Are you indulging in carbonated and caffeinated drinks? Halt the harm to your health! Instead of consuming chemically-loaded fizzy drinks, consider ‘Kombucha,’ the ancient Chinese ‘elixir of life.’ Dating 2,000 years in China, this flavorful health tonic has gained popularity worldwide.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a naturally carbonated sugar-tea solution in which sugar (honey or cane sugar can be used) is fermented by ‘SCOBY’ (a colony of bacteria and yeast) in the presence of black tea (green tea can also be used sometimes). The end product of this fermentation contains a ton of probiotics or good bacteria (gluconacetobacter, acetobacter, lactobacillus, zygosaccharomyces, etc.), B-vitamins, several beneficial acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, etc.), enzymes, vinegar and a tiny percentage of alcohol. (1)
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10 Health Benefits of Kombucha
From detoxification to immunization, kombucha can significantly improve our physical health. We’ve listed down the ten best of them:
Improves Overall Health
Kombucha is a fantastic source of vitamins, especially vitamin B. Being one of the most essential nutrients for our body, B vitamin greatly supports all bodily functions. Hence, daily intake of kombucha can keep us healthy and hearty by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting memory, maintaining cardiovascular health, and so on. It is also helpful in making our skin, hair, and nails healthy.
Aids In Metabolism
As said before, kombucha is full of beneficial bacteria, which substantially facilitate our metabolic functions. Apart from that, it is also enriched with lots of digestive enzymes, which also help in enhancing our metabolic tasks to a great extent by breaking down foods easily and making the absorption of nutrients faster into the bloodstream.
Makes Digestion Smoother
According to experts, kombucha is one of the best natural antioxidants that keep our digestive system healthy. It contains very high levels of probiotics and plenty of beneficial acids and enzymes, which are extremely helpful in counteracting the free radicals in our body. If consumed every day, it can cure some of the most common gut problems like stomach ulcers, heartburn, leaky gut, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and so forth.
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Promotes Weight Loss
Several studies have found that kombucha is rich in acetic acid and polyphenols, effectively shedding off those extra pounds. However, this needs to be backed by some more data-driven studies.
Detoxifies Body Naturally
The antioxidant properties of kombucha make it one of the best natural detoxifiers. The presence of good bacteria in it contributes to this quality to a great extent. Regular intake of kombucha has been found to have immense positive effects on our livers. It offsets liver cell toxicity by preventing oxidative injury. In other words, the concoction helps clean the liver cells and supports normal organ functions.
Strengthens Immune System
A cup of kombucha every day can help you build up immunity naturally. It comprises D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL), a potent antioxidant that averts cell damage and decreases oxidative stress. As a result, we can avoid immune suppression related to it and steer clear of allergies, flu, infections, inflammatory diseases, tumors, etc.
Prevents Cancerous Growth
Several research studies have shown that kombucha is capable of preventing the growth of cancerous cells. It contains a specific ingredient named glucaric acid, which is proven to reduce the risk of cancer in humans. Hence, consuming this concoction daily can help you keep malignancy away.
Also Read – How to Detox Your Liver Naturally with Perfect Diet
Great for Joint Care
When it comes to taking good care of your joints, kombucha can help you in several ways. It is loaded with a type of amino sugar called glucosamines, which relieves arthritis and acute joint pain by promoting the synthesis of synovial hyaluronic acid and supporting the preservation of collagen in our body.
Boosts Energy Level
Kombucha works as an excellent natural energy booster. The drink is very high in iron, which increases energy production at the cellular level and invigorates our body. It also holds caffeine in a moderate amount, which boosts our energy naturally.
Gives Relief from PMS
The B vitamin content of kombucha is very effective in relieving Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It breaks down excessive estrogen and flushes that out from our body to reduce estrogen dominance. This eventually helps us get rid of PMS symptoms.
Words of Caution…
When consumed carefully, kombucha offers plenty of health benefits, as mentioned above. However, one must know its potential side effects, such as upset stomach, allergies, minor infections, etc. People with weak immune systems, chronic digestive issues, leaky gut syndrome, anxiety disorders, and pregnant women should stay away from it. If you plan to brew it yourself, take all sorts of precautions to avoid contamination. Also, do not drink more than eight oz. A day initially to be on the safe side.
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Summary
Kombucha, a Chinese “elixir of life,” is a naturally carbonated sugar-tea solution fermented by SCOBY, containing probiotics, B vitamins, acids, enzymes, and a hint of alcohol. Its health benefits include improved overall health, metabolism, smoother digestion, weight loss aid, natural detoxification, strengthened immune system, cancer prevention, joint care, energy boost, and relief from PMS. However, caution is advised due to potential side effects; specific individuals should avoid it. If brewing at home, proper precautions must be taken.
