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Updated: May 12
Recently, it seems that no matter which store you head to, the shelves are filled with various flavors of kombucha. This article explores the question, “Is kombucha healthy?”. Read on for more details.
5 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Love Kombucha
Kombucha is a fizzy tea drink that has been fermented. The tea is prepared, and yeast and bacteria (also known as SCOBY) are added during the fermentation process. The final product is a tangy tea that can offer health benefits.
Once the SCOBY (aka tea fungus) is released in the tea, it takes about 7-10 days for fermentation to happen. This aids in producing the carbonation and sweet/sour flavor kombucha is known for.
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How Is Kombucha Good for You?
Ultimately, yes, drinking kombucha tea is good for you. This fermented tea drink has been noted as a good source of polyphenols and antioxidants. |*| These can aid in reducing heart risk, preventing cancer, and much more. Some of the reported benefits include the following:
· A potential source of probiotics
· Antioxidant-rich drink
· Aids in killing bacteria
· Can help with Type 2 Diabetes management
· May aid in reducing the risk of cardiac disease
The Best Kombucha Health Benefits: Why People Love Kombucha
Below, we explore each benefit more in-depth.
Potential Probiotic Source
Probiotics are naturally occurring throughout the body and aid in keeping you healthy and regulating your body. Increasing your probiotic intake can help with skin diseases like eczema, stomach issues, and illnesses. Consuming good bacteria, aka probiotics, through food or drinks can help increase the number of good microbes in your system. |*|
A 2013 study |*| has shown a significant amount of lactic acid bacteria, a bacteria associated with probiotics. While it has not been proven that kombucha is a good source of probiotics, the bacteria found in this drink is a positive indicator that it can potentially offer a good source of probiotics for your diet.
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Antioxidant-Rich Drink
As noted, kombucha is a good source of antioxidants that potentially connect to a decrease in heart disease risk, cancer, and other diseases.|*| This 2020 study shows a high concentration of polyphenols in the form of flavonoids. |*| Polyphenols have been known to be potent antioxidants.
It's important to note that certain varieties of kombucha contain more antioxidants than others. According to the above study, you should consume kombucha made from red or green tea for the most significant dose of antioxidants.
Antimicrobial Properties
Kombucha contains acetic acid, which has been shown to have an antimicrobial effect, especially on certain strains of bad bacteria. During this study, kombucha fought against strains like E. Coli and Sh. sonnei. |*| While E. Coli is naturally occurring in the human body, some types can cause sickness in the form of an upset stomach or even more serious illnesses like pneumonia. |*|
Related: What Does Drinking Water Do for Metabolism, Skin, and Digestion?
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Possible Type 2 Diabetes Benefits
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in the adult years. Diabetes affects the way your body manages blood sugar, which can have other adverse effects in the future, like developing heart disease and kidney disease. |*|
According to this study performed on diabetic rats, the liver and kidney functions were protected during kombucha consumption. This drink also helped blood sugar stay at a more manageable level. |*|
For years, green tea has shown a positive effect on reducing blood sugar levels. |*| Because of this, kombucha with a base of green tea can potentially offer more positive effects on those with Type 2 diabetes than other varieties.
May Reduce Risk of Cardiac Disease
As mentioned above, kombucha is a good source of antioxidants that strongly connect with heart health. According to this study, consuming flavonoids has been shown to decrease cardiovascular disease risk substantially. |*|
This 2015 study performed on rats notes that kombucha aided in decreasing the level of cholesterol. |*|Having higher cholesterol levels has been linked with heart disease. |*|
Final Thoughts on Why You May Want to Try Kombucha
Consuming kombucha has been shown to provide multiple health benefits, specifically relating to antioxidants, probiotics, and bad bacteria. If you're looking for a way to increase your antioxidants or decrease the bad bacteria in your gut, kombucha can be a drink that aids you in these areas. Plus, it is super easy to pack in your lunch so you can practice wellness at work!
Best Kombucha Brands to Try [*]:
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