Kombucha — The wonderdrink that increases lifespan
Known as mushroom tea or the immortal elixir of life, kombucha boasts numerous therapeutic properties.
Ever tried kombucha? This delicious tea is available in most cafes and health stores. Known as mushroom tea or the immortal elixir of life, it has been around for over 2,000 years. Yet, it only recently became popular in America. Made from sugar and black tea, kombucha offers a myriad of benefits. From improved digestion to pain relief and immune support, it can boost your health on every level.
Let’s see how it works and why it’s good for you!
Kombucha: magic elixir or just fancy tea?
This refreshing fermented beverage is ideal for the hot summer days. It quenches your thirst, boosts your energy, and promotes weight loss. Once mostly a product of hippies’ kitchens, it’s now available in just about any store. Kombucha health benefits are due to its high content of probiotics, which restore gut flora and boost immunity. A healthy gut means stronger immunity, sharper brain, and optimal digestion.
Kombucha is made with tea leaves, yeast, sugar, mushrooms, and bacteria. These unusual ingredients contain a host of nutrients, such as probiotics, antioxidants, and B-complex vitamins. Probiotics are living microorganisms that aid in digestion and strengthen your immune defense. Most kombucha brands contain Zygosaccharomyces, Lactobacillus, Gluconacetobacter, and other bacteria strains.
Along with vitamin B, probiotics support brain health and memory. After all, the gut is called the second brain for a good reason. About 95 percent of serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” is produced in the gut. Low serotonin levels may lead to depression, brain fog, anxiety, and mental disorders.
The caffeine and B vitamins in kombucha support healthy energy levels and fight oxidative stress. They also boost immunity and speed up recovery from illness. This tea does contain a small amount of alcohol (0.5 percent) but it’s safe for most people. Health experts recommend drinking one serving a day.
When consumed regularly, kombucha can slim you down, relieve joint pain, and aid in body detox. Alternative medicine practitioners claim that it also improves sleep and prevent cancer. This fizzy drink has been around since 220 BC, so it’s not just a fad. Today, it’s marketed as a health elixir that has the power to rejuvenate, regenerate, and revitalize the body.
Is kombucha really good for you?
This fermented tea has been long studied for its healing properties. Rich in glucuronic acid (GA), it helps flush out toxins and fights oxidative damage. It also prevents your cells and tissues from absorbing environmental toxins. This leads to a longer, healthier life. The probiotics in kombucha can prevent and heal digestive problems, such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and leaky gut. They also kill candida yeast and keep it from spreading throughout the body.
One bottle of kombucha has only 30 calories and seven grams of carbs. It provides about 25 percent of the RDA of folic acid, 20 percent of the RDA of vitamin B3 and B12, and over one billion microorganisms that promote gut health. This naturally sweet beverage has no cholesterol or fats. Even though it’s not a magic bullet, it can heal your body and prevent diseases, especially those caused by harmful bacteria and toxins.
Just like natto, kimchi, yogurt, and other fermented foods, kombucha improves digestion and keeps you regular. It also contains phytochemicals and antioxidants that scavenge free radicals while cleansing your system. Rich in nutrients and low in calories, this beverage is a healthy alternative to soda and caffeinated drinks.
Evidence shows that kombucha reduces hepato-toxicity and prevents lipid peroxidation. It also helps restore glutathione levels in the body, which helps improve immunity. Glutathione is known as the master antioxidant. Other studies have found that D-glucaric acid, a key nutrient in kombucha, inhibits cancer cell growth. This fermented tea also boasts large amounts of acetic acid and antimicrobial compounds that protect against E. coli, listeria, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogens.
In a clinical trial, this age-old beverage has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. It works by reducing the concentration of urea, which improves pancreatic function in diabetics. Additionally, kombucha is high in glucosamine, a natural compound that supports joint health and relieves arthritis symptoms. Like most teas, it contains phenols that lower the secretion of excess gastric acid and ease the discomfort caused by gastric ulcers.
Are There Side Effects?
This fermented beverage is safe for most people. In rare cases, it may trigger allergic reactions, such as indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. This usually happens when the tea is brewed under non-sterile conditions. Some brands may contain additives, flavor enhancers, and added sugars that cause adverse effects. To stay safe, choose a beverage with five grams of sugar or less per serving. Check the label for harmful chemicals.
Make sure you don’t go overboard with it. Too much of anything can harm your health. This beverage is high in lactic acid, which may cause lactic acidosis when consumed in excess. Though it’s low in caffeine, it can still affect your sleep. Homemade kombucha is usually higher in alcohol than store-bought brands.
If you’ve never tried kombucha, start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Later, you can gradually increase the dosage. Try not to exceed once serving (eight ounces) per day.
When consumed as part of a healthy diet, this beverage can restore your health, boost your energy, and improve your body’s defense mechanisms. Think of it as a refreshing drink with antioxidants and probiotics. However, as with all foods, moderation is key.
