Saved the Best for Last…Kombucha Tea

There are many differing claims about Kombucha, making the decision to try this tea difficult and sometimes intimidating. Before making a final judgement, here is a quick kombucha question and answer:

Question: What really is Kombucha?

Answer: It’s a fermented tea, with similar properties to green tea, that has been consumed for thousands of years and is thought to originate in China or Japan. It’s made by adding specific strains of bacteria, yeast and sugar to black or green tea, and then allowing it to ferment for at least a week. During this process, the bacteria and yeast form a mushroom-like disc on the surface, which is why kombucha is also known as “mushroom tea.” This disc is actually a living symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, which can be used to ferment new batches. The fermentation process produces vinegar and several other acidic compounds, trace levels of alcohol and gases that make it carbonated. Not only does this tea have the same health benefits as tea, but it’s also rich in beneficial probiotics. The tea also contains antioxidants, can kill harmful bacteria and may help fight several diseases.

Question:  Can Kombucha benefit your health or prevent disease?

Answer:  There are six possible benefits related to consuming this tea, including:

• Probiotic source and supplementation: improves many aspects of health, including digestion, inflammation and possibly aid in weight loss.
• Antioxidant source and supplementation: contains polyphenols and antioxidants which can increase the amount of calories you burn, improve cholesterol levels, and help with blood sugar control.
• Antibacterial properties: kills local bacteria because the fermentation process results in the production of acetic acid (vinegar) which can kill local bacteria and yeast.  
• Potentially improves heart disease risk: If consumed regularly for 30 days, can decrease LDL cholesterol numbers and protects LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is thought to contribute to heart disease.
• May help manage type 2 diabetes: When consumed regularly, Kombucha slows the digestion of carbohydrates which reduced blood sugar levels.  But as always, you should also follow your providers recommendations for blood sugar control and monitoring.

Question: Can Kombucha harm you?

Answer: There is a very small amount of alcohol in Kombucha. The percentage increases with the amount of fermentation and time spent at room temperature. Be mindful, to consistently refrigerate your product. You can purchase Kombucha in the store or make it yourself at home. However, be very careful to prepare it properly. Contaminated or over-fermented Kombucha can cause (and has caused) serious health problems and even death. Homemade Kombucha may also contain up to 3% alcohol. The safer option is to purchase the tea at a store or online. Commercial products are good and considered alcohol-free, as they must contain less than 0.5% alcohol. However, check the ingredients and try to avoid brands that are high in added sugar.

The bottom line is proceed with caution. If you choose the appropriate product and incorporate it judiciously into your health routine, Kombucha can provide some health benefits in an enjoyable drink that has been available for centuries.

If you have any questions, concerns, or other topic suggestions, please comment below!