What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha has been enjoyed for around 2,000 years, and the ancient Chinese traditionally called it the “Elixir of Immortality.” The important component of this tea, made with bacteria and yeasts, is the tea culture known as the kombucha SCOBY. It emerged in East Asia and reached Germany, via Russia, in the early 19th century. The culture resembles a flat disc made of a gelatine-like membrane. It lives in a nourishing solution of tea and sugar and continuously reproduces within this liquid, spreading across the whole surface of the tea and gradually thickening.
During fermentation and oxidation, various reactions take place, and the culture — which feeds on the sugar — produces valuable substances that enter the tea, such as glucuronic acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids and antibacterial compounds.
Although kombucha is often described as a mushroom, it isn't strictly one — it's a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Given that such cultures have been used by people around the world since ancient times to make health-supporting fermented drinks and foods, it's really a kind of traditional home preparation that carries a great cultural heritage. Kombucha is traditionally valued for helping regulate gut activity and support the body's own defences. Some of the health-supporting properties attributed to it need further research, while others — such as helping regulate the gut flora, supporting the body's clearing of unwanted substances, easing pH balance, and antibacterial activity — are better supported by scientific testing.
What's Inside Kombucha?
Kombucha contains amino acids, organic acids, probiotics, polyphenols, organic enzymes, B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals.
Polyphenols
Thanks to their antioxidant properties, polyphenols benefit human health. Because antioxidant polyphenols reduce oxidative stress (the stress caused by reactive oxygen), there is evidence they may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and studies suggest these compounds may also help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Organic Acids
- Glucuronic acid: normally produced in the liver, it has a strong detoxifying effect and is easily converted into glucosamines, one of the basic building blocks of our skeletal system.
- Acetic acid: antiseptic, and acts as an inhibitor of pathogenic bacteria.
- Hyaluronic acid: a very important component for skin and cartilage tissue.
- Lactic acid: mainly helps healthy digestive movement and produces energy for the liver.
- Malic acid: supports the liver's detoxification functions.
Why Might You Enjoy Kombucha?
Kombucha is traditionally enjoyed as a fermented drink that may support:
- The body's natural clearing of unwanted substances through the kidneys and adequate fluids
- A strengthened immune system and greater resistance to illness
- Energy and general performance
- Circulation, oxygen delivery to cells, and a supported metabolism
- Balanced blood values, steadier blood sugar and healthy blood pressure
- A stronger gut flora and more regular digestion
- Healthy body-weight management
- A calmer nervous system, and support with sleep and stress
- Liver health
As with any fermented food, enjoy kombucha as part of a balanced diet, and if you have a health condition or take medication, check with your doctor before making it a regular habit.