Benefits Of Kombucha Tea
Kombucha has been consumed for over 2000 centuries and many swear by its healing properties. Often referred to as the “elixir of immortality” by the Chinese population, this pleasant-tasting beverage benefits the entire body and is currently growing in popularity in Western countries.
What Is Kombucha, exactly?
This “magic potion” is a simple recipe that includes 3 basic ingredients:
- Black or green tea
- Water
- A SCOBY (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)
These ingredients are left to ferment together to create a lightly-fizzed drink. You can add chopped fruit, fruit juices, honey or flavored tea to give your concoction a pleasant taste.
The result is a sweet, fermented, bubbly drink that does so much more than just quenching one’s thirst. The properties work together to create a potent potion that has amazing advantages for your overall health and well-being.
1. It Helps To Prevent Aging
You can save a fortune by ditching the anti-aging lotions and instead, invest in your own SCOBY. Kombucha contains powerful antioxidants called EGCGs which work extremely well at breaking down free radicals – especially ones that cause cells to deteriorate. Deemed more potent than Vitamin C, a glass of Kombucha a day will surely help to keep those wrinkles away!
2. It Has Amazing Detoxing Qualities
As mentioned, this fizzy beverage is loaded with EGCGs. It also contains Theaflavin – another very powerful antioxidant. Working together, these antioxidants defend the body against dangerous free radicals. While there’s no proof in writing to date, many scientists swear that drinking Kombucha often helps to fight off cancerous cells as well as delay (and eradicate) other chronic diseases – such as arthritis.
3. It’s An Immune Booster
The SCOBY that helps to create Kombucha as we know it ensures that the beverage contains tons of healthy bacteria. During fermentation, natural probiotics are formed and these good bacteria work to promote gut health and stimulate the immune system – thus strengthening our defenses against illnesses.
Fully loaded with three times more Vitamin C than an orange, Kombucha is also said to be anti-inflammatory. It fends off inflammatory diseases, but also tumors, cell damage, and other health risks.
4. It’s Good For Skin, Hairs, And Nails
Fully loaded with vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12, Kombucha continues to work its magic by maintaining and producing new, healthy cells. This means that your skin, hair, and nails will be kept in great condition.
5. It Kills Bad Bacteria
The probiotics and acetic acids found in this fermented tea join forces to put an end to the bad bacteria that our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis. From germs that we pick up on the subway to toxic microorganisms that can infiltrate our food, the natural antimicrobial properties of Kombucha inhibit the growth and spreading of diseases like Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
6. It Helps With Weight Loss
Yup, you read right. Both probiotics and acetic acids have been scientifically proven to help with weight loss. Probiotics work their magic by reducing the number of calories absorbed by food and acetic acids are excellent at curbing hunger and preventing food from turning into fat. If this blissful beverage is not yet part of your diet, now’s the time to swop your glass of wine for a more proactive alternative.
7. It’s A Mood Enhancer
This vitamin B cocktail has recently been linked to suppressing depression, stabilizing moods, and enhancing concentration. At the same time, the natural source of vitamin C also inhibits the release of cortisol – the hormone responsible for making us feel anxious and stressed. This simply means that “bad feelings” are pushed to the wayside and our good moods get more opportunities to shine.
8. It’s An Excellent Source Of Vitamin B12
If you haven’t guessed, the best thing that Kombucha has going for itself is its high quantities of vitamin Bs – with B12 being the most popular. B12 is almost found exclusively in red meat and other animal products. So, if you prefer to keep to a plant-based diet, then this fermented drink will help you to avoid a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is necessary for the production of red blood cells and healthy brain functioning (you certainly don’t want to give it a miss).
9. It Improves Digestion
Kombucha is loaded with healthy gut bacteria that helps to improve digestion. While there is no scientific proof to back this evidence, many dieticians agree that the natural probiotics in the fermented tea aid in decreasing inflammation and provide essential antioxidants needed for excellent digestion.
10. It’s An Energy Enhancer
Since tea contains caffeine, small amounts of this energy-boosting substance will be found in your Kombucha concoction. While this caffeine definitely has an effect on your energy levels, the biggest boosters are the iron and B vitamins.
The iron may increase hemoglobin in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen flow and the B vitamins once again work their magic by transforming the food you eat into energy that your cells can use.
The Bottom Line…
Many dieticians and health-conscious people, in general, believe that Kombucha is the answer to many health problems. From mild ailments to chronic diseases, the ingredients work together to create a beverage that has endless healing properties.
Keep in mind, however, that the studies on the effects of Kombucha are few and the scientific evidence on its claims is limited.
On the other hand, there is ample evidence proving the benefits of tea and probiotics, both of which are included in Kombucha.
Remember, if you would like to attempt making your own Kombucha, make sure that it has been accurately prepared. Contaminated batches can potentially cause more harm than good.
