Most people are familiar with the benefits of tea, which mainly come in the form of antioxidants and polyphenols. Cultured foods, which are rich in probiotic bacteria, are also gaining popularity. Yogurt sales have continued to rise, with new brands always entering the market, demonstrating the growing interest in probiotics. What if there was a way to combine the benefits of antioxidants and probiotics in tea? There is an answer, and it comes in the form of the kombucha fermented tea drink.
Kombucha is simply a combination of tea, sugar, water, and a special culture known as SCOBY. The term stands for symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, because both bacterial and yeast strains are present and work together. The yeast usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae, converts sugar to alcohol. A bacterial strain, usually Gluconacetobacter xylinus, then converts the alcohol into a wide variety of nutrients. Because neither sugar nor alcohol is fully metabolized, small amounts of each remain in the kombucha. However, the amount of sugar is only a couple of grams per serving, and the alcohol concentration is less than 0.5%.
While kombucha can be made with sweeteners other than sugar, it is pure refined cane sugar that is best processed in crops. Many manufacturers use organic evaporated cane juice because organic refined sugar is so rare, but it works almost as well. Processed honey and fruit juices can also be used, but zero-calorie sweeteners cannot be digested at all, so stevia and artificial sweeteners should be avoided. The tea itself should also be pure tea, preferably black, as the base cannot be herbal. Even rooibos cannot be used, but green, oolong, and yerba mate are acceptable.
In addition to the beneficial cultures, kombucha contains many other nutrients. One of the main outlets for the bacteria is acetic acid, which has remarkable antimicrobial properties and is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Another biologic, glucuronic acid, helps detoxify the liver. Many other organic acids, amino acids, B vitamins, and polyphenols are also present. It is the synergistic effects of all these chemicals that result in the powerful experiences of the many who regularly consume this drink.
Research on kombucha ingredients and the experiences of real people make it clear that kombucha can revitalize life and help overcome certain ailments. After drinking it for a few weeks, anyone will notice the difference.
