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Ahh, Kombucha!
This is a topic our readers ALWAYS ask me about. Today I want to discuss the truth about kombucha, is it good for you, and how find the right kind.
Last month, we cleared up the confusion on coffee for your health. Now, to help you understand Kombucha, another favorite of mine.
Those that follow me on Instagram have seen my love of kombucha, and if you follow on snapchat, I share my favorite brands with you too.
So, here is the truth about kombucha.
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What Exactly Is Kombucha?
Simply, kombucha is fermented tea.
Chemically, there are many things going on behind the scenes in a cup of kombucha. Especially in the brewing process.
Making kombucha starts with brewed tea. This tea can either be black or green tea, but it must be tea from the tea plant. Not herbal tea.
Once the tea is brewed and infused into the boiling water, sugar is added. The key to fermentation is sugar. Kombucha can’t be made with fake sugars, it must be regular sugar to achieve fermentation.
The tea and sugar mixture is allowed to cool before adding in acetic acid (vinegar). Along with sugar, acetic acid is key to creating fermentation.
The last part of kombucha brewing is adding in cultures to feed the sugar. This is in the form of a SCOBY or a “Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast.”
After the fermentation process completes, your end product is kombucha.
The reason kombucha is good for you is is the fermented aspect. Fermented foods made with active cultures have probiotics and beneficial bacteria for your gut health.
Here are some more benefits of Kombucha:
Energy
This is the number one reason I enjoy kombucha. It is a great energy boost without needing caffeine. Store-bought kombucha is carbonated so you get the added fizz usually found in soft drinks. It is the perfect pick me up.
Digestion
Probiotics are so important for digestion. When I drink Kombucha, it helps regulate and helps with stomach aches. Especially if you drink a kombucha infused with ginger which is my favorite.
Joint Pain
Yep! This is another reason I love kombucha. It is soothing to joints and can actually help joint health. The reason for this is kombucha contains the building blocks for things like glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Some articles I have read say that kombucha actually contains both of these, however, there is no scientific research actually showing this. It does show that kombucha contains substances which aid in the development of both these compounds in the body along with collagen support. It helps my rheumatoid arthritis feel better when I drink it often. So, I love it for that!
Detox
Due to the anti-microbial activity of the acetic acid, kombucha is great for detoxing.
More than anything, I love Kombucha for energy during the day as well as soothing my body. I just feel good after drinking it!
The Truth About Kombucha: Caution
Many people think that since kombucha is healthy, they can drink it all the time or all day. This is not a good idea! Too much probiotic consumption can have the reserve effect. Also, consuming fermented foods in high doses can create too much yeast in your body which leads to other issues.
Another thing to remember, kombucha does have sugar! You don’t want to drink a ton of sugar all day, so keep it at a glass a day. I usually have it about once a week. Typically, on a long Monday afternoon when I feel like I need a little flavor boost.
I also LOVE having it with popcorn. Instead of having a coke with popcorn, I will grab a kombucha. It is such a great snack!
How to Buy It
I have made kombucha before using a dehydrated SCOBY and culture kit. It takes a while to get things going because first you must get the SCOBY hydrated and get your starter batch, then you can start brewing the following month. It takes a few months to get the batch the flavor you want.
You can also buy an already hydrated SCOBY, like here, but you still need part of the previous batch to add to your new batch. So, you must go through the process of making your first starter batch.
Since I don’t drink Kombucha all the time, I prefer to buy it (I currently have way too many things being concocted in my kitchen lol). I also prefer it carbonated and enjoy trying different flavors. If you drink Kombucha all the time, it is definitely worth an investment to get a great starter kit.
The important thing to look out for is the sugar content! Remember this post we did on added sugar vs natural sugar? Kombucha is made with added sugars, some brands use way more than others.
My favorite brand is GT’s. I love the gingerade because it has a delicious flavor, but check out the sugar. This is a low number which is what you want.
