Kombucha is a fermented drink made by adding bacteria and yeast to a mixture of black or green tea (Camellia sinensis) and sugar. The fermentation process allows beneficial microorganisms in kombucha to multiply, which is why it’s an excellent source of good bacteria called probiotics. Kombucha’s popularity as a health drink stems from its high probiotic content that helps balance the intestinal microflora.

Despite kombucha’s health benefits, it is not as well-studied as other fermented superfoods like yogurt. But don’t let that discourage you from trying this fizzy drink. Preliminary findings on kombucha are very promising, with researchers linking a number of health benefits to drinking this fermented tea.

Kombucha can help with weight loss

Drinking kombucha made from green tea is said to be useful for losing weight. This is because green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that helps speed up metabolism. EGCG and other polyphenols in green tea also help reduce the amount of fat in your blood and your body. According to a 2017 study, consuming 300 milligrams (mg) of EGCG can help increase the amount of energy you burn while exercising. This can help people looking to lose weight or trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Meanwhile, an earlier study by Tunisian and French researchers looked at the effects of green tea and black tea on body weight. They gave decoctions made from the two teas to rats fed a high-fat diet for four months. After the study period, they found that black tea was significantly more effective at reducing weight gain and fat accumulation than green tea. The researchers noted that although green tea contains more EGCG, black tea has a higher total phenolic and caffeine content. This suggests that the phenolic compounds and caffeine in green tea and black tea also contribute to their weight loss benefits.

Kombucha can help prevent cancer

Drinking kombucha can also help protect you from cancer. Because it is made from green or black tea, it contains the same powerful cancer-fighting compounds as those two healthy beverages. With every swig of this fizzy drink, you consume potent antioxidants and polyphenols that can help prevent the growth of cancer cells. In one study, Chinese researchers found that women who regularly consume green tea have a lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who don’t. They also discovered that the EGCG in green tea and kombucha is 25 to 100 times stronger than other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

In another study, Indian researchers found that kombucha can stop the growth of prostate cancer cells by stopping the mechanism they use to grow and spread. According to their report, kombucha has the ability to suppress the proteins responsible for stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. This eventually kills off cancer cells because they can’t get enough nutrients delivered to them.

Kombucha can help reduce depression symptoms

Drinking kombucha is good for you, thanks to its probiotic content. These good bacteria work their magic in your digestive system by promoting intestinal microbial balance. Probiotics can also promote a positive mood by producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that naturally regulates your mood. Having high levels of serotonin can help calm you down and make you feel happier.

Because of the probiotics it contains, kombucha can also help reduce symptoms of depression. In a 2017 study, a group of Canadian researchers examined the effects of probiotics on depression and found that depressive people who drank a beverage containing Lactobacillus casei experienced improvements in their mood, stress levels, anxiety and cognition. L. casei is one of the many good bacteria you can find in kombucha, so drinking this fermented drink can also uplift your mood.

You can purchase different flavored kombucha at your local health food store. Alternatively, you can make kombucha in the comfort of your own home, although the process of brewing can take a week or more, depending on your preference. Starter kits containing a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast are available for those who want to make their own kombucha.

Improve your overall health and well-being by adding this fizzy, fermented drink to your diet.

Sources:

EverydayHealth.com

ScienceDirect.com 1

ScienceDirect.com 2

ScienceDirect.com 3

CEBP.AACRJournals.org

Hormone.org

Annals-General-Psychiatry.BioMedCentral.com