Kombucha is an age-old fermented tea drink. Its been around in various forms for centuries in many different cultures. Prized by traditional cultures for its health benefits, Kombucha contains a wide variety of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The tea is well-known for aiding in digestion, liver support, weight loss and detoxification.
What exactly is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sweetened black, green or white tea with sugar that is fermented with a SCOBY, which is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Once initiated with the sugar, the fermentation begins. The fermentation process takes 7-12 days and turns the tea into an extremely nutrient rich, low sugar refreshing beverage. The process of fermenting Kombucha is similar to what happens in sourdough bread. Often referred to as “the booch” by its faithful drinkers, Kombucha is essentially a probiotic drink with helpful bacteria that contains enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants.
Are there benefits to drinking Kombucha?
There are distinct health benefits to drinking Kombucha. The tea does a great job at supporting the body in a variety of ways. Although Kombucha is not a magic elixir, you will reap the benefits from sipping the tea daily. Some examples of the benefits of Kombucha include improved digestion, liver support, total body detoxification and weight loss.
Kombucha improves digestion
Kombucha contains probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants and beneficial acids which all combat the ‘free radicals’ that can wage war in the digestive system. Essentially, Kombucha helps restore balance to the digestive system by fighting the bad bacteria and repopulating the good.
Kombucha supports the liver
Kombucha protects against liver toxicity and aids in its natural detoxification. Kombucha is high in Glucaric acid which is beneficial to the liver.
Kombucha can help you to lose weight
Kombucha helps improve and balance metabolism as well as limits the body’s fat accumulation. Kombucha is high in acetic acid, which has been proven to aid in weight loss.
Kombucha and detoxification
Kombucha is high in glucuronic acid, typically referred to as GA. GA is well-known as a detoxicant. Within the body, GA combines with toxins like environmental pollutants and pharmaceuticals. GA then converts the toxins into compounds that are soluble which the body can then excrete.
Is there a downside to Kombucha consumption?
As always, if a person is diagnosed with a medical condition its best to check with their doctor before consuming Kombucha or taking any other type of supplement. Some people new to Kombucha have experienced pain and bloating which is most likely due to changes in gut bacteria. Kombucha is high in natural acids, which can be harmful to the teeth and perhaps cause dental problems. However, it should be noted that Kombucha is still lower in natural acids than most sodas or other sugary drinks.
How to drink Kombucha?
It is best to drink Kombucha all in one sitting, and swish clean water in your mouth once you’ve finished. Some Kombucha brewers encourage people to take ‘shots’ of Kombucha throughout the day followed by a glass of water. However, in order to reap the full benefits, it is best to drink the tea all at once and let its effects start to take place in your body immediately.
Kombucha in Phuket
Kombucha is gaining popularity in Phuket, but even so, it is still quite difficult to find on the island. Here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center we are fortunate to have fresh Kombucha delivered to us. If you would like to try Kombucha, we have four different flavors to choose from: Original, Lemongrass, Turmeric and Cinnamon.
Home-made Kombucha Class
We are excited to announce our all new ‘Home-made Kombucha Class’ here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center. The class will teach you everything you need to know about how to make your own Kombucha! If you are interested, all that you need to do is fill out the form below.
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