Health Benefits of Kombucha

Health benefits of Kombucha tea are many ranging from facilitating detoxification, reducing arthritis pain, lowering cholesterol, restoring bowel movements, relief from gastric ulcers and various digestive troubles. Antioxidant-rich kombucha possess anti-microbial properties and assists in curing various medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes and contributes productively in maintaining cellular health and strong immune defense of the body.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a refreshing fermented beverage. It is obtained by the fermentation of sweetened tea with a symbiotic association of acetic acid bacteria and specific yeast cultures. Originated from northeast China centuries back, this miraculous fungus has been valued for its unique, refreshing taste and impressive range of medicinal benefits. Kombucha is famously known as the ‘Immortal health Elixir’ in the ancient China.

While sometimes referred as kombucha mushroom, there is no mushroom associated with kombucha. The live yeast present in the kombucha beverage provides it an active life which carries on even after transferring it into the storage containers. The kombucha culture includes one more of Candida stellata, Zygosaccharomyces baili, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeasts. Kombucha may have varied flavor depending on the choice of black or green tea and tastes somewhere in the middle of apple cider and champagne. After being a significant part of Chinese folk medicine, kombucha’s word eventually reached Russia, Germany and Europe and recently it has been gaining a lot of popularity around the globe attributing to its amazing therapeutic qualities.

Nutritional Value of Kombucha

Kombucha enfolds a range of yeast and bacterial species with polyphenols, amino acids and organic acids. Post the completion of required fermentation process, kombucha drink develops into a nutritional powerhouse with the richness of various minerals, numerous beneficial live enzymes, a range of vitamins such as vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), B12, C and many healthful chemical constituents such as gluconic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, glucuronic acid, usnic acid, fructose and lactic Acid.

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Kombucha possesses antibiotic properties i.e. bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic which works against a range of pathogens and is used for therapeutic purposes in human as well as veterinary treatments.

Detoxification: Kombucha possesses a remarkable ability to detoxify the body. It contains a powerful detoxifier glucuronic acid which binds the toxins entering the liver and eliminates them out of the body via kidneys. This helps in reducing the burden on the pancreas and keeps the liver healthy. Furthermore, kombucha prevents the harmful effects of the pollution caused by the petroleum products along with plastics, pesticides, resins and heavy metals.

Antioxidant power: Kombucha contains profuse amounts of organic acids such as glucuronic acids and powerful antioxidants which help in shielding the body from oxidative damage. The antioxidants present in kombucha look out for the oxygen free radicals and neutralize their effects thereby, repairs and protects the body from associated diseases and inflammations.

Hepato-protective qualities: Another healing action exerted by kombucha is its hepatic-protective effects. A research study conducted on kombucha has shown that kombucha tea helps in restoring the levels of glutathione and is remarkably effectual in reducing the induced hepato-toxicity. A comparative study conducted on black tea, kombucha tea and enzyme-processed black tea has proven the efficacy and superiority of kombucha tea in providing hepatic protection against the toxicity attributing to its antioxidant power as compared to the latter.

Cancer: Kombucha works wonderfully in restrain the growth of cancer. Studies have shown that glucaric acid present in kombucha is quite effective in prevention of various types of cancer including pancreatic andbreast cancer. Lactic acid present in kombucha acts beneficially against cancer by shifting the pH value of the body towards the acidic side making it difficult for the cancer to develop. As stated earlier regarding the detoxification qualities of the kombucha drink which also contribute profitably in the prevention and treatment of different cancers.

Anti-microbial effects: Kombucha tea has anti-microbial properties which may prove effective against a variety of pathogens. An investigative research has revealed that apart from acetic acid kombucha contains other anti-microbial components which even at neutral values of pH provide protection against a range of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureaus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella enteriditis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogens and Helicobacter pylori.

Diabetes: Kombucha is valued for its effectiveness in curing diabetes.  It is a natural therapeutic agent which helps in suppressing the factors implicated in diabetic conditions. A comparative studyinvolving black tea and kombucha has revealed that kombucha has better inhibiting properties as compared to the black tea and aidsin superior deterrence of the elevated blood glucose levels. The study has also suggested that kombucha tea exerts healing action on the pancreas of the diabetic individuals and helps in guarding their liver and kidney functions by reducing theconcentration of urea and other unfavorable activities occurring in the plasma membrane.

