Kombucha beverages are the new favorites among health and beverage enthusiasts. People using body and dietary supplements as well as regular consumers find fascination in kombuchas’ elegant taste, thanks to the presence of vitamins and nutrients. 

Originated eons ago from East Asia, kombucha has been consumed for hundreds of years. The drink is certainly enjoying a revival due to its probiotics, antioxidants and substances that rid the body of toxins and promote gut health. In this guide you’ll learn about the health benefits of kombucha drinks, how they are made and the potential risks associated with them and their increasing popularity in India with companies such as Mountain Tribe Kombucha.

What is a Kombucha drink?

A kombucha beverage is prepared by following a certain procedure which originates as a basic mixture of black or green tea with added sugar. 

Here's the magic: a measuring cup of the SCOBY, which is - symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, is included. This SCOBY initiates a fermentation changing the taste of the tea into a slightly fizzy drink referred to as kombucha. Within this fermentation process, the SCOBY goes for a rigorous sugar feast and puts a stop on the tea’s sugar conversion into organic acids, vitamins, enzymes alongside the bacterial which is associated with kombucha brews, there and then enhancing the taste and possible health benefits of the kombucha drinks.

Here’s what goes inside a Kombucha drink:

Tea: Kombucha beverages are made from black or green tea as a component. Supplying polyphenols and antioxidants that boost the drink’s health benefits.

Sugar: This serves as a food material for the SCOBY during the fermentation process and consists of tea leaves and sugar. The quantity of sugar placed initially will consequently determine the overall sweetness of the Kombucha drink.

SCOBY: SCOBY is a slimy layer that floats on the surface of the tea during the fermentation process that basically transforms the tea into your kombucha drink. 

Kombucha Drink and Possible Health Benefits

In a nutshell, kombucha drinks have various properties, which are believed to bring multiple health benefits to consumers. Below are some of the following:

Probiotic Powerhouse

It will be, perhaps, to the best of your knowledge, these kombucha drinks are cocktails of enhanced bacteria and yeasts for a happy gut. These probiotics assist to control the set up bacterial flora in the colon, thus providing digestive, nutrient absorption, and immune system support. When consumed, the kombucha drinks will also have an impact on decreasing the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications and enhanced digestion.

Packed with Antioxidants

Free radicals and inflammation are protected by antioxidants which are the main actors involved in their occurrence.  Kombucha beverages contain the following elements of antioxidants -polyphenols, catechins, flavonoids particularly when brewed from green tea. These superheroes assist in control of free radicals, protect your cells from damage and also enhance the health of the cells. The antioxidants found in kombucha drinks may even help in fighting against aging and heart diseases.

Detoxification

Organic Acids formed during the Kombucha fermentation, in particular, gluconic acid and acetic acid (present in vinegar as well), are believed to participate in various detoxifying activities in the body. These acids may facilitate the liver and its processes of changing the toxins into harmless byproducts and possibly improve liver performance. It must be acknowledged that frequent consumption of kombucha drinks may assist in the functioning of your body’s detoxification systems and metabolism.

Enhanced Brain Function

New findings show that the two facilities, which are the gut as well as the brain, are linked by a communication network that is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Consumption of kombucha drinks may positively impact this axis as probiotics and antioxidants have the potential to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Thus, despite the further research needed to pinpoint or give proper details, it can be stated that the addition of the probiotic-containing foods such as kombucha drinks to a properly constructed diet may have positive effects on brain function as well.

Potential Risks to Consider

While kombucha drinks offer a range of potential health benefits, it's essential to be aware of some potential risks associated with their consumption:

Acidity

This is due to the fact that kombucha drinks are usually characterized by the feature of being acidic, considering that they undergo a fermentation process. There may also be an effect on dental erosion or an unpleasant feeling in the stomach depending on one’s stomach condition. 

Alcohol Content

Some kombucha drinks might contain a slight amount of alcohol which is generated during fermentation, though the percentage of alcohol is minimal, often less than 0.05%.

Contamination Risk

Kombucha is a drink that might be contaminated with unsafe elements of bacteria and mold if it is brewed inaccurately or in unhygienic conditions. Therefore, in order to overcome these risks one should either brew well, or buy the kombucha from a reliable producer.

Kombucha in India

Kombucha consumption in India is also increasing among the health conscious consumer as a better alternative to carbonated and sweetened soft drinks. This fermented tea borrows cues from the ancient practice of Ayurveda in its bid to improve the health of the tummy and thus the whole being. More people are becoming aware of kombucha and thus local producers such as Mountain Tribe are coming up with a variety of flavors to meet the Indian taste buds and guarantee quality products.

Conclusion

Kombucha remains to be a popular and exciting drink in the market to accommodate the taste of different consumers across the globe; it is considered helpful in promoting health based on belief from tradition and scientific discovery. Kombucha can be a tasty and nutritious addition to anyone’s diet if one wants to get the boost of probiotics, antioxidants or to detoxify the body. At Mountain Tribe, we produce Kombucha in 4 different flavors. Our Kombucha drinks are vegan, made with natural ingredients, and less than 20 calories, try them here.