Why Kombucha?
What is Kombucha?
Chances are you have already heard or seen kombucha in your life. You can call it fermented tea- It is made by mixing yeast, sugar, and tea. Fermentation is a metabolic process in which an organism converts a carbohydrate, such as starch or sugar, into an alcohol or an acid. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the term has become closely associated with specific biochemical processes used to produce alcohol and vinegar by fermenting sugar-rich materials.
However, fermentation also applies to other biochemical production processes such as the production of organic acids, including lactic acid bacteria. Yeasts are used in the production of alcoholic beverages, bread, and cultured products such as soy sauce, cheese, and yogurt. Similar processes are important in brewing and winemaking if the goal is to produce beer or wine.
History
Kombucha tea has been around for a long time. The fermented drink has its origins in Northeast China (historically referred to as Manchuria), where it was invented by accident around 220 B.C. It was thought to have healing properties, and its name is reportedly derived from Dr. Kombu, a Korean physician who brought the fermented tea to Japan as a curative for Emperor Inkyo.
Eventually, the tea was brought to Europe as a result of trade route expansions in the early 20th century, most notably appearing in Russia (as "Kambucha") and Germany (as "Kombuchaschwamm"). Despite a dip in international popularity during WWII due to the shortage of tea and sugar supplies, kombucha regained popularity following a 1960s study in Switzerland comparing its health benefits to those of yogurt.
Benefits
Now you have a brief knowledge about the history and the components of kombucha. Let’s talk about why is it making a buzz over the years. Here are some of the few benefits of drinking kombucha.
1. May contain rich in probiotic
Kombucha's ability to aid digestion has been linked with the fact that fermentation produces probiotics. These probiotics can help treat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and they may even strengthen your immune system!
2. Has antioxidant
When you drink green tea kombucha, you get the benefits of green tea too. Green tea is loaded with bioactive compounds that can have various beneficial effects on your body and brain. For example, it contains large amounts of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Green tea may also increase fat burning and help you lose weight. It may also protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer, among other things
3. Promote positive mental health
Kombucha may be the answer you've been looking for to help you calmly and effectively meet the challenges of your day. It contains vitamins B1, B6, and B12, all of which are known to help the body fight depression, stabilize mood, and improve concentration. It also contains vitamin C, which suppresses the release of cortisol (one of the stress hormones). Higher levels of cortisol in the blood contribute to hypertension, depression, and impaired mental clarity
Kombucha has gained popularity over the years and claims to have a lot of benefits. It’s always safe to do your research first. Everyone has different health needs and must look for products that are suitable for your diet and lifestyle.