Kombucha is a healthy beverage that has been exploding in popularity in recent years. The people who love it cannot stop raving about its health benefits, but there are also some people who may have just heard of it. The Organic Restaurants blog is here to help you clear up any confusion about kombucha and help you take full advantage of the health benefits it has to offer.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is actually thousands of years old. It’s been celebrated in eastern countries for its health benefits for centuries now, but it’s only really become popular in the United States in recent years. You will find it on the menu at organic restaurants and you’ll even find it in the juice section of your local grocery store.

It’s a fizzy drink with a sweet and sour taste. It’s made with tea, usually black tea, sugar, and yeast. The ingredients are mixed together and set aside for at least a week. Now it’s time to let it ferment.

During the fermentation process bacteria and acids form in the drink and get to work. These form a film on top of the kombucha known as SCOBY, or a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. This can be used to ferment even more kombucha once the initial fermentation process is done!

What are the Benefits of Kombucha?

While more research needs to be done to ascertain its effects for sure, kombucha advocates have plenty to say about the health benefits of this fizzy drink. Kombucha contains lactic acid bacteria, which can work as a probiotic. That means that this drink is actually quite good for gut health. People who have digestive problems might want to try out some kombucha.

In addition to helping with digestion and stomach issues, advocates also believe that kombucha can help your body get rid of toxins. Some think that it can help you ward off high blood pressure and heart disease too. Many drinkers of kombucha also believe that it gives a boost to your immune system and energy levels.

Kombucha also offers the health benefits of the tea that it’s made with. Black tea is the customary main ingredient, but you can also ferment a batch of kombucha using green tea. You can get the health benefits of that, like extra antioxidants, more protection from heart disease, and the ability to burn more fat. While the jury may be out on some of the overall health benefits of kombucha itself, we all know that tea is a healthy choice!

Learn More About Healthy Beverage Options

If you want to learn more about healthy foods and beverages that you can add to your diet, we can help. Visit the Organic Restaurants website and blog to find new restaurants, juice bars, and organic markets near you. We’ll help you get started on your path to a healthier life.