24/08/2021
Is kombucha really as good for us as we are made to believe? Or is it just a clever marketing trick?
Kombucha has a long history—it’s estimated to have originated in China between 200 BC and 300 BC. But despite its ancient origins, the health benefits have not been widely studied.
The basic ingredients in kombucha are yeast, sugar, and black tea. The mix is set aside for a week or more. During that time, bacteria and acids form in the drink, as well as a small amount of alcohol.
Advocates say it helps your digestion, rids your body of toxins, and boosts your energy. It’s also said to boost your immune system, help you lose weight, ward off high blood pressure and heart disease, and prevent cancer. But there’s not a lot of evidence to support these claims.
Although kombucha is widely marketed as a health drink, there have been some reports of kombucha poisoning. These risks tend to occur in homemade brews in which fermentation is not carefully controlled. If you’re a lover of the fermented tea, you might find that sometimes, you’re drinking too much kombucha. As some varieties can be high in sugar, this can lead to unwanted weight gain. Kombucha has been reported to cause some side effects, including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea and vomiting
In the United States kombucha initially gained popularity during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s and early '90s, as it was hoped that the drink could increase T-cell counts and support compromised immune systems.
It’s has become widely popular in the UK since 2016 and has become a viable alternative to wine and beer for people who avoid alcohol. Strictly speaking, kombucha does contain a trace amount of alcohol, as yeast consumes and ferments sugar to produce CO2 and ethanol. Kombucha typically contains less than 0.5 per cent alcohol.
Data from the Office of National Statistics suggests 30 per cent of people aged 16-24 are now teetotal, and those between 25-34 aren’t far behind. A much larger percentage of the population are actively attempting to reduce alcohol consumption, constantly searching for regular alternatives.
I don’t believe it is a panacea or an elixir of life but if you like the taste of kombucha - consume in moderation and it won’t do you any harm and who knows you might feel some benefits of this ancient Chinese brew.