What is Kombucha and why is it good for me?

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha simply put is fermented tea. Everyone knows tea to be good for you, but what would happen if you let it sit at room temperature for a few weeks with a little yeast and bacteria? Sounds like a grade school science experiment but this process has been around since ancient times as a method of preserving tea and multiplying its benefits!

In modern times thanks to the invention of refrigeration, kombucha is now simply thought of as a bubbly beverage with a little sweetness, a little tang, and a lot of health benefits. Claims have been made that kombucha can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, increase immunity, and even cure some ailments from stomach ulcers to cancer! While little to no research has been done on such claims we like to say, “if it tastes good, makes you feel good, then drink it!” No one is arguing as to the fact that kombucha will always be a healthier alternative to sodas thanks to some shared qualities such as their bubbliness but minus all the sugar and unnatural flavoring. Some trying to stay away from alcohol even turn to kombucha as an alternative to beer as the flavor profile can be similar in some flavors thanks to the use of yeast in kombucha making and beer.

So what is it about kombucha that has people claiming it can improve health?

As we mentioned, tea itself is already well known to have many health benefits. Tea is packed with catechins and polyphenols that help combat free radicals thus supporting overall cellular health. Depending on the type, tea can boost energy with caffeine or promote relaxation thanks to compounds like L-theanine. Some research shows that by fermenting the tea, as in the process of making kombucha, these benefits may be multiplied! Think of kombucha like tea on steroids (minus the steroids of course).

Kombucha has bacteria?! Yes! The good kind - better known as probiotics! While the probiotics tend to be kombuchas claim to fame for their natural ability to improve gut health they are more importantly a vital component in the process of creating the kombucha in the first place. The probiotics and the yeast together create a culture called a SCOBY which stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. What this means is that the bacteria and yeast exist as living organisms in the kombucha to transform the tea into kombucha. Don’t worry, although alive they are microscopic and in a clean, mildly filtered product you won’t even know they are there. Plus, bacteria and yeast exist in our bodies already! Kombucha just introduces more of the good kind! With the help of some sugar (the food source for the SCOBY) the transformation from tea to kombucha occurs over a few weeks causing the yeast and bacteria to multiply (more probiotics!) and for other beneficial characters to form such as organic acids and vitamins. As an added bonus a byproduct of the yeast fermentation is natural effervescence, aka carbonation.

So what are we left with then after a few weeks? A tea that is mildly sweet, mildly sour, a little bubbly and a great base for added flavors! Most kombucha on the market uses real fruit, veggies, and herbs to flavor their kombucha. Although watch out for those using flavorings rather than real produce if that is something you try to stay away from! (watch for our blog post about what to watch for in a store bought brand coming soon!) Explore what the market has and you’ll find kombuchas flavored to taste like root beer, a green juice, or a kid friendly strawberry lemonade. Some brands taste sweeter while some try to keep the sweetness out. Others taste similar to apple cider vinegar while newer brands attempt to make something more reminiscent of a healthy soda. The options are endless and just as with any growing market more brands are popping up regularly with their own unique take on the ancient elixir. Give a few a try and hopefully you’ll find one that satisfies your taste buds and your gut. Having trouble? Give ours a try! We’ve been introducing people to the wonders of a tasty kombucha for over 4 years!