Kombucha is a fizzy sweet-and-sour drink made with tea. Many people say it helps relieve or prevent a variety of health problems, everything from hair loss to cancer. It has been around for nearly 2,000 years. It was first brewed in China and then spread to Japan and Russia. It became popular in Europe in the early 20th century. Sales in the United States are on the rise because of its reputation as a health and energy drink.
Why kombucha is good for you
For those with chronic abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation, getting a daily dose of probiotics is very beneficial in combatting your symptoms. Kombucha tea contains healthy bacteria and probiotics, and it has been promoted for centuries as a healing tonic for intestinal disorders and an overall booster of the immune system. Users of kombucha also claim the tea detoxifies the body and will help repair and balance the body after detoxification. Kombucha is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that work overtime to protect your body from damage. This can help limit chronic inflammation that can lead to health issues such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Kombucha is made by fermenting sugar-sweetened black tea and the kombucha culture, which is made of yeast and bacteria. This elixir consumes the sugar and results in a fermented tea containing acetic acid, traces of alcohol, and beneficial bacteria.
Disclosure: Some people who have brewed their own kombucha have suffered serious and life-threatening side effects because preparation methods vary and the tea may contain contaminants such as molds and fungi. We recommend using premade and trusted products.
How kombucha is made
Have you ever wondered how kombucha is made? Kombucha is basically sweet tea with some pretty cool science behind it. After the tea is brewed, the fermentation process is where science takes over. A combination of specific yeast and bacteria are added to the sweet tea, often referred to as SCOBY. SCOBY stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”. The sugar from the sweet tea feeds the SCOBY, aiding in its growth of beneficial colonies of bacteria. Much of the sugar in the sweet tea is consumed by the yeast in the SCOBY during the fermentation process, producing byproducts of carbon dioxide and alcohol. This is what gives kombucha the slightly fizzy and tart taste. Residual sugar gives the kombucha its mildly sweet taste, although some manufacturers add additional sweeteners to further sweeten their kombuchas.
Check out our picks below:
Yogi Green Tea Kombucha
Why? Designed to support your immune system and provide antioxidants, Yogi combines spearmint, lemongrass, and plum flavor for a smooth tea with a light, fruity flavor. Fans rave about this delightful blend and say the naturally sweet taste means they can do without sweetener. Click here to learn more.
Celestial Seasonings Original Kombucha
Why? This pure kombucha blend is simply made with organic black tea, unrefined cane sugar, purified water, and Celestial Seasonings’ unique kombucha culture. Kombucha’s sweetly sour and effervescent taste, and naturally occurring probiotics are enjoyed globally. Click here to learn more.
GT’s Enlightened Kombucha
Perfect for new and experienced kombucha drinkers alike, SYNERGY is brewed with whole ingredients to cultivate 9 billion living probiotics. Why? Made with all organic ingredients—including whole chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves—this tea is a great after-dinner drink and can also help soothe an upset stomach. Click here to learn more.
Health-Ade Kombucha
These bubbly probiotic teas are designed for you to enjoy no matter where you go—from backyard BBQs to big games and beyond. This all-star lineup includes Bubbly Rose, Pink Lady Apple, and Pomegranate. Click here to learn more.
Finally, it’s dairy-free, making it a good option for vegans and those who are lactose-intolerant as compared to kefir, another fermented beverage. Note: The fermentation process does produce very small amounts of alcohol (a bottled kombucha usually contains around 1%), which is pretty negligible but important to note for anyone specifically avoiding alcohol.
