Kombucha Tea: Health Benefits, Side Effects And How To Make

Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 20:41

Kombucha is a fermented tea made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is thought to have originated in China, Japan, Russia or Eastern Europe. In ancient China, kombucha tea was known as the 'Tea of immortality' and in Japan, Russia and Europe the tea is valued for its medicinal properties and has been consumed for thousands of years.

Kombucha tea is made by adding a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and sugar to green or black tea and then allowing it to ferment. During the fermentation process, the yeast breaks down the sugar in the tea and releases good probiotic bacteria. After the fermentation process, kombucha tea becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, B vitamins, probiotics and enzymes [1] [2].

As a result of fermentation, kombucha tea becomes a sweet, slightly sour and fizzy beverage which is usually yellow-orange in colour.

In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of kombucha tea.

Health Benefits Of Kombucha Tea

1. Supports gut health

Kombucha tea is rich in probiotics that can support gut health. Probiotics are often called good bacteria because they keep your gut healthy by lowering the symptoms of certain digestive disorders and controlling harmful microorganisms [3].

However, more studies are required to show the effects of kombucha tea on gastrointestinal health.

2. May destroy harmful bacteria

Kombucha tea contains acetic acid, which may destroy harmful bacteria [4]. The antimicrobial activity in kombucha made from black or green tea has been shown to fight against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and Candida species [5].

3. Improves liver health

Animal studies have shown that kombucha tea can protect the liver from damage. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that kombucha tea had a positive effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice [6][7]. However, further human studies are needed in this area.

4. May lower heart disease risk

Increased cholesterol levels elevate the risk of heart disease. Animal studies have shown that kombucha tea could help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol [8]. Further research studies are needed on humans.

5. May reduce diabetes risk

Animal studies have shown that kombucha tea may be helpful in managing diabetes. A study showed that kombucha tea could significantly improve blood sugar levels in diabetic rats [9]. Further human studies are needed to show the effectiveness of kombucha tea in controlling blood sugar.

6. May manage cancer risk

Test-tube studies have shown that kombucha stopped the growth and spread of cancer cells [10]. A study published in the Biomedicine and Preventive Nutrition showed that kombucha can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells [11]. The study looks promising, but more research studies are needed.

Side Effects Of Kombucha Tea

Kombucha tea can cause adverse side effects such as allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Also, if kombucha tea is improperly prepared or stored in extremely unhygienic conditions it can increase the risk of contamination, which can pose several health risks [12] [13].

How To Make Kombucha Tea

1. Boil water and remove it from the heat.
2. Add black or green teabags and sugar and allow it to steep for 15 minutes, then discard the tea bags.
3. Let the tea cool down to room temperature and once it's cool, pour the tea into a big jar. Add the SCOBY and 1 cup of pre-made kombucha.
4. Cover the jar with a clean cloth while allowing some air to pass through.
5. Allow the tea mixture to sit for 7-10 days. Depending on your taste you can keep it longer.