Arthritis: As stated kombucha contains glucosamines which are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of all types of arthritis. Glucosamine present in kombucha[a1]  stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid which helps in the maintenance of cartilage structure and provides relief from the pain associated with arthritis. Hyaluronic acid aids in reducing the free radical damage, preserves lubrication and elasticity of the joints by empowering the connective tissue to bind the associated moisture.

Cholesterol:  Another superb benefit offered by kombucha tea is the maintenance of healthy levels of cholesterol. Research studies have provided qualitative evidence regarding the anti-lipidemic properties of kombucha which helps in reducing the absorption of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and elevate the levels of good cholesterol .i.e. HDL cholesterol in the body.

Gastric ulcers: Kombucha provides relief from discomfort cause by gastric ulcerations. Studies conducted in this field have revealed that antioxidants and phenols present in kombucha tea helps in protecting the mucin content in the gastric tissues and decrease the secretion of excess gastric acids. The same study also suggested that the efficacy of kombucha tea in healing gastric ulcers is at par with the commercially available drug, omeprazole.

Cellular health: Kombucha helps in maintaining cellular health which is vital for the healthy functioning of the body. A study performed on kombucha tea has shown the protective effects of kombucha drink against the induced cytotoxicity and demonstrated positive results with respect to the factors implicated in the reduction of cellular toxins.

Digestion: Kombucha is a valuable beverage which promotes healthy digestion. Attributing to the process of fermentation with live colony of bacteria and yeast, kombucha works as a probiotic potion which helps in sustaining the gut health and provides relief from various abdominal disorders including chronic constipationand diarrhea symptoms. The digestive enzymes present in kombucha enhance the effects of glucuronic acid and aids in the breakdown of proteins and sacchrides thereby, making the digestive system more efficient.

Stronger immune system: Kombucha is rich in numerous antioxidants which strengthens the immune defense and boosts the energy levels of the body. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of kombucha help in fighting various bacterial and viral infections. A study conducted on kombucha tea has validated the fact that oral administration of this drink may help in recovering from the compromised immune system thereby, helps in improving the protection mechanism of the body.

Other uses: Apart from a plethora of health benefits, kombucha culture can also be utilized to manufacture artificial leather.  

Kombucha: How to prepare?

Kombucha is prepared by mixing the colony of bacteria and yeast to sugar and tea which is followed by fermentation in the suitable and sterile conditions. The resultant fluid is a healthful beverage containing wealth of vitamins, vinegar and many other powerful components.

Kombucha: word of caution

Although kombucha has been valued as a phenomenal healer, it can also cause allergic reactions including upset stomach and inflammations. Brewing of kombucha tea under non-sterile conditions can cause its contamination and spoilage which can be extremely harmful.

Ceramic pots for brewing: Usage of ceramic pots during the brewing process of the kombucha tea can raise the risk of lead poisoning. Kombucha tea while brewing has the potential to elute lead from the glaze coating used in the ceramic pots making it unfit for consumption.

Gastrointestinal toxicity: Another side effect of Kombucha tea is gastrointestinal discomfort which can cause the onset of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, jaundice and headaches. 

Lactic acidosis: Consumption of kombucha tea can also result in lactic acidosis in some individuals which can further lead to severe circumstances.

In case of any adverse symptoms or medical emergency, it is worthwhile to seek immediate medical attention to avoid any grave conditions.

Kombucha: Summary

Kombucha drink has a revitalizing effect which helps retain the natural color of the hair, keep the skin firm and improve the feeling of overall heath and vigor. Kombucha is an effective wound healer, helps in reducing the anxiety and stress levels in the body and keeps the mind energized. Prior considering kombucha for therapeutic usage, it is always advisable to consult a medical professional to better understand its effects from an individual perspective.

Kombucha: A miraculous cure-it all fungus.