Key points
- Kombucha is a fermented tea that is believed to have many health benefits. It shares some of the benefits of green tea. Many important vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics and gut-friendly acids, are produced during the fermentation process.
- Kombucha is known for its probiotic and antioxidant content, which improves digestive system functioning and kills harmful gut bacteria. Studies also suggest that kombucha promotes heart health and helps to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
- Some studies suggest that green tea, as well as kombucha, may have potential anti-cancer properties due to the polyphenols found in kombucha.
- FUL® sparkling spirulina drinks are a kombucha alternative that has all the nutrients of spirulina and delivers multiple health benefits, some similar to kombucha.
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has recently gained lots of attention and built up a huge number of admirers. Kombucha is essentially tea (black or green) that is fermented with sugar to create a probiotic-rich drink. Kombucha enthusiasts claim that it delivers numerous health benefits, especially to our digestive system, even though some of these benefits are also found in regular tea. During the fermentation process, bacteria and yeast form a mushroom-like film on the surface of the beverage, which is why kombucha is also called “mushroom tea.” Many dietitians believe that kombucha is worth giving a try and including in your daily diet. In this article, we’ll go over science-based reasons why kombucha is beneficial for you.
Top Kombucha’s Health Benefits
Kombucha Contains Gut-Friendly Probiotics
Acetic acid (the same acid found in vinegar), as well as other acidic compounds, trace levels of alcohol, and gases, are produced during the kombucha fermentation process. As a result, kombucha is rich in certain types of lactic acid bacteria, which, as research suggests, may have a probiotic effect on the body. Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria that promote our digestive system function by improving digestion and alleviating inflammation.
Kombucha Has Antioxidative Properties
Kombucha also shares some of the health benefits of green tea. For instance, it has a strong antioxidant profile. In particular, it contains polyphenols which are responsible for most of the kombucha gut benefits. Research has found that polyphenols can decrease inflammation which is a common cause of many diseases. The fermentation process increases the concentration of polyphenols in the beverage, which makes kombucha more beneficial than regular tea.
Studies found that regular consumption of green tea helps with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar levels, as well as reducing belly fat and improving metabolism.
Plus, antioxidants found in kombucha help fight free radicals, which are harmful molecules that cause cell degeneration. A lot of scientists claim that consuming antioxidant-rich foods and drinks has a better impact on your health than taking antioxidant supplements.
Kombucha Kills Harmful Bacteria
Acetic and D-saccharic acids found in kombucha may have antibacterial properties and can potentially kill harmful microorganisms. Kombucha appears to be especially beneficial against infection-causing bacteria and Candida yeast. These antimicrobial properties help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast, but they do not affect the beneficial bacteria and yeasts involved in the kombucha fermentation process. Studies have found that kombucha fermented from green tea also detoxifies the liver by eliminating harmful compounds. Plus, the acids found in the beverage help to transport polyphenols in the body.
Kombucha May Lower Heart Disease Risk
Heart disease is the most common cause of death. Studies suggest that kombucha lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while raising “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Plus, tea prevents LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which is one of the factors contributing to heart disease. Research suggests that people who drink green tea have as much as 31% lower risk of developing heart disease, which may also be true for kombucha.
Kombucha May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Just like green tea, kombucha can help people suffering from type 2 diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Consumption of kombucha also lowers the risk of an individual becoming diabetic.
Kombucha May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
In test tube studies, kombucha was found to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells because of its high content of polyphenols and antioxidants. However, it’s not fully understood how polyphenols prevent cancer. It’s believed that these compounds block gene mutation and prevent the growth of cancerous cells, but they may also help to destroy them. This is also the reason why people who drink green tea are less prone to cancer than those who don’t.
Kombucha Contains Vitamins and Minerals
When yeast breaks down sugar, small amounts of vitamins and minerals are produced. Thus, fermented kombucha contains vitamin C and B group vitamins such as B1, B6, and B12.
Potential Drawbacks of Kombucha
While kombucha offers many health benefits, when made improperly, it can be contaminated and cause serious health problems. Kombucha also contains very minimal doses of alcohol.
Plus, human studies on the benefits of kombucha are very limited, even though there is quite a lot of evidence that supports the benefits of probiotics found in kombucha. You should also be aware that many kombucha brands on the market are loaded with sugar, which cancels out most of the benefits of this drink. Thus, experts recommend opting for less sugary options.
Keep in mind that kombucha is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people with a compromised immune system or histamine intolerance. People with these conditions may need to look for alternative beverages. One excellent healthy beverage option is FUL® sparkling spirulina drinks.
FUL® Sparkling Spirulina Drinks
If you’re looking for a healthy way to infuse your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, check out FUL® sparkling spirulina drinks. Spirulina is the most nutrient-rich food in the world that delivers lots of health benefits. For instance, spirulina has been shown to promote digestive system function. It also has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. But it’s not a secret that this superfood algae has an awful smell and taste. Guess what? We’ve created a solution!
FUL® sparkling drinks are delicious, all-natural beverages that deliver all the benefits of spirulina. Their unique feature is their delicious taste that has no trace of spirulina’s smell and taste. Just choose a flavour you like and have these drinks delivered to your doorstep.
FAQ
Why is kombucha good for you?
Kombucha is believed to have many health benefits. It’s primarily touted for promoting digestive system function. Kombucha contains beneficial acids that kill harmful bacteria in the gut. It’s also packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and may detoxify the liver. Some studies also suggest that it lowers the risk of heart disease and helps manage blood sugar levels.
How long is open kombucha good for?
Once opened, kombucha can last for up to one week. Think of it as a can of soda that you are unlikely to keep open in the fridge for more than a few days.
Why is kombucha good for gut health?
Research suggests that kombucha may be good for gut health because of the antioxidants and probiotics it contains. Kombucha contains polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that may help to eliminate bad gut bacteria. During the fermentation process, acetic and D-saccharic acids are produced, which may also help to kill harmful microorganisms.
