What Are The Benefits of Kombucha? | Trio Nutrition

Kombucha may seem like one more healthy-living trend, but don’t let that fool you. This popular fermented tea is not a passing fad. Kombucha is an ancient drink that has been used for hundreds of years to boost health and wellbeing. While the exact history and origin of the drink is subject to debate, there’s no debate needed to understand the benefits of drinking kombucha.

Let’s talk about what kombucha is and what type of benefits you can receive by including it into your life. 

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a sweetened fermented drink that is typically made from black or green tea. What makes it special is the fermentation process, which is achieved by adding yeast and bacteria to the tea during preparation. This mixture is allowed to ferment from several days to a couple of weeks. 

During the fermentation process, the bacteria forms something that looks quite similar to a mushroom. This is why you may also hear kombucha called “mushroom tea.” After the fermentation is complete, the tea is a little fizzy and typically has a sweet and sour or bitter flavor profile. Variations in flavor come from the ingredients and processes used. 

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Kombucha probiotics 

Our body is brimming with bacteria, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We need the right type of bacteria in our system to keep everything in check. Unfortunately, many things we eat and take, including antibiotics, throw things out of balance. Probiotics can restore the balance, which is where kombucha comes into the picture. As a fermented drink created from living, healthy bacteria, probiotic kombucha can replenish your body’s natural good bacteria. 

Kombucha may kill bad bacteria 

Other than providing your body with good bacteria, kombucha may also help destroy bad bacteria. This benefit comes two different ways, first from acetic acid. During the kombucha fermentation process, acetic acid is created. If this sounds familiar, it’s because this acid is also found in vinegar. Additionally, kombucha is made from black or green tea, which also have antibacterial properties. Together, these two elements of kombucha may help reduce undesirable bacteria without harming the good type your body needs.

Kombucha may improve cholesterol and heart health

Heart disease is a serious issue that negatively impacts the health of tens of thousands of people around the world. While a range of factors contributes to the problem, kombucha may improve heart health in several ways. Kombucha may reduce LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as the bad cholesterol, while improving HDL, or good cholesterol. When made from green tea, the heart-healthy benefits might be even greater thanks to the inherent benefits within the tea itself. 

Kombucha may provide antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that help to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that damage cells and are connected to health issues including heart disease, cancer and a range of other diseases. Kombucha may provide a strong protective factor against free radicals within the body due to antioxidants. This benefit is probably derived from both the natural fermentation process and the underlying tea used. 

Best Ways to Benefit From Kombucha

It’s easy to see how kombucha works, but what is the best way to include it into your daily diet? Some experts say drink up to 12 ounces of well-prepared kombucha daily. This means it needs to be prepared correctly and in a sterile environment. This may seem odd, but kombucha relies on bacteria and fermentation, which may create health hazards if not done correctly. For example, homemade kombucha can actually grow mold, which can be dangerous to ingest. This can be avoided by sticking to commercially prepared kombucha. 

Of course, not everyone is in love with the taste of kombucha. It generally takes no more than a single sip to decide if you’re a fan or a hater of the effervescent, acidic and robust flavor. Fortunately, you don’t have to suck it up and gulp it down to get the benefits of kombucha. You can use a high-quality kombucha supplement to get your daily dose without dealing with the flavor.

The information in this article and throughout Trio Nutrition’s blog is for informational purposes only, and should never be mistaken for professional medical advice. With reference to all blog articles, the statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information or product references contained in the blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.