What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented probiotic drink. Kombucha tea is a slightly sweet and acidic refreshing beverage which is consumed worldwide. It is obtained from the infusion of tea leaves by the fermentation of a symbiotic association of bacteria and yeasts forming “tea fungus”  It tastes like sparkling apple cider vinegar and can be made at home by fermentation using locally available tea fungus. It is also made by fermenting yeast and bacteria with black tea, sugar, and other ingredients.  Kombucha tea is prepared by placing the tea fungus into a sugared tea broth for fermentation. If kombucha is cultivated with black tea and sweetened with sucrose, it turns into a refreshing beverage called tea fungus with high nutritive value and medicinal properties.

BENEFITS OF KOMBUCHA TEA:

1. IMPROVED DIGESTION: Probiotics in kombucha may promote healthy digestion and soothe an upset stomach. Probiotics are referred to as good gut bacteria, and can help deter or provide relief from problems like diarrhoea, constipation and IBS. By having the fermented kombucha beverage, one may be able to help replenish lost gut bacteria.

2. IMMUNE SYSTEM STIMULATION:  The healthy gut bacteria gained by drinking kombucha may help stimulate the immune system. Probiotics, from fermented foods, can strengthen our natural defences against harmful microbes and some forms of illnesses. When our natural microbiome is depleted, harmful microbes such as ones that cause cancer, ulcers, and diabetes can take hold. 

3. ARTHRITIS PREVENTION:  Glucosamine is a powerful compound found in kombucha, which can treat all types of arthritis. Glucosamines enhance hyaluronic acid production, which may help to protect cartilage and reduce arthritic pain.  

4. CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION:  Research further suggests that kombucha can maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In studies with animals, kombucha was able to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) while increasing levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

5. MOOD ENHANCEMENT:  The B vitamins in kombucha, especially vitamins B1, B6, and B12, may help enhance concentration, battle depression and stabilize mood. Vitamin C in kombucha inhibits the release of the stress hormone cortisol. 

6. DETOXIFICATION:  Kombucha tea is a  natural detoxifier. Gluconic acid, which is found in kombucha as well as in fruits and veggies, may bind to toxins to help expel them from the body, according to research. Glucaric acid, also a product of kombucha tea fermentation, may boost the efficiency of the liver's detoxifying tracts. 

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE FOLLOWING CASES:

1. PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: There are no large-scale studies on the effects of drinking kombucha during pregnancy, it may be best to avoid kombucha during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of its small alcohol and caffeine content and lack of pasteurization.

2. WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM: Avoid having kombucha tea if you have a weakened immune system as it is unpasteurized and contains a mix of different types of bacteria and yeasts, which contributes to the growth of bacteria that can lead to infections in certain people.

3. DIABETES: Kombucha when produced from green tea is more beneficial, as green tea itself has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. 

4. ALCOHOLISM: Kombucha tea contains 0.5 % alcohol. As a precaution, young children, and pregnant women, should avoid having Kombucha.

5. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS): Kombucha tea contains caffeine, when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhoea and might worsen symptoms of IBS.

6. SURGERY: Since kombucha tea seems to affect blood glucose levels, it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using kombucha tea at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.