Even if kombucha is not your (fermented) cup of tea, you can’t deny the health benefits brought about by drinking the popular fizzy beverage. An ancient fermented tea that’s been around for centuries, kombucha is a game-changer for the modern drinkers who choose to sip it. Here are just a few of the many possible science-based benefits of this refreshing drink.
1. Probiotics
Strains of bacteria and yeast are added to tea and fermented for several days to make kombucha. Because of this, the bacteria and yeast form a living environment that could lead to millions of probiotic cultures. Great for your gut, probiotics are a good bacteria that can help with digestion and inflammation. If you struggle with digestion, introducing kombucha into your diet may help you to improve your gut health.
2. Protecting Against Illnesses
There have been multiple studies to see if the bacteria in kombucha could help fight against serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and risk of heart disease. For instance, kombucha can improve your quantities of “good” cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol. And when it comes to green tea, this healing beverage can prevent too much oxidation of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which is what can lead to heart disease. Kombucha has also been found in some studies to help stop the growth of cancer cells. This is especially due to its high concentration of antioxidants.
3. Antioxidants
As previously mentioned, kombucha is high in antioxidants. Not only can this help fight off more serious illnesses, but it’s good for your everyday health as well. Antioxidants combat reactive molecules in the body and keep them from harming your cells. They can also be beneficial to your liver, and drinking a refreshing beverage like kombucha is a great alternative to consuming alcohol on days when you feel like being kinder to your organs. Green tea has a great amount of antioxidants, and fermented green tea is just as beneficial to us.
4. A Healthy, Fun Beverage
When made properly, kombucha can be great for you nutritionally. Many brands make their tea with very few added sugars and only natural flavors. You can get herbal or floral flavors of kombucha that add all sorts of vitamins and natural boosts of energy. Kombucha with ginger may help with inflammation, or kombucha with lavender may provide a soothing feeling. It’s a delicious, refreshing drink that you can reach for without feeling guilty.
5. Increased Metabolism & Weight Loss
This benefit isn’t found in all types of kombucha, but the compound EGCG has been discovered in certain types of fermented green tea. This compound can potentially increase metabolism in adults, which means drinking kombucha has the potential to help you slim down. Also, kombucha is a healthy alternative to many sodas and juices that are high in calories and sugar. Reaching for kombucha instead of an unhealthy beverage can contribute to your overall weight loss journey.
6. Immune System
The gut-health elements of kombucha could also contribute to a strengthened immune system. A lot of our immune system is found in our gut, and by maintaining strong gut health and drinking lots of probiotic cultures, we have the opportunity to boost that system. Drink lots of kombucha during cold season and see if it helps!
There are many additional benefits to kombucha that haven’t been fully proven, but that have many indications that they can positively impact us and our bodies. As a healthy beverage that tastes great and makes you feel good, it’s hard to go wrong with a reliable drink like kombucha.