Kombucha is a fermented, sweetened tea made from specific strains of healthy bacteria, yeast and sugar. The process produces acetic acid (also found in vinegar) and many other acidic compounds, as well as traces of alcohol and gases that make it fizzy. don’t worry. The alcohol content of each bottle sold in stores is less than 1% and occurs naturally through the fermentation process. Kombucha has been around for thousands of years Kombucha originated in northeastern China (then known as Manchuria) around 220 BC. It remains a traditional drink in China and is consumed for its supposed health benefits. It is believed that the current name is related to Dr. Kombu, a Korean physician who brought the drink to Japan in the 5th century to treat the Japanese emperor. There may be cases of legend in this story, but we know that in the beginning of the 20th century it spread to Russia, then to Germany and other parts of Eastern Europe.
The popularity of Kombucha has continued to grow as an elixir of life, and many countries and cultures around the world have adopted the drink as a pillar of human health. Kombucha is now produced worldwide and is commonly an essential part of many diets due to the many health benefits it offers. What does Kombucha tea taste like? Most people say that Kombucha tea has a sharp and strong taste with a degree of gas caused by natural carbonation. Some compare the drink to a fizzy apple cider, while others say it tastes like a glass of dry champagne without the alcohol. Most brands you find in stores or home breweries will have many different flavors that include fruits and spices. Major brands have flavors ranging from apple to lemon and watermelon. Benefits of adding Kombucha to your diet Kombucha is rich in antioxidants and beneficial probiotics. It can also kill harmful bacteria and can help fight certain diseases.
Here are six detailed, evidence-based benefits you’ll get from adding Kombucha to your diet: 1. It is an excellent source of probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are known as the “good” bacteria because they help restore balance in your gut. It promotes gut health by controlling or regulating the cells that move your food through the digestive system. 2. It is full of antioxidants. Kombucha also contains a ton of antioxidants that protect your cells against free radicals, which are molecules produced naturally when your body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to tobacco smoke. 3. Kombucha can kill bacteria. During the fermentation process, kombucha produces acetic acid that can kill harmful and infectious bacteria such as staph, E. coli, salmonella and H. pylori, a type of bacteria known to cause ulcers. 4. Kombucha strengthens the immune system. The digestive system is closely related to the immune system of your body. About 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. The “good” bacteria in Kombucha can boost the immune system because it helps the gut make antibodies that protect the whole body. 5. It can reduce the risk of heart disease. There are two markers of heart disease that studies have shown that Kombucha can have a positive impact on LDL and HDL cholesterol. This may be related to its preparation in a mixture of green tea, which we know is extremely effective in protecting LDL particles from oxidation. 6. Kombucha can also help you manage type 2 diabetes.
Studies show that kombucha slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, which naturally lowers blood sugar levels in adults. Kombucha made from green tea is likely to be more beneficial, as only the latter is associated with blood sugar levels. Other studies suggest that Kombucha can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer by blocking genetic mutation and promoting the death of cancer cells. How the anticancer properties of tea work are not well understood, but the first studies are very promising.
Where to find Kombucha?
Thanks to its growing popularity, Kombucha tea is widely available online, in supermarkets and health stores. Some of the most popular brands include Health-Ade, KeVita and Humm, among many other premium tasting brands that offer all the benefits of this healthy drink. It can be purchased at www.walmart.com. It is also possible to prepare Kombucha at home. Many brands sell their SCOBYs (the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast commonly called “mother” or “mushroom”) online, either on company websites or through large online retailers such as Amazon.com. SCOBYs can also be found in some health food stores. SCOBYs have a unique appearance: they are rubbery, slippery and float.
Some people decide to make their own SCOBY at home and can find processes and recipes on the web or in homebrewing guides. You’re probably familiar with the saying “you get what you pay for” and that applies to where you get your SCOBYs. There is a long tradition of handing over SCOBY, which can be a great option if you connect with a friend or a local producer. Fermenting a SCOBY with green or black tea is a simple process and can produce a batch of Kombucha in 7-10 days. A simple process can be found here www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP1L_u4kiNE&t=39s, a short 6-minute guide that takes you through your first fermentation. Specialty websites also sell or recommend gallon jars, mason jars, and have ingredient lists and detailed instructions to guide beginners and enthusiasts alike every step of the way. Dietary supplements and vitamins can be very helpful, but please consult your doctor before starting a new supplement and or modifying your diet. We hope you enjoy and find this article informative and the rest of OurSeniors.net Magazine.
