The Health Benefits Of Drinking Kombucha
Kombucha tea is packed with fizzy, fermented flavor, and according to Healthline, it also contains health benefits — most famously its probiotic content. According to the Denver Post, kombucha is made by brewing black or green tea and adding it to sugar and SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Kombucha runs through three steps before the final product is complete, says Live Eat Learn.
During the first stage, which takes one to four weeks, the SCOBY is made, which allows for the fermentation process, states Live Eat Learn. SCOBY provides the yeast and bacteria that ferments the tea. The next step involves the first fermentation process, which makes the kombucha. Live Eat Learn tells us that this step lasts six to ten days. Finally, the third and final step involves the second fermentation, which lasts for three to ten days. You can experiment with fun flavors during the final process by adding honey, fruits, ginger, or chia seeds to the kombucha. Carbonation occurs during these last few weeks, transforming your tea into something quite magical.
Health Benefits of Kombucha Tea
Aside from the fantastic fruity fizz kombucha provides, the beverage also delivers a handful of health benefits, says Healthline. According to a National Library of Medicine study, kombucha is rich in probiotics, a "good" bacteria found naturally in the intestines. This good bacteria helps reduce inflammation and improve immune function. According to the Cleveland Clinic, probiotics encourage a healthy bacterial environment in the gut, helping you stay healthy.
Studies by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry indicate that tea, especially green tea, protects LDL ("bad") cholesterol particles from oxidizing. Oxidation of these particles is known to contribute to heart disease. Studies from the National Library of Medicine also suggest that people who drink green tea have a much lower risk of developing heart disease. So, kombucha made with green tea may also help protect against heart disease.
Blood sugar levels have also been studied. A review conducted in 2012 listed in the National Library of Medicine showed that kombucha helped manage blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. More studies are needed to find whether the same is true for humans; however, 2018 research listed in the National Library of Medicine suggests that kombucha potentially reduces blood sugar levels and increases insulin production. Many kombucha teas contain added sugars which may raise blood sugar levels. So it is always wise to consult with your doctor before consuming foods or beverages containing sugar. The CDC states that up to 12 ounces of kombucha can safely be consumed daily.