Clutching the cold metal bar of the shopping cart, transported back into a world of pleasantness- you’ve entered your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Lining the shelves left and right are products with beautifully crafted labels with enticing phrases like “100% organic” or “all-natural with no added preservatives” plastered upon food item after food item. Making your way to the coveted chilled beverage aisle, a mystical, mysterious label that spells out “Kombucha” catches your eye.
Hold up- Kombu-what? And so it begins, your first interaction with the brewed tea that has been around for hundreds of years, but has recently made a surge in the health and wellness world. So what’s the deal with this mystical drink? Does it live up to its hype when it comes to its supposed health benefits and rejuvenating abilities? We’ll give you the lowdown on the Kombucha craze that’s sweeping food markets nationwide.
Okay back up- what ingredients are even in this mysterious beverage anyway? Kombucha is generally made up of tea, water, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Uh- bacteria and yeast? Explain please! No need to worry, the bacteria being added to this somewhat bubbly and carbonated beverage is not of the icky, bad kind. In fact, the main selling point of Kombucha is that the colony of bacteria and yeast being added into the mix results in a drink that contains B vitamins and various other probiotic and antioxidant features.
Wait, but what about that added sugar you mentioned earlier? Again, not to worry! The sugar added into the Kombucha brew is meant to feed the bacteria and yeast colony and help speed up the fermentation process. The sugar in this carbonated drink also contributes to the low alcohol content found in Kombucha. Those added grams of sweetness turn the bacteria into an acidic content that normally contains traces of alcohol.
The somewhat tart, bubbly liquid not only lights up your taste buds but your digestive system as well. Giving your body a recharged feeling, Kombucha has been linked to boost immune systems, energy levels and even weight loss. However, it is important to recognize that research on the health effects of Kombucha is still very limited. With little research and clinical work being done about the true nature behind the Kombucha craze, it’s hard to say whether or not this fermented drink really does have all of the health benefits it claims to have. However, this tangy liquid can definitely help to set the restart button on your body and help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to begin a healthier day, week, month or year!
Sources:
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/12/the-promises-of-kombu…