Kombucha

Kombucha has been around for thousands and thousands of years and has stood the test of time. It originated in North-East China about 220 B.C. and was used primarily as herbal medicine. These days, kombucha has seen a massive spike in popularity in the Western world due to its perceived health benefits. With a plethora of brands and flavors to choose from, the fermented world is your oyster.

What are the Health Benefits of Kombucha?

Only a few scientific studies have been made to explore the perceived health benefits of Kombucha. But what we do know is that Kombucha is rich in a lot of nutrients that our body loves. It’s especially rich in the antioxidant polyphenol which helps the body fight against free radicals. And it’s high in vitamins and minerals too! Vitamins C and Vitamins B6, B1, and B12 are formed as the sugars break down during the fermentation process. 

Kombucha can be made from either green or black tea, with the former being renowned for its unique bioactive compounds, associated with blood sugar and cholesterol level control. There’s a lot to love in this little drink.

In that case, Kombucha, in its purest form, is certainly good for you. Always read the side of the bottle - the mass production of the beverage has meant that some companies have added artificial sweeteners and sugars post-production. So if you want kombucha with all the bells and whistles, make sure you’re drinking it the old-fashioned way! Organic, fermented tea with yeast cultures, natural flavorings, and nothing more.

How much Kombucha is safe to drink?

You can safely drink kombucha every day, but don’t overdo it! It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control that four ounces of kombucha can be consumed one to three times a day. So what about the alcohol? Kombucha has a maximum of 0.5% alcohol content and often much less. You’d have to drink eight bottles, to equate to the alcohol content of one beer. However, if you’re drinking homemade kombucha you need to be slightly more careful - its alcohol content can often be higher!  

The History of Kombucha

Fermented tea, or what we today call Kombucha, first came about 200 B.C in North-East China. The exact origin of the drink is not known but the legend has it that a Korean doctor named Dr. Kombu brought the fermented tea to cure Emperor Inkyo’s chronic illness around 415 A.D. In the 1900s, as the trade route evolved, kombucha made its way to Russia and Germany first, before exploding across Europe after a seminal doctoral article was published in Switzerland. The article was hailing the ‘miracle drink’ for its momentous healing properties akin to yogurt and other products rich in probiotics.

By the 1990s, DIY fermentation was all the rage, from kimchi to sauerkraut to sourdough to kombucha! Soon, a pivotal book on the craze, The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz, hit the shelves and made it into many European homes. It demystified the processes and concepts that we today know as basic at-home pickling! 

Suddenly, all the foodies and alternative healers were at it! People shared SCOBYs (symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast) like there was no tomorrow. It’s the yeast and bacteria that convert refined sugar into lactic acid that gives kombucha its natural carbonation and distinctive sourish taste profile. 

These days, kombucha can be found anywhere from the local gas station to the museum gift shop! With a plethora of brands and flavors to choose from, the fermented world is your oyster. Why not try Brew Dr.’s exotic delight Island Mango flavored Organic Kombucha? 

Is Kombucha Really Good for You?

The fermented tea Kombucha has been praised by the holistic health community and is sometimes claimed to take action against a whole host of conditions. But what’s true and what’s simply folklore? Let’s find out… It’s time for Kombucha: FACT or FICTION!

‘Kombucha contains Probiotics.’ FACT!

Kombucha, like other fermented foods such as kefir and sauerkraut, contains live microorganisms which lead to probiotic bacteria being produced during fermentation. When ingested in dense concentrations, probiotic bacteria may aid digestion and improve gut health. However, It is still in question whether kombucha contains enough probiotic bacteria to enact these properties effectively and conclusively.

‘Kombucha helps with weight loss.’ FICTION!

There is absolutely no conclusive medical evidence to support the claim that drinking kombucha would induce weight loss. This unfounded claim may have roots in the fact that optimal gut health usually coincides with efficient metabolism and effective fat burning as well as proper digestion. While those correlations may be true, they simply can’t be attributed to drinking Kombucha alone. Kombucha simply doesn’t contain enough concentrated quantities of probiotics to shift the balance of your gut health that drastically.

‘If you drink too much kombucha you’ll get drunk.’ FICTION!

Kombucha has a maximum of 0.5% alcohol content and often much less. To feel a buzz from kombucha, you’d have to ingest about eight bottles of the stuff, which would equate to the alcohol content of one beer. Twenty-four bottles would theoretically leave you drunk, but we aren’t sure how you’d fit that much liquid inside you without popping first! That being said, home-brewed kombucha can have a much higher alcohol content, so have this in mind if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a homemade Kombucha brew! 

Top Kombucha Brands To Try

Brew Dr. - Organic Kombucha

Brew Dr. makes 100% raw, authentic, high-quality kombuchas that will make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed! This classic kombucha is made with 100% organic botanicals and fermented to perfection. 

Health Ade - Watermelon Kombucha

Welcome summer with Health Ade’s Watermelon Kombucha. This refreshing blend is made from probiotics, green and black tea, cold-pressed organic watermelon juice, watermelon essence, and malic acid. It’s also certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher. 

Health Ade - Pink Lady Apple Kombucha

Rejuvenate with Health Ade’s Pink Lady Apple Kombucha. It has an incredibly crisp and slightly sweet flavor. This brew is made from cold-pressed juice of organic Pink Lady apples and makes a refreshing Summer drink. 

Better Booch - Kombucha

The zingy kombuchas from Better Booch are made with love! Their kombucha flavors are all made in small batches in Los Angeles. They only use traditional techniques, with no added sugars and no added fruit juices. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Good To Drink Kombucha Every Day?

You can safely drink kombucha every day, but don’t overdo it! It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control that four ounces of kombucha can be consumed one to three times a day.

Is Kombucha Good For My Tummy?

Kombucha contains antioxidants and probiotics which both are associated with good gut health. While drinking Kombucha can give your gut a boost, kombucha alone doesn’t seem to contain enough concentrated quantities of probiotics to shift the balance of your gut health drastically.

What Is The Best Time To Drink Kombucha?

Whenever you feel like it! If you drink kombucha on an empty stomach you might feel the effects stronger. On the other hand, if you drink it after a meal, it may help you digest your food. 

Can Children Drink Kombucha?

It’s believed that children over 4 years old can drink store-bought, pasteurized kombucha. Avoid unpasteurized and homemade kombucha for the kids, since these types of kombucha may have higher alcohol content.