Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage, usually black or green tea, containing 5-8% sugar and a symbiotic culture of “scooby” bacteria and yeast.
All these ingredients are left to rest for at least 7/10 days. For several years, kombucha has gained popularity over other beverages for its health benefits.
It helps lower cholesterol levels and provides antioxidants that benefit the immune system.
Active Ingredients in Kombucha
Kombucha is usually obtained by fermenting black or green tea by a combination of acetic acid bacteria and yeast.
The basic ingredients of kombuha are black tea, yeast and sugar.
- Acetic Acid
- Sugary Acid
- Gluconic Acid
- Vitamins
- Polyphenols
- B vitamins
- Flavonoids
- Saponins
- Vitamin C
Kombucha Items
Kombucha originated in northwest China around 220 BC. c, and spread in 414 d. C – As a medicine and spread through Russian and Eastern European trade routes. Fermented foods have been a staple in many cultures.
The drink has become fashionable in the United States and Europe, although it has been used for centuries, nutritionists say there is still no scientific evidence to prove most of the properties.
For example, drinking kombucha tea has been reported to prevent various types of cancer and cardiovascular disease and improve liver function.
According with the doctor. Zhaoping, a professor of medicine at UCLA’s Center for Human Nutrition, he told Time magazine.
The most appreciated properties (although they need more scientific research) are:
Contains Antioxidants
Kombucha provides an interesting blend of antioxidants, contains vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants are molecules that cooperate with the immune system to fight cellular oxidation.
This process occurs when free radicals (unstable molecules that want to steal an electron from other cells) build up, generating a series of unstable cells.
Improves the Skin
In Spain, celebrities like Tamara Falco admitted that they often drink kombucha because it has many benefits, including improving the skin. About 1,000 types of bacteria live on our skin, which make up the microbiome. Prebiotics like kombucha can help keep your skin healthy, like maintaining an acidic pH and hydration.
Kombucha may also benefit people with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis. If you’re worried about dark spots and premature wrinkles, kombucha contains antioxidants that help improve sun damage to your skin. It also reduces the signs of premature aging.
Digestive System Benefits
The bacteria in the kombucha drink belong to the Acetobacter and Gluconobacter genus and the yeasts of the Saccharomyces genus, along with glucuronic acid, another component, which helps the intestinal flora in the digestive process.
Helps to Lower Cholesterol Levels
Kombucha contains glucuronic acid in high doses. According to a study conducted at the University of Padjadjaran, this compound can neutralize cholesterol deposits by replacing it with another, more water-soluble compound.
According to Mohan (1996) and Santoso (2000), the addition of fermented products can decrease cholesterol levels through the mechanism of inhibition of HMGA, activity of CoA reductase (3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase) as a product through the mechanism of increased bile acid cholesterol synthesis.
Helps Purify (Contains Caffeine, but Less Than Coffee)
Kombucha contains caffeine (from tea) but in a smaller amount (1/3 less than tea). It can help to clean, but gently.
Contraindications
Kombucha has a low pH similar to a sugary soda, so drinking it frequently can affect your tooth enamel. If you want to reduce its effect on your teeth, use a pipette and brush your teeth after drinking.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are in one of these conditions, don’t drink kombucha. Contains a minimum percentage of alcohol.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut or yogurt can be consumed with lactic ferment during pregnancy, but there is not enough information about kombucha about its potential effects.
Immunocompromised people who have a weakened immune system or who are undergoing drug therapy with antibiotics. They should not drink kombucha because it contains live bacteria that could be harmful to their condition.
