If you aren’t already on the kombucha train, you may be after reading this blog.  Although Kombucha seems to have only gotten its popularity in recent years it really became popular in back in the 90s here in the U.S but this vitamin filled drink was first brewed in China around 2,000 years ago which then grew in popularity in places like Japan and Russia until its popularity also reached us.  The reason Kombucha grew in popularity worldwide is due to its health benefits that almost seem to be endless, which will be laid out in this blog.  Now, before we continue and jump straight to its benefits, explaining what kombucha is seems necessary.                         

Kombucha consists of yeast, sugar, and tea, green or black to be more specific.  These ingredients go through a fermentation process similar to fermenting cabbage, forming a layer of probiotic bacteria which is where all the goodness of Kombucha comes from.  The result of the fermentation process is a fuzzy sweet and sour tasting drink filled with vitamins and probiotics.   Fans of the popular drink justify its regular consumption with the health benefits it is knows to provide but let’s be honest for one second.  The taste is definitely unique, you KNOW when you’re drinking kombucha and although the bottle at the store may be advertised with bright colors and fruit flavors on the labels, the taste definitely has a complex flavor to it resembling apple cider vinegar. 

Don’t let this discourage you from trying it, though because although there is a note of vinegar, this taste is balanced out with fruit forward, floral, and herbal notes based on your preference and the fizz adds to its character, like mentioned before, a complex flavor.  Doesn’t this make it so much more exciting, though?  (Better than cracking an egg and drinking it raw to feel healthier, am I right?! Okay maybe not the best example)               The health benefits of Kombucha include but are not limited to:

Improves:

• Gut Health
• Mood
• Immune System
• Feminine Health
• Liver Health

Decreases chances of:

• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Inflammation
• Joint pain

The main reason why Kombucha aids in these improvements and reduces chances of disease as well as pain is due to its high production of probiotics, in other words live bacteria.  Probiotics aid the body in generating natural antibodies that help fight bad bacteria and viruses.  Probiotics also help the gut by reducing inflammation and aiding in proper digestion.  The great thing about probiotics is that it does not only target one specific health benefit but contributes to most of these plus the benefits are not solely physical but also mental, as these live bacteria also have mood boosting components.                          

Keep in mind, that just like with anything, too much of anything is not good but in moderation can serve a great purpose.  Kombucha is one of those things, too much Kombucha could have negative results such as unwanted weight gain, jitters, and chance of sickness if the kombucha consumed is not prepared properly. Getting it at the store from a safe source is recommend over trying to make it at home.  The Center of Disease Control recommends that drinking 4 ounces of Kombucha two to three times a day is safe, any more than that is not recommended.                                                                                                                                              

All in all, Kombucha is a great drink and its growth in popularity is well deserved.  So, if you are up for it, try it out next time you go to the store and see for yourself if this fizzy drink should have a dedicated place in your fridge!