Kombucha is a fermented green or black tea drink. Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, with some advocates claiming it has a variety of health benefits.
Kombucha is a rich source of antioxidants and probiotics. That’s why many believe it may aid digestion, as well as improve conditions such as high blood pressure.
However, little scientific research exists on its medical usefulness.
This article explores what kombucha is, the potential benefits of consuming the tea, and the risks of home brewing.
What Is Kombucha?
Thought to have first been brewed in Russia and China, the kombucha drink is made with SCOBY, sweetened green tea, and other flavorings to make it more palatable.
SCOBY stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It’s this ingredient that breaks down the natural sugars in the tea, causing fermentation.
While fermenting, the bacteria and yeast form a visible and gelatinous film over the drink, which many describe as having a mushroom-like shape. That’s why kombucha is sometimes called ‘mushroom tea.’
Most people consume kombucha for its potential health benefits. To keep up with demand, more and more stores are stocking the fermented tea on their shelves.
But how useful is kombucha for everyday health?
Kombucha Benefits and Properties
The potential benefits of kombucha are attributed to both the SCOBY and the tea itself. Take a look at some of its most important properties below.
- Produces Probiotics
Many fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, contain probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that grow during processes like fermentation. They are helpful in maintaining good gut health and digestion, as well as supporting our immune system.
- A Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential in supporting hundreds of processes within the body. When the SCOBY starts to break down the sugars in kombucha tea, small amounts of vitamins and minerals are produced. Vitamins C, B1, B6, and B12 are just a few examples.
- Contains Antioxidants
Kombucha is rich in antioxidants. This is likely due to the tea base. Antioxidants are important as they help protect the body against molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells.
Kombucha Health Benefits
Kombucha contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, but there are other beneficial properties to this drink.
During the fermentation process, kombucha also produces gases, acetic and glucuronic acid, and ethanol.
This synergy of ingredients has led some people to believe that kombucha can support liver function, regulate cholesterol, and reduce high blood pressure.
The synergy of ingredients in kombucha has led some to believe it possesses a range of benefits.
Studies such as this 2019 review have attempted to reach a conclusion on kombucha’s health effects. But the lack of research makes it challenging.
Below are some examples of how kombucha might impact specific parts of the body.
Kombucha and Liver Health
The liver performs over 500 functions that are vital to life; this includes processing food and drink. That’s why keeping it healthy is essential.
Antioxidants are beneficial to the liver as they regulate the number of free radicals produced. As mentioned above, these molecules can damage important cells and contribute to chronic health problems such as inflammatory diseases.
Kombucha contains lots of antioxidants. This is mainly due to the green or black tea base. In addition, glucuronic acid helps by increasing the activity of antioxidants in the body.
One 2018 study explored the relationship between mice with liver disease and kombucha. The results indicated that kombucha intake improved gut health in mice and may work to improve liver disease.
Kombucha and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a worldwide health issue.
However, research into how probiotics impact blood pressure is encouraging. And as already mentioned, kombucha is a source of probiotics.
People with high or low blood pressure might find kombucha useful, although far more research is required.
One 2014 review highlights that probiotics don’t just reduce high blood pressure but modulate it. This means that people suffering from low blood pressure may find them useful too. The review concludes by claiming more clinical studies need to be funded on the topic.
Furthermore, while kombucha does contain probiotics, it may not produce enough to be beneficial to conditions such as hypertension.
Kombucha and Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body.
It can be separated into ‘good’ (HDL) and ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol. LDL is considered harmful because it collects in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
However, some studies suggest kombucha can help lower LDL cholesterol. In this 2012 study, researchers found kombucha delayed the absorption of LDL cholesterol and increased HDL absorption in diabetic rats.
Also, the evidence proposed that the tea protected liver and kidney functions. It is possible kombucha could perform the same job in humans, although research is lacking.
Are There any Kombucha Dangers?
Kombucha is relatively safe for most people to consume. However, drinking too much of it, consuming it with an existing medical condition, and homebrewing can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects.
Side effects range from minor to severe; some of the most common are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Bloating
In addition, store-bought kombucha drinks may contain excess sugars and caffeine.
Many of the more severe risks of kombucha are down to homemade teas. Over brewing and contamination are a few homemade kombucha dangers that can lead to deadly consequences.
Overconsumption can also lead to an imbalance of the body’s pH levels, as well as liver and kidney toxicity.
That’s why people with weakened immune systems should avoid kombucha altogether, or at the very least, speak with a medical professional about it. It is not recommended to consume kombucha during pregnancy.
What Does Kombucha Taste Like?
Kombucha’s taste is very distinctive. Often compared to vinegar, it has a sour and sweet flavor that divides opinion.
Many companies that produce kombucha add additional flavors to the drink in an effort to appeal to a broader audience. Popular flavor varieties include ginger, strawberry, pear, and almost any combination imaginable.
In addition to the taste, kombucha is typically carbonated. This happens during the fermentation process.
Summary on Kombucha: Benefits and Risks
Kombucha has both benefits and risks. Many studies highlight that its antioxidant and probiotic content may aid significant health concerns.
Liver function and gut health are just two ways kombucha may keep heart disease and hypertension at bay. However, more research needs to be conducted on these subjects.
Bear in mind that kombucha can vary depending on the company producing it. And like most products, it should be used in moderation.
Pregnant women, as well as people with a compromised immune system or pre-existing ailments, should avoid it altogether.
If you’re concerned about using kombucha, it’s recommended to visit a physician or doctor for further advice.
What are the best kombucha products on the market today? Find out by reading our exclusive review below:
![All About Sauerkraut [Recipe & More]](https://wayofleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wol-banner-all-about-sauerkraut-640x225.jpg)
