I know what you’re thinking, kombucha? What’s that? Kombucha is a fermented beverage consisting of black tea and sugar, which also contains a specific culture known as ‘scoby’. Scoby stands for ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts’.
Kombucha, just like green tea contains many of the same plant compounds which means it has many of the same benefits to it, but not only that but it’s also rich in beneficial probiotics which may help fight several diseases.
But before you swap your ordinary Earl Grey for kombucha, what makes it so special? Kombucha has many health benefits which ordinary tea doesn’t, which makes it the perfect beverage for winter to keep you healthy.
Health benefits of kombucha:
- Improved Digestion
The high levels of beneficial acid in kombucha helps support healthy digestion and soothe upset stomachs. It can also provide relief from problems like IBS, diarrhea, and constipation.
2. Immune System Stimulation
Kombucha is rich in anti-oxidants which help boost the immune system and energy levels, which is why it makes a perfect beverage for those days that you feel like you’d rather stay in bed.
3. Cancer prevention
Cancer is the worlds leading cause of death, and the microorganisms found in kombucha can help prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells.
4. Lower the risk of heart diseases
Kombucha greatly lowers the cholesterol levels in your body, which contributes to heart diseases. In studies with animals, kombucha was able to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing the levels of good cholesterol.
5. Weight loss
There is evidence which proves that kombucha can help with weight loss. When made with green tea, it can positively impact weight loss and it helps to burn calories quicker.
6. Improve mental health
The B vitamins in kombucha, specifically vitamins B1, B6 and B12 help battle depression, stabilize mood and enhance concentration. There are strong links between depression and inflammation, so the anti-inflammatory effect of kombucha may help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression.