The fermented tea drink Kombucha has its roots in East Asia. The fermented drink has been drunk there for centuries. Kombucha is said to have special health-promoting properties. We reveal what makes the drink so unique and what you can expect if you drink the tea every day.
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What is Kombucha and how is it made?
Kombucha is usually based on green or black tea. Sugar and special tea fungus cultures are added to this to activate a fermentation process. This fermentation produces small amounts of alcohol, glucuronic acid, gluconic acid and fermentation products such as acetic acid, lactic acid and enzymes. Kombucha production always takes place under strict hygienic conditions. In addition to the tea fungus that is specifically added for fermentation, no other bacteria and fungi should have a negative effect on the fermentation.
The tea fungus that Kombucha brewers use for fermentation is a symbiotic organism consisting of different yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. Kombucha connoisseurs affectionately call the symbiotic tea fungus “SCOBY”, which stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”. As the tea ferments, carbonic acid and gases form in the beverage, which raises the SCOBY that is at the bottom of the vessel when fermentation begins. After a while, the tea fungus will float to the surface as a kind of plug.
Depending on the added sugar, the type of tea used and the composition of the tea fungus, Kombucha develops a fermented, often sweet and sour taste. The fermented tea tingles slightly due to the carbon dioxide it contains and is always drunk cold. Many supermarket chains now also carry kombucha.
This is what makes kombucha so healthy: 4 effects of tea
Kombucha is a fermented food. Similar to sauerkraut or kimchi, fermentation produces special ingredients with health-promoting properties. If you drink kombucha regularly, you can expect the following effects.
1. Your digestion is stimulated
The microorganisms in Kombucha increase the diversity of your intestinal flora. Undesirable bacteria are prevented from settling in the intestines, while the lactic acid bacteria in the tea bring the acid balance of your intestines into balance. Due to the probiotic effect on the intestines, kombucha supports healthy digestion and can help alleviate indigestion. Nutrition experts recommend consuming fermented foods every day. A stimulated and balanced intestinal flora also reduces the risk of colon cancer.
2. Your immune system is strengthened
In addition to important vitamins, kombucha contains large amounts of the trace elements zinc and manganese. Zinc is involved in a whole range of biochemical processes in your body and plays an important role in cell division and renewal, wound healing and the immune system. The high levels of vitamin B1, B6, B12 and vitamin C make kombucha a real health booster that supports the normal formation of blood cells or promotes nerve health.
3. Your blood pressure will be stabilized
Kombucha contains bioactive substances such as polyphenols and glucuronic acid. Together, the substances help to support the blood supply and have a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. The antioxidant effects of the fermented drink also protect arteries from the damaging buildup of LDL cholesterol. As a result, the fermentation drink is said to be able to relieve high blood pressure. It could also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Your skin health is strengthened
Naturally produced kombucha is rich in vitamin C and vitamin B. The vitamins ensure normal cell functionality and can have a positive effect on the regeneration of skin cells. Nutrients and vitamins from fermented foods like kombucha are great for healthy-looking skin and strong hair. In the cosmetics industry, kombucha is even used as an ingredient in body lotions, serums and facial tonics due to its antibacterial properties and beneficial effects on removing blemishes. The cleansing gel from Andalou Naturals uses the probiotic properties of kombucha to replenish the skin’s microflora. Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturizermoisturizes and evens out skin tone thanks to kombucha.