What is Kombucha? Is it Healthy?

Have you made the promise to yourself that 2021 will be the year you start prioritizing your health? Have you realized that it’s time to make that connection between what you eat and drink and the way it affects your body both mentally and physically? The good news is that there are all kinds of items you can start to include in your diet that will have a positive effect in a relatively short amount of time. One you may want to consider looking into is Kombucha tea.

If you’re unsure of what Kombucha is and whether or not it’s healthy, we’ve gone ahead and dispelled the mystery for you, giving you all you need to know about Kombucha.

Kombucha 101 – What Exactly Is It?

What is Kombucha? That’s a great place to start as it’s not exactly a mainstream term – yet. Kombucha features just three ingredients which are sugar, tea, and the most important part – a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. This culture has been given the term “SCOBY”.

There is actually a really interesting process that takes place when making Kombucha. The way it works is that the SCOBY consumes the sugar, which is the fermentation process. From there, it then becomes a beverage that is sparkling and fermented. The great news is that it’s very low in sugar and calories.

Kombucha is nothing new; it actually dates back to 221 BCE in China, which was the Qin Dynasty. At that time, the Kombucha tea was called the “Tea of Immortality” thanks to its wonderful natural properties.

What Makes It Healthy?

So, what makes the Kombucha healthy, other than the fact that it’s low in sugar and calories? The fact that it contains living cultures, organic acids, and polyphenols (antioxidants) means it can support a healthy immune system and help your digestive system to function optimally. Kombucha is never pasteurized and it is always raw, which means you’re getting all the great natural benefits it features. Kombucha is also said to benefit your mental health, just adding to its overall benefits.

Add Additional Ingredients for Flavor

If the idea of this sparkling fermented beverage turns you off, then you’ll be happy to hear you can add ingredients to it that will make the flavor a bit more exciting. Fruit, spices, and herbs are commonly added to create unique and delicious flavors.

You can even experiment at home and make your own Kombucha, choosing the additional ingredients. Keep in mind that making Kombucha requires a lot of patience as it is a long process, with the fermentation process taking 7-10 days. It can be a bit of a confusing process for beginners, which is why it’s often easier, faster, and economical to buy Kombucha tea.

So, if you’re looking to make healthier choices with your food and beverages in 2021, it could be well worth it to look into the benefits of Kombucha and giving it a try. Don’t forget that with the various flavors available, you’re sure to find one that interests you.