10 Evidence Based Health Benefits of Homemade Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from sweetened tea that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. The process involves fermenting tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (Kombucha SCOBY), transforming the tea into a tangy, slightly effervescent drink rich in probiotics, antioxidants, and organic acids.
Over the years, kombucha has gained widespread popularity, evolving from a traditional homemade brew to a commercial staple found in grocery stores worldwide. This rise in popularity is partly due to the increasing awareness of the benefits of fermented foods and beverages for gut health and overall wellness.
Today we will outline 10 health benefits that come from drinking kombucha and provide you with the right tools for the production of this beverage.
1. Rich in probiotics
One of kombucha's star features is its rich content of live bacteria, or probiotics. These microorganisms colonise the gut and help maintain a balanced microbiome, which is vital for optimal gut health. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and warding off harmful pathogens.
2. Contains digestive enzymes
Kombucha also contains digestive enzymes that play a crucial role in breaking down food into smaller, more absorbable components. This not only aids in the efficient digestion of food but also maximises nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body gets all the necessary nutrients from the food consumed.
3. Source of antioxidants
Rich in antioxidants, kombucha can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. These unstable molecules can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, which may contribute to chronic diseases and ageing. By counteracting these effects, antioxidants support overall health and well-being.
4. Provides immune support
There is a strong connection between gut health and immune function. A healthy gut is home to a diverse community of beneficial bacteria that play a role in the development and function of immune cells. By supporting a balanced gut microbiome, kombucha indirectly enhances the body's immune response and its ability to fend off infections.
5. Aids with detoxification
Kombucha assists in the body's natural detoxification processes. It contains glucuronic acid, a compound that binds to toxins and helps eliminate them from the body. By aiding in detoxification, kombucha supports liver function and contributes to overall health and vitality.
6. Made with green tea
Many kombucha beverages are made with green tea, which has been shown to have various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, which function as powerful antioxidants in the body. These compounds can reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, and help lower the risk of several chronic diseases.
7. May help with heart disease
Regular consumption of kombucha may help reduce the risk of heart disease. It has been linked to improved levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Kombucha’s antioxidant properties may also help protect the heart by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
8. May aid with type 2 diabetes
Kombucha can help manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. The acetic acid and polyphenols in kombucha can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels after meals. However, it is essential to choose kombucha with low sugar content, as some commercial varieties may contain added sugars.
9. May offer cancer protection
The antioxidant-rich nature of kombucha may help protect against the development and spread of cancer cells. Kombucha’s polyphenols can neutralise harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which play a role in the development of cancer.
10. Can help boost mental health
The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication channel between the gut and the brain, plays a crucial role in mental health. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by the probiotics in kombucha, can positively impact brain health and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Make Kombucha with Nourishme Organics
Kombucha can be quite pricey when bought from the store, but you can make your own at home for very cheap. At Nourishme Organics we supply you with everything you need to make home-made kombucha.
Discover our kombucha kits and kombucha jars and read our blog on How to Make Kombucha to nail the fermentation process. The article also contains a YouTube video so you can see step-by-step how it's made.
Unleash all of the potential benefits of kombucha and save money when you ferment the beverage at home with one of our fermentation kits!
