Since the dawn of civilization, humans have come up with various health drinks. Be it the humble tea or some other concoction, every culture has its unique health drink with so-called magical properties. In the last few years, one such health drink gaining popularity is kombucha. What is kombucha exactly? What is kombucha good for? And are there any side effects to watch out for? This article will answer all these questions.
Prime Ingredients of Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made of either green tea or black tea. It originated in China about 2000 years ago and gained popularity in Japan, China, and eventually Europe. What does kombucha look and taste like? You can expect some fizziness in your kombucha, caused by the fermentation. It also has a rather tangy, vinegary taste, so it is combined with sweet ingredients such as sugar, honey, or fruits to make it more palatable. Lastly, a kombucha drink also contains B vitamins and helpful bacteria, earning it the title of a functional beverage.
Purported Health Benefits of Kombucha
What is kombucha good for? This section answers this question by laying down the so-called health benefits of this fizzy, fermented beverage. But before delving into it, please note that all benefits are anecdotal at the moment.
Better Digestion
All fermented foods in general help improve digestion. Since kombucha is also a fermented drink, it exhibits some probiotic properties. If you suffer from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or diarrhea, kombucha might help. The exact benefits are still under research so the evidence is fleeting at best.
Strengthening the Immune System
The key ingredient used in kombucha is green or black tea. Both of these drinks are known for their antioxidant properties, so you can experience the same benefits by drinking kombucha. Antioxidants play a vital role in the human body as they protect cells from damage, thereby boosting the immune system. What’s more, the fermentation process of kombucha can further boost the antioxidant properties of the teas. So give your immune system a boost with kombucha, and also improve your gut health, which is closely linked to the body’s immunity.
Aid Your Fat Loss Efforts
Innumerable products are peddled yearly in the name of fat loss, with little to no results. Kombucha can possibly put an end to that search. An interesting study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina found that a certain species of worms reduced their triglyceride levels by consuming kombucha. By consuming the fermented drink, the worm’s stomach metabolism changed. Drinking kombucha had a similar effect as fasting. Although further research is required on humans, this is a positive sign for proponents of kombucha. So what is kombucha good for? It might just help you shed those stubborn pounds in the future.
Reducing Cholesterol
Kombucha is a topic of extensive research and study, including its effects on cholesterol. A study found a correlation between the consumption of kombucha to the reduction of cholesterol in rats. The study found a 55 percent reduction of cholesterol in the liver and a 44 percent reduction in the kidneys of rats who were fed a high-cholesterol diet.
But how does this impact humans? Many studies closely link the increase in heart-related problems with a rise in cholesterol levels. Kombucha might be used to reduce cholesterol and promote heart health in the coming years.
Reducing Blood Sugar Levels
Despite having sugar in the drink, kombucha aids in reducing the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. A study found a positive correlation between ingesting kombucha and a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in those ailing from diabetes. To those wondering what is kombucha good for, this drink might just help you control hyperglycemia.
Liver Detoxification
Apart from probiotics, kombucha is also chock full of beneficial enzymes and acids. This can aid in detoxing the liver in some cases, but more research is needed to back up this claim.
Risks Associated with Kombucha
We answered what is kombucha good for, but is it actually safe to drink it in all cases? As we will see below, there are some risks associated with kombucha.
When Preparing Homemade Kombucha
The main ingredients are tea, yeast, and sugar, so how hard can it be to brew it at home? If done improperly, you might end up drinking harmful bacteria or even mold. If you do end up drinking a bad batch of kombucha, you can develop liver issues, nausea, lactic acidosis, and adverse allergic reactions. To avoid this, be sure to always wash all your utensils thoroughly before making kombucha. Stainless steel, plastic, or glass is your best bet.
Kombucha for Pregnant Women
The human body is very sensitive during pregnancy. For this reason, doctors don’t recommend kombucha during this stage. The reason is twofold: caffeine and alcohol. Kombucha can have low levels of both caffeine and alcohol, adversely impacting pregnant women. So if you are planning for a child or are well on your way, steer clear of this fermented concoction.
Kombucha for Young Children
For the same reasons mentioned above, it is best not to let young children drink kombucha. After a certain age, at least 4 or above, children can safely consume this beverage.
Kombucha for Illnesses
Don’t go for kombucha if you are suffering from an illness, or are recovering from one. The immune system is compromised in such a state, and doctors don’t recommend adding alcohol and caffeine to the mix. But if you are healthy, you can have kombucha every day. According to the CDC, healthy individuals can have 4 ounces of this fizzy drink every day.
The Takeaway
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made of tea and has a refreshing, tangy taste. It can have numerous immunity-boosting benefits and can even aid in fat loss. But like any health drink, kombucha also has its own risks, so pregnant women and young children are advised to not have it. At the end of the day, if you are a healthy adult, it is up to you to try out kombucha to see if any of the health claims have any value or not.