I went to try another brand at the store last week, it had 12 GRAMS of sugar per serving.
Also make sure the ingredients list kombucha tea with probiotics and natural flavors. Some cheap kombucha brands will contain added artificial flavors.
If you try kombucha, let me know on social media! Or tag me in a pictures to let me know how you like!!
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Enjoy!
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Thank you, Alexis, for your excellent, excellent review. I have been long wanting to try Kombucha, but was very wary. I have absolutely no idea what it tastes like, and wandered; does it taste like Vinegar, or like sweetened tea? There have been so many fads that have come and gone, and was skeptical of Kombucha. I too like to know the Science behind something before I try it. Might have to go to my closest Health Food store and give it a try.
Thanks Susan! You’re so right, there are many health fads that come and go. It is hard to know what is actually good for you. Kombucha as a wide variety of tastes. Some of the high sugar ones taste like a juice, but I don’t really like those. Too sweet for me. The GT’s brand I like, gingerade, taste a little like ginger ale with a little more bit too it. I also tell people it reminds me a little of champagne, but with a much better flavor. I always enjoyed them, but some of my friends have had to acquire a taste for it. If you don’t like it much at first, it may grow on you 🙂
I’ve been hearing so much about kombucha all of a sudden, and have been so intrigued. Thank you so much for such a thorough review, and yes to energy <3
Green Fashionista
It has definitely become a popular topic in the health world, but I think when it comes to energy drinks, it is the best one!!
Happy Monday – thanks for “demystifying” kombucha for me. I’m curious to see how it would affect my body/RA/energy. I think I would definitely like the gingerade flavor… I love ginger! I’ll check into it at the store… Thanks Alexis!!!
It has been so helpful for my energy, especially that arthritic fatigue. It gives just the right amount of a boost in the day 🙂 Hope you enjoy trying it!
I have heard of this but have never tried it
It is worth trying if you get a chance 🙂
I’ve heard of Kombucha but never had it, so thanks for sharing! It’s good to know it has some pros – even if you should limit what you drink.
Kombucha is definitely a great option compared to soft drinks! Plus so good for energy 🙂
I tried kombucha once a few years ago and I wasn’t a huge fan. I don’t like any sort of carbonated drink and this just reminded me of seltzer or something. I think I might need to try it again ,because the benefits do sounds awesome. There are some flavors that I bet are delicious!!
I know what you mean Laura! There are many kombuchas that aren’t like that, you can get some that are more of a juice, less fizzy. The on in the picture from target was like that! You might like it 🙂
Good information in your post. We make about 9 1/2 gallons of Kombucha every 2 or 3 weeks and we drink about 2 glasses of it every day… one for lunch and one for supper. It tastes good and we can tell it is helpful to us. It isn’t expensive to make and takes about 1 – 1 1/2 hours to make our HUGE batch each 2 or 3 weeks, so it isn’t a huge time outlay for the amount of product…. and the cost savings over buying it is tremendous. We also like ginger in ours… adds great flavor and has so many health benefits.
Yes I agree, if you drink a lot of it, it saves so much money making it on your own!! Ginger is my favorite addition 🙂
After trying my home brew kombucha, my daughter set up her own system. It had such a huge impact on her psoriatic arthritis (near crippling before)–she never wants to do without again.
That’s awesome! It has been a great addition for my arthritis too!
Look a little deeper into the Sugar Content portion of this piece. GTS just settled a class action lawsuit due to falsifying their nutritional panel and misrepresenting the sugar content in their kombuchas. Now their bottles say about 8 or 9 grams per serving which is on par with a large banana. If you want to drink something completely sugar free, stick with water or unsweetened herbal teas.
Yes, as we state, kombucha is made from sugar and tea. Fermentation can only occur with sugar, chemically. Regardless of the brand or making it yourself, all kombucha has sugar. Most people drink it for the fermentation and probiotic benefit.
great info thanks
Thanks!