Health Benefits of Kombucha Tea
I love Kombucha tea. It's delicious, healthy and easy to make. In fact, it tastes better than store bought versions. But did you know there's a lot more to it than just drinking it?
Kombucha tea has been used throughout history for its medicinal properties. The Chinese have used it for thousands of years to treat colds, coughs, flu, sore throats and other ailments.
In recent times, scientists have begun researching the benefits of Kombucha tea. They've found that it contains many beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and probiotics.
But what exactly makes Kombucha tea so special? And how does it work?
The first thing we need to understand is that Kombucha tea is not actually made from fermented tea leaves. Instead, it's made from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.
These two organisms live together in a symbiosis called a SCOBY. This is short for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast.
SCOBY stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Biofilm.
Biofilms are colonies of microorganisms that form a protective layer over surfaces. These biofilms protect against harmful substances and infections.
They also provide food sources for the microbes within them.
As well as providing protection, biofilms also act as an energy source.
Microbes feed off of the sugars produced by the fermentation process.
And they produce alcohol which gives the drink its distinctive taste.
The second important factor to consider is that the fermentation process occurs naturally inside our bodies.
Our digestive system produces acid and heat during digestion.
These conditions create ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms.
During this process, the sugar content of foods gets broken down into simpler forms.
This allows the microorganisms to grow and multiply.
After a few days, the microorganisms begin producing ethanol and carbon dioxide gas.
The carbon dioxide bubbles up through the liquid creating foam.
This foam protects the liquid from contamination.
The result is a frothy beverage that looks similar to beer.
The third important aspect of Kombucha tea is that it is a natural detoxifier.
Many people suffer from allergies and intolerances due to exposure to chemicals and pollutants.
Kombucha tea helps to cleanse the body of toxins.
It removes heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers from the body.
It also cleanses the liver and kidneys.
Finally, Kombucha tea is known to reduce inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause damage to cells.
Free radicals are created when oxygen reacts with certain chemicals.
For example, when iron reacts with oxygen, it creates free radicals.
These free radicals attack cell membranes causing cellular damage.
Over time, this damage leads to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
To prevent free radical damage, antioxidants are needed. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals.
Antioxidants come from plants and fruits.
However, some people don't eat enough fruit and vegetables.
Kombucha is rich in antioxidants.
It contains vitamin C, beta carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols and chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plant tissues.
It acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin C is another antioxidant.
It prevents oxidation of fats and proteins.
Beta carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A.
It reduces inflammation and speeds healing.
Flavonoids are compounds that give flowers their colour.
Polyphenols are compounds that give plants their brownish tinge.
All three of these antioxidants are present in Kombucha tea.
Kombucha also contains probiotics.
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that aid digestion and strengthen immunity.
Some types of probiotics include Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Saccharomyces and Bifidobacterium.
Lactobacillus is a type of bacterium that ferments milk into yogurt.
Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that ferments wine into vinegar.
Saccharomyces is a type of fungus that ferments bread dough into sourdough.
Bifidobacterium is a type of bacteriam that ferments cabbage into sauerkraut.
Kombucha contains all four of these types of probiotics.
There are several ways to consume Kombucha tea. You can add it to water and mix it thoroughly.
Or you can pour it directly onto ice cubes and let it sit overnight.
Then you can enjoy it chilled.
Another option is to brew it in a teapot.
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 2 cups of cooled Kombucha tea. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
Strain the mixture and serve hot or cold.
When choosing between bottled and homemade Kombucha tea, choose the latter.
Bottled Kombucha tea may contain preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Homemade Kombucha tea is always fresh and pure.
It doesn't require any additives or preservatives.
Kombucha tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It's also known as "black dragon" due to its black color. The name kombucha comes from the Russian word "komuch", which means fungus.
The benefits of drinking kombucha tea may include:
1. Improving digestion
2. Reducing inflammation
3. Boosting immunity
4. Promoting weight loss
5. Increasing energy
6. Fights depression
7. Enhances sleep quality
9. Protects against heart disease
10. Lowers blood pressure
11. Increases longevity
12. Treats diabetes
13. Relieves constipation
14. Improves skin condition
15. Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease
16. Alleviates anxiety
17. Promotes healthy hair growth
18. Eases arthritis pain
19. Improves cognitive function
20. Improves memory
21. Promotes cardiovascular health
22. Supports liver detoxification
23. Improves immune system
In conclusion, kombucha tea has been around for centuries and is now gaining popularity among consumers worldwide. This fermented drink contains probiotics, which have many health benefits, including helping to fight off infections and boost immunity. Plus, it tastes delicious and is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. What else could you ask for?!