Kombucha is one of the best-fermented drinks with stellar benefits. If you’re a health enthusiast, the word ‘kombucha’ must have reached your radar. This beverage continues to grow in popularity as everyone joins the health trend. In 2019, the recorded market value generated from kombucha was worth 1.67 billion. Everyone is searching for this popular drink. Let’s get to know what this buzz is all about.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha, also known as a surging product in the U.S. market, is believed to have originated from China. It’s a combination of fermented tea, sugar, and live bacteria. Before it entered the mainstream, this drink is often brewed at home in countries like China, Japan, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Although it’s long-existing, kombucha only made its way to stardom in recent years. Following its trail to fame, industry giants immediately hopped into the health frenzy securing their money-making brand. Good move as the growing popularity is estimated to grow until 2027. 

Kombucha Process

Creating this drink has a long process. If you’re attempting to make kombucha from scratch: it takes more than a week. First, it requires your own homemade symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Then, it takes days to complete the fermentation processes. That explains the hefty price of store-bought kombucha. However, it’s also good to be aware that over-fermented kombucha causes serious health problems. Sometimes, too much is not right, especially if bacterias are involved. Although stores have a pricey variety, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Vegans and Kombucha

Novice vegans must’ve been worrying about the ‘live bacteria’ ingredient of kombucha. However, this key ingredient will not throw off your diet. However, although penned as ‘live,’ bacterias and yeast are not an animal product. So no worries! Just watch out for the additional ingredients such as sweeteners or flavorings, as some may contain animal products. A quick peek at the ingredient’s specification, and you’re free to try this famous health drink. 

Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha

Popularity is closely followed by myths and misinformation. We have to admit that kombucha is no miracle drink, but it does contain properties that help boost a healthy body. Let’s go over the benefits of kombucha backed up by health experts. 

Packed with Probiotics

Probiotics consist of “good” bacteria or yeast. It’s a good source of vitamins that helps improve the digestive system and maintain a balanced healthy body. We know that kombucha contains SCOBY, but it also houses various microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Furthermore, probiotics are usually found in milk and meat. Usually, vegans and those with lactose intolerance search for an alternative. However, kombucha, widely dubbed as a probiotic and health drink, soared as one of the best options.

Feel-good Hormones

Kombucha is jam-packed with vitamins B and C. Moreover, vitamin B1, B6, and B12 are also known as supplements that help with depression and anxiety. Specifically, vitamin B12 helps produce serotonin, which boosts or stabilizes mood. This answers some inquiries on why drinking kombucha makes them happy.  

Immunity System Level Up

The digestive and immune system comes hand-in-hand. The benefits ripped from “probiotic” features of kombucha also helps create antibodies that shield the body. Also, studies show that a healthy digestive system boosts immunity by 70%. 

Kombucha VS Bad Bacteria

Kombucha’s fermentation produces a variety of substances, and acetic acid is one of them. This is also one of the reasons some call kombucha a “fizzy vinegar drink.” Therefore, drinking kombucha might help fend off the harmful bacteria within the body system—especially kombucha made from tea, preferably green or black. 

Manage your Sugar Levels

A study shows that kombucha slows down carb digestion reducing blood sugar and hemoglobin levels. Green tea kombucha is especially deemed more beneficial for a person with diabetes. Drinking this specific type of kombucha helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol. Do take note that it’s not advised as a medical cure. 

Antioxidants Included

Purge your body’s toxicity with the help of kombucha. The “functional” beverage contains antioxidants, which help reduce numerous disease risks. It detects unstable molecules in the body, which prevents damage via oxidation. Experts believe that the food and beverage intake of antioxidants are better than supplements. Additionally, kombucha helps reduce liver toxicity by up to 70%. 

Good for the Heart

Heart disease is known as one of the leading causes of death around the world. A heart’s health revolves around two types of cholesterol: LDL (bad) and HDL (good). Studies show that kombucha tea helps reduce LDL in blood up to 25% and helps increase HDL. It is an excellent drink to add to your diet. However, kombucha only helps lower bad cholesterol. Keep in mind, it is not an immediate solution to counter heart disease. 

Debunking Kombucha Myths

As a rising star in the world of health beverages, kombucha generated a lot of misconceptions:

• Kombucha is a cure-all miracle.
• Is it a mushroom? 
• High on caffeine. 
• Alcoholic drink.

There’s only one thing they all have in common: not real. Although kombucha has a lot of health benefits, it does not cure anything. Another mistake people often commit is assuming kombucha is an actual mushroom. It’s not. It’s somehow called a fungus or mushroom, but it’s not entirely related to what kombucha is. Just a recap, kombucha is a fermented tea with sugar and SCOBY. 

In addition, people often think that kombucha is high on caffeine or an alcoholic drink, which made some hesitant to try the trend—especially people who abstain from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Good news. If you’re one of those people and are now curious about what kombucha tastes like. Now is the time.  

In Conclusion

Overall, the benefits of kombucha look promising for the body’s health. It’s no wonder that a lot of consumers purchase the trending beverage. In the end, kombucha truly deserves the health hype. However, although experts deemed it healthy, overconsumption of the “functional” beverage is not advised. Furthermore, kombucha’s benefit might help prevent several disease risks; it is still not suitable for immediate medical treatment. To sum it up, kombucha is healthy, but too much of anything is not good. Now, where’s the nearest kombucha store?