such as kombucha, can more easily maintain a healthy production of these microbes and bring the body to a more balanced state overall.
#4: Joint Care
This drink contains glucosamine, which is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of all types of arthritis. It works to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, an acid that aids in reducing free radical damage, while lubricating and improving the elasticity of joints.
#5: Weight Loss
Kombucha can help with weight loss because of how it benefits the digestive system; not to mention that some people drink it prior to exercise because they feel a slight boost of energy. A well-functioning digestive system with balanced gut bacteria aids nutrient absorption and overall metabolism, and when our body can function optimally it is more efficient at burning fat.
#6: Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Studies have shown that kombucha can help lower cholesterol, sometimes as much as 50 percent. Due to the anti-lipidemic properties of kombucha, the body can reduce the absorption of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while elevating the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).
