Kombucha is a fermented and fizzy tea drink that has gained so much popularity in the last two decades. The brewing process can take between a week and a month. The ultimate result is a gently carbonated beverage with a characteristically vinegary flavour. The fermentation process gives kombucha a little amount of alcohol. Most supermarket stores have kombucha in their refrigerated aisle. In this write-up, we will discuss the top 12 Health benefits of kombucha.
Health Benefits Of Kombucha
1. Rich In Probiotics
Kombucha is made by adding specific strains of bacteria, yeast and sugar to tea, then allowing it to ferment. This process produces a colony of probiotic bacteria and yeast that can improve digestive health and overall wellbeing. Several studies have found that drinking kombucha regularly can increase the amount of beneficial gut bacteria and decrease potentially harmful bacteria and yeasts.
2. Contains Antioxidants
In addition to probiotics, kombucha contains several antioxidant compounds that are beneficial for health. Research shows that the antioxidants from the tea and yeast in kombucha can reduce cell damage and lower oxidative stress. The main antioxidants found in kombucha are polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory, anticancer and detoxifying effects.
3. May Support Digestion And Gut Health
Next in our list of health benefits of kombucha is digestion and gut health. It helps populate the gut with healthy bacteria, which improves digestion and reduces the risk of many diseases. Kombucha may also help heal inflammatory bowel diseases, prevent gut pathogen infections and improve symptoms of constipation or diarrhoea. The antioxidants in kombucha can further protect the lining of the gut from oxidative damage.
4. Protects Against Cancer
Several studies have found that the antioxidants and probiotics in kombucha can reduce the risk of cancer and slow tumour growth. Specifically, the tea polyphenols and probiotics help protect against cancers of the digestive system. They counteract carcinogenic chemicals, inhibit tumor growth and boost immune function, which prevents cancer from spreading.
5. Maintains Liver Health
Your liver plays an essential role in detoxification. The antioxidants in kombucha, especially from the tea source, are very beneficial for liver health. A study in rats found that kombucha helped restore levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that is produced by the liver. It also improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress.
For humans, kombucha has been shown to protect against liver toxicity and potentially regenerate hepatic tissues after exposure to toxic chemicals.
6. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Heart disease is becoming one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many studies have found that kombucha can greatly improve two markers of these diseases, LDL and HDL cholesterol, in as little as 30 days. It is one of the most important health benefits of kombucha. Researchers point to the antioxidants in kombucha as the main drivers behind these reduced levels. Maintaining healthy levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol can prevent blockages and plaque build-up in the arteries, reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
7. Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes
In recent years, kombucha has been investigated as a natural treatment for type 2 diabetes. Although findings are mixed, several studies have found that kombucha slowed down the digestion of carbs, lowered blood sugar levels and improved liver and kidney function in diabetic rats.
The antioxidant activity of kombucha may also help relieve diabetic complications like retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. More research is needed, but kombucha shows promise as a supplement for diabetes management.
8. May Promote Weight Loss
When you are looking for health benefits of kombucha, you must know that it promotes weight loss. Kombucha’s ability to control blood sugar levels may also make it an effective tool for weight loss. A study in diabetic rats found that kombucha significantly decreased belly fat deposits versus a control group. Researchers noted that the improved liver and kidney function due to kombucha helped promote weight loss in the rats.
9. Boosts Immunity
The probiotics and antioxidants in kombucha both contribute to a stronger immune system. Studies confirm that drinking probiotic-rich kombucha can increase populations of immune cells and reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants may also protect against diseases by enhancing the body’s natural defences and strengthening the epithelial barrier against pathogens. People consuming kombucha have reported fewer illnesses, which may be linked to its high concentration of tea polyphenols and other immunity-boosting molecules.
10. Enhances Energy Levels
Besides the health benefits of kombucha like weight loss, immunity boost, liver and heart health- kombucha is also effective in enhancing energy levels. Many people report increased energy levels and reduced fatigue after drinking kombucha regularly. This is likely due to the metabolic effects of the drink, including the energising effect of B-vitamins, vitamin C and trace caffeine found in tea.
Probiotics could also improve energy levels by aiding the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. For most people, kombucha provides a healthy alternative to energy drinks with fewer side effects from caffeine and added sugar.
11. May Improve Brain Function
Some research indicates that kombucha could help improve brain function. The probiotics and antioxidants in kombucha may protect the brain against oxidative damage and inflammation associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. One study found kombucha helped recover cognitive ability in rats with induced brain toxicity.
The acetylcholine in kombucha may also stimulate brain function and memory retention. More studies are needed, but the early evidence is promising for kombucha supporting overall brain health.
12. May Help Prevent Kidney Stones
Last one in our list of health benefits of kombucha is preventing kidney stones. Kombucha is a good source of citrate, a compound known to help prevent kidney stones from forming. One study reported that kombucha consumption was associated with higher urinary citrate levels, which reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.
Researchers believe the citrate in kombucha can bind to calcium oxalate crystals, preventing the formation of stones. For those already with kidney stones, drinking kombucha may help the stones pass faster and with less pain
