Key points
- Raw kombucha is a fermented tea that has not been pasteurised. Raw kombucha is a traditional kombucha beverage that preserves all the naturally-occurring bacteria and probiotics. Itโs believed to improve digestion and promote gut health.
- Some commercial manufacturers pasteurise kombucha, which kills all the naturally-occurring bacteria. Then they infuse the drink with their own probiotics. However, raw kombucha has been shown to be more beneficial to human health than the pasteurised version.
- Itโs recommended to choose commercially available brands over homemade kombucha. Kombucha made at home may be contaminated with pathogens. Itโs also recommended to avoid drinking kombucha if youโre pregnant or nursing.ย
Kombucha has become one of the most popular and high-demand beverages on the soft drink market, with thousands of people drinking it for its numerous health benefits. But raw kombucha offers something different with an even more unique smell and taste that people instantly hate or love.ย
Kombucha originated in China, where it was used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Now itโs all over the shelves in shops all across the world. While many of us know what kombucha is, a lot of people havenโt heard of raw kombucha. Letโs talk about it in this article.ย
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented probiotic-rich drink that delivers many health benefits, such as improved gut health, detoxification, and an immune system boost. Every kombucha brewer uses pretty much the same recipe with the same basic ingredients: water, tea, sugar, yeast, and bacteria. This bacteria is also often referred to as a SCOBY or symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. This colony of microorganisms feeds on sugar in the tea, which results in fermentation. It works similarly to the process of making wine, as alcohol, vinegar, and CO2 are formed during fermentation as byproducts. These byproducts are responsible for kombuchaโs distinct flavour.ย
During the first fermentation, the SCOBY eats the sugar, which gives kombucha a sour taste. After that, the SCOBY is removed. You can consume kombucha at this point, but it doesnโt have any flavour yet. All the flavour and carbonation are added during the second fermentation. Thatโs when kombucha is kept in glass fermenting bottles that are filled with fruit, juice, or herbs for flavouring. After that, kombucha is ready to be refrigerated and consumed.
Raw vs Pasteurised Kombucha
Raw kombucha is the same as unpasteurised kombucha, meaning that it contains all the natural probiotics because the beverage hasnโt been heated to the point when all bacteria are killed. Most kombucha on the market is sold raw, and brands that sell pasteurised kombucha replace the naturally occurring bacteria with their own probiotics.ย
Added probiotics donโt deliver as many benefits as naturally-occurring ones, and they are not diverse. Keeping beneficial bacteria in the beverage is crucial because, in the end, kombucha is fermented tea. Those manufacturers who pasteurise their kombucha do it for various reasons: some for safety precautions, others pasteurise their kombucha to remove alcohol, which also occurs naturally during fermentation.ย
In simple words, raw kombucha is a beverage that contains live, naturally occurring bacteria.ย
Probiotics in Kombucha
Probiotics are live bacteria that promote healthy digestive system functioning. Donโt be confused with the word bacteria because most people associate it with something bad.ย
But in reality, our bodies contain lots of different good bacteria strains that help us to survive. Probiotics are some of them. They are proven to improve digestive function and prevent diarrhoea, as well as boost energy levels and improve mental health. These bacteria are found in different fermented products, including yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Consuming โraw kombuchaโ ensures that you get these healthy probiotics and allow your body to take advantage of the benefits they deliver.
Risks Of Drinking Raw Kombucha
While the risks of drinking raw kombucha are very rare, you should still be aware of them. When made improperly, kombucha could pose some health risks. For instance, homemade kombucha may be contaminated with pathogens, which is why itโs recommended to choose commercially available products that usually go through quality assurance testing. You also shouldnโt drink kombucha if youโre pregnant or nursing. Otherwise, raw kombucha is just as safe as yoghurts and kefir.ย
There are numerous ways you can incorporate kombucha into your diet. You can put it in a cocktail or mix it with juice. You can add kombucha to your morning smoothie as well. And if youโre looking for more beneficial and healthy drinks to include in your diet, try sparkling spirulina drinks.ย
FULยฎ Sparkling Spirulina Drinks
You may have heard of spirulina - superfood algae revered for its nutritional value. Of course, the biggest issue with spirulina is its smell and taste. After all, nobody likes to eat or drink something that tastes like fish food, no matter how nutritious it is. But the good news is that you can now enjoy delicious spirulina beverages on the go whenever you want! FULยฎ sparkling spirulina drinks are healthy, all-natural carbonated drinks that provide all the nutrients of spirulina extract. If youโre looking for a delicious soft drink that has many health benefits as kombucha (if not more), try FULยฎ.ย
Spirulina is abundant in antioxidants and chlorophyll that eliminate pollutants from the body. This super algae also helps to maintain pH balance by alkalising the body. Spirulina contains essential minerals and vitamins that are vital for your overall well-being. Numerous studies found that spirulina has antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is widely considered to be the best dietary supplement out there.ย
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Plus, FULยฎ sparkling spirulina drinks taste amazing without even a trace of spirulinaโs natural taste or smell. FULยฎ is made using a special extraction process that eliminates the fishy taste while preserving all the nutrients. Choose your favourite flavour, place an order, and have these delicious drinks delivered to your doorstep.
FAQ
What is raw kombucha good for?
People drink kombucha for its numerous benefits. Raw kombucha is claimed to improve digestion, eliminate all the toxins from the body, and boost energy levels. Kombucha is also believed to aid in weight loss and help manage healthy blood pressure levels.
How much alcohol is in raw kombucha?
Alcohol is a natural byproduct of the fermentation process. Kombucha contains a minimal amount of alcohol at around 0.5% ABV.
How often should you drink raw kombucha?
You shouldnโt drink too much kombucha because even too much of a good thing can be bad. Itโs recommended to drink about four ounces of kombucha one to three times a day.
How long does raw kombucha last?
Kombuchaโs shelf life is typically between 6 and 8 months, but it depends on how you store it and when it is bottled. Read the label on the bottle youโre planning to buy for more precise information.
Is it better to drink kombucha on an empty stomach?
It really doesnโt matter when you drink kombucha, so you should consume it whenever it feels better for you. If you consume kombucha on an empty stomach, you will enhance the detoxifying benefits. If you drink it before or after the meal, itโll promote digestion due to its probiotic content. However, you should try to avoid drinking kombucha in the evening if youโre very sensitive to caffeine.