With endless flavor options and a variety of potential health benefits, it is no wonder kombucha (or kombucha tea) has become extremely popular recently. In fact, the kombucha market is estimated to reach $3.5 Billion by 2025. Whether you are in a grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop, you are almost certain to see some form of kombucha. This drink stands out in the beverage market due to its unique qualities, from creation to taste.
Kombucha is a sweetened black or green tea that is effervescent, fermented, and slightly alcoholic by nature. The drink itself is made of tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. With an average alcohol content of 0.5%, this drink can be sold to consumers of all ages, so long as the percentage does not surpass this threshold, according to the FDA. Kombucha is thought to have originated in China or Japan approximately 2,000 years ago, with stories going all the way back to the Qin Dynasty.
The drink’s rich history makes it understandable as to why it is so popular today. It is important to note while kombucha has many potential health benefits, there is no concrete evidence of these benefits for humans. A variety of studies have been performed on rats and in test tubes to support the evidence, so these results can guide you to understand how kombucha’s ingredients can affect your body.
The fermentation process of the tea produces acetic acid, commonly found in vinegar. Acetic acid is able to suppress and kill harmful bacteria and yeasts in your body. Beyond acetic acid, kombucha contains lactic-acid bacteria, known to have probiotic function. This supports the claim kombucha is a probiotic drink, providing your body with healthy bacteria. This healthy bacteria improves inflammation, digestion, and weight loss, potentially. The fermentation process of kombucha makes it a wonderful, vegan choice for probiotics.
Like many of your favorite fruits, kombucha is said to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants remove damaging agents in your body. These antioxidants in kombucha are believed to help fight against liver disease and other diseases. Kombucha’s various antioxidants detox the body, fight inflammation, improve mental health, and promote a long life span.
If you thought the drink’s claims couldn’t get any better, just wait. Kombucha’s health benefits also are believed to include reducing heart disease risk, managing Type 2 diabetes, and protecting against cancer. Studies show kombucha, especially when made with green tea, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, studies with rats have provided evidence as to how kombucha can help manage Type 2 diabetes. The tea slows down the body’s digestion of carbs, reducing blood sugar levels. Again, these results were optimized when the kombucha was made with green tea. Kombucha is very similar to green tea, giving it amazing health benefits. Finally, the high concentration of tea polyphenols and antioxidants in kombucha has shown to prevent the spread and growth of cancer cells. Kombucha’s potential health benefits truly go above and beyond!
Whether made at home or bought in person, drinking kombucha holds many health benefits. It is customizable, vegan, and oh-so-good for you head to toe.
