Have you ever passed by the kombucha section at your local grocery or health food store and wondered, What the heck is that?
Kombucha devotees swear by its almost magical health benefits. But is it just another health food trend that’ll fade out like so many others?
Nope!
As you’ll learn in this guide on why kombucha is good for you, this fermented tea isn’t going anywhere. It’s a potent drink packed with science-backed goodies for your health and wellness.
But before we can get to its perks, let’s start by understanding what this strange beverage actually is.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea made with tea, sugar, and a SCOBY, which stands for symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeasts.
If you’ve ever looked at a bottle of kombucha, you may have seen little floating pieces swirling around in it. Those are tiny strands of the SCOBY and yeasts.
While it may sound a bit gross, those mini pieces are responsible for many of the health properties kombucha is known for, which we’ll discuss shortly.
So where did kombucha come from?
Despite its recent skyrocketing popularity, kombucha has been around for a really long time.
It actually originated in Northeast China back in 220 BC -- and research says it was heavily consumed during the Qin Dynasty. But similar drinks can be found in Russia and Eastern Europe too, so it’s nothing new even though it might be to you.
So What Makes Kombucha a Super Drink?
Tea might be the healthiest drink on the planet. It’s loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other nutritional superstars.
Kombucha is a fermented tea, which means the tea’s health properties combine with the health benefits of fermentation (think: fermented health foods like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut).
The fermentation process cranks up and concentrates the tea’s nutritional components. So you get higher amounts of all those powerful bioactive compounds than what’s found in regular tea.
What Does Kombucha Taste Like?
Does kombucha taste like your favorite tea?
To be honest, many people aren’t in love with kombucha on their first taste test. But it easily grows on you the more you drink it.
People often describe the taste of kombucha as being sour and vinegary. It also has some light carbonation thanks to the fermentation. And some varieties impart sweet notes depending on the type of tea used and other flavorful additions brewers may add later.
So why do so many people give kombucha another chance despite not initially liking it? Because it’s so darn healthy!
2 Reasons Why Kombucha is Good for You
Kombucha is so good for you because:
It’s Packed with Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, kombucha is made using tea as the base, which means you score a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that naturally come from the most widely consumed beverage in the world.
You’ll find vital minerals like potassium and manganese, as well as essential vitamins E and B in tea.
There are also polyphenol compounds, such as catechins, and flavonoids, which are all bioactive compounds with incredible antioxidant powers. These may be helpful for combatting harmful free radicals that cause cell damage.
While kombucha is traditionally made with black tea, other types of tea can be used. So depending on the one you choose, your antioxidant potential may be even higher.
For example, green tea ranks the highest in antioxidants, making kombucha brewed with this base one of the best choices health-wise.
Kombucha Helps Keep Your Gut Health in Balance (Which Reduces Uncomfortable Symptoms)
Fermented foods, which are described as those made using a controlled bacteria growth, contain probiotic microorganisms, or probiotics for short.
These powerful little organisms help keep your gut happy by maintaining optimal gut bacteria balance. They help ensure the good bacteria thrives, and the bad bacteria doesn’t have a chance to survive, multiply, and overrun the place.
When you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your gut, you may start feeling:
- Bloated
- Gassy
- Uncomfortable
- Heartburn
- Fatigued
- Low energy
So consuming kombucha delivers a dose of healthy probiotics that work hard to keep your gut health in excellent shape.
Final Thoughts on Drinking Kombucha for Better Health
After reading this guide, it’s clear to see why kombucha is good for you and why so many ancient cultures drank this fermented tea and continue to do so today.
Now you can reap these benefits too!
As long as you can get past the taste, which again, often grows on people, you too can see why so many people are in love with this fermented beverage.
Try experimenting to find flavors you actually enjoy. And if you don’t like the first one you try, give another flavor or brand a shot until you meet your perfect match.
The health benefits are so worth it!
Author: Devan Ciccarelli
Email: devan@behappynothangry.com
Instagram/Facebook Group: @behappynothangry/Be Happy Not Hangry
Website: www.behappynothangry.com
