Kombucha and Health

How is Kombucha Made? Kombucha is a quirky drink that is packed with many health benefits. Kombucha in Australia is made by fermenting tea (often black tea, but sometimes green) with sugar and scoby, a specific culture of bacteria and yeast. The result is a slightly fizzy probiotic-rich beverage that not only tastes great, but the live microbes provide many benefits to your digestive system. Although kombucha provides many similar health benefits as other fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut and yogurt, it also has specific bioactive compounds that are unique to kombucha. What are the benefits of drinking Kombucha? Besides the obvious gut health benefits provided by the live bacteria in kombucha, the polyphenols it contains provide another reason to enjoy this fermented drink. What are Polyphenols? Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances that are widely available in plant foods and are responsible for the colouring of some plants. The most common sources of polyphenols in the diet come from vegetables, fruits, dark chocolate, coffee and tea. Black and green tea are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant which contains a significant source of polyphenols. Catechins are the main polyphenol in tea, making up approximately 30% of the dry leaf weight. How do Polyphenols Benefit My Health? The health benefits associated with tea consumption are partially due to the antioxidative properties of polyphenols. Polyphenols have strong antioxidant effects and help to reduce inflammation, which is the root cause of many diseases. Polyphenols have been shown to benefit health and reduce the risk of disease in numerous studies. Some studies have shown that tea has a protective effect against cancer, likely due to the polyphenols and their antioxidative activities. It was also shown that polyphenols play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, possibly by lowering cholesterol levels. What Does Kombucha Do to Your Body? Kombucha in Australia is made using tea, giving you the health benefits that come along with either green or black tea, such as polyphenols. However, besides the antioxidant activity of tea, kombucha provides other health benefits. Organic acids: the organic acids in kombucha such as glucuronic, D-Saccharic and acetic acids are shown to have antimicrobial activities, which means they reduce the growth of bad bacteria. These organic acids also help the liver detox and assist with the transport of polyphenols through the body. Probiotics: Kombucha is a great source of good bacteria which benefits digestion, the immune system and overall wellness. B vitamins: Kombucha contains a good source of B vitamins including B1, B6 and B12. It is also a good source of vitami C. Minerals: An analysis of kombucha shows that it contains a number of essential minerals in small amounts. Some of these include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt and nickel. Can You Drink Kombucha Every Day? Almost anything in excess isn’t good for you, it’s about moderation. The Centre for Disease Control recommends consuming up to 12 ounces a day, which is approximately 350ml. They recommend consuming just over 100ml one to three times a day rather than all at once. There isn’t much research about the optimal quantity of kombucha to drink, however with any probiotic food starting slowly is a good idea to avoid any digestive distress. You can learn more about the health benefits of Australian kombucha here. Or to make your own kombucha at home visit our