16/08/2019
Kombucha is typically classified as a "functional beverage", or a nonalcoholic beverage with supposed health benefits. From beneficial probiotics to gut health, here are 10 of the most intriguing alleged kombucha health benefits below.
1. DETOXIFICATION
Teeming with enzymes and bacterial acids, kombucha is believed to aid in natural detoxification. Gluconic acid, which is found in kombucha as well as in fruits and veggies, may bind to toxins to help expel them from the body.
Glucaric acid, also a product of kombucha tea fermentation, may boost the efficiency of the liver's detoxifying tracts. While for some, that may be more than enough reason to purchase their own SCOBY, or starter culture, others might need a few more reasons before adding regular kombucha to a healthy diet.
2. IMPROVED DIGESTION
There is mounting evidence that the combination of organic acids, polyphenols, enzymes, and probiotics in kombucha may promote a healthy digestive system and soothe an upset stomach. Probiotics, sometimes referred to as "good gut bacteria", can help deter or provide relief from problems like IBS, diarrhea, and constipation.
A healthy human body has three to five pounds of beneficial bacteria and microbes (called the "microbiome"), but the microbiome can be depleted by stress, alcohol use, antibiotics, and other harmful organisms. By drinking the fermented beverage kombucha, you may be able to help replenish lost gut bacteria.
3. IMMUNE SYSTEM STIMULATION
The healthy gut bacteria gained by drinking kombucha may help stimulate the immune system, which is thought to be closely connected to the living organisms in the gut. Probiotics, specifically from those in fermented food and gleaned from the fermentation process, can strengthen our natural defenses against harmful microbes and some forms of illnesses.
When our natural microbiome is depleted, harmful microbes such as ones that cause ulcers, diabetes or cancer can take hold. Kombucha also contains DSL and vitamin C, which may fend off inflammatory diseases, tumors, cell damage, and other concerns.
4. ARTHRITIS PREVENTION
Another powerful compound found in kombucha is glucosamine, which can stave off and treat all types of arthritis. Glucosamines enhance hyaluronic acid production, which may help to protect cartilage and reduce arthritic pain.
5. CANCER PREVENTION
Recent research from Nature International Weekly Journal of Science highlights the anti-cancer power of the microbiome. The live microorganisms found in some kombuchas that can reinforce our natural defenses some forms of cancer and free radicals. These microbes may activate our natural cancer-killing cells.
Glucaric acid, which is found in kombucha and food like grapefruit and cruciferous veggies, may help reduce cancer risk. Lactobacillus type microbes found in some kombucha may also activate our natural cancer-killing cells.
6. CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION
Research further suggests that kombucha may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. In studies with animals, kombucha was able to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (or "bad cholesterol") while increasing levels HDL ("good cholesterol").
When it comes to health problems, as cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease problems are common, it's important to incorporate natural combatants into your diet in the form of good bacteria over harmful bacteria.
7. ENERGY ENHANCEMENT
In addition to small amounts of caffeine, kombucha contains energizing B vitamins and iron. The iron may increase hemoglobin in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen flow.
Many people home brew kombucha for this very reason, while some brands focus on the energy-boosting effects as one of kombucha's best benefits. A boost without the adverse side effects that come with a high concentration of caffeine? That seems like a good alternative.
8. WEIGHT LOSS
When our healthy microbes are depleted, obesity and diabetes can result. The natural acids and antioxidant properties found in the beverage may promote fat loss.
Kombucha, like apple cider vinegar, is thought to increase metabolism when consumed before meals. The green tea and black tea varieties of kombucha are particularly effective by combining the antioxidant power of the tea and the symbiotic colony in the kombucha.
9. ENHANCED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
According to athletic enthusiasts, kombucha raises energy levels during exercise and aids in post-workout recovery, alleviating joint pain. Olympic athletes in the Soviet Union reportedly drank up to one quart of kombucha daily to prevent soreness caused by lactic acid accumulating in the muscles.
Combine this with the enhanced immune function you receive from the probiotic beverage, and you have a high-powered performance drink that's completely natural.
10. MOOD ENHANCEMENT
The B vitamins in kombucha, specifically vitamins B1, B6, and B12, may help battle depression, stabilize mood, and enhance concentration. The vitamin C in kombucha, in turn, inhibits the release of the stress hormone cortisol. How about that for an immortal health elixir?
Kombucha also contains naturally occurring trace amounts of alcohol, which can reduce stress and bolster positive feelings. Despite the extremely tiny alcohol content, kombucha is safe for pregnant women to drink, though one should check with a doctor before indulging.
