What Is Kombucha Tea Good For? See Why This Ancient Drink Is Still Trending

What is kombucha tea good for and is it for everyone? Once known as “The Tea of Immortality," kombucha is an ancient fermented drink that originated in China, where it has been recognized for its health benefits for thousands of years. Now, it can be found in supermarkets and health food stores all around the world.

Kombucha is made by mixing together black or green tea with sugar, yeast, and specific strains of bacteria, then allowing it to ferment for about a week. This fizzy drink is particularly valued for its gut health benefits, as it is naturally rich in probiotics. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of Kombucha tea while showing you how to make this healthy soda alternative at home.

Kombucha tea benefits have stood the test of time, and now it’s time for you to enjoy them. Let’s dive into the details:

Most fermented products are high in probiotics, and that includes kombucha. Probiotics consist of live microorganisms and “good” bacteria that help restore a healthy balance to the gut. Drinking kombucha tea regularly can help promote a healthy digestive system and fight against constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

Kombucha tea is antioxidant-rich and polyphenol-rich, boosting immunity and fighting against inflammation; the root cause of many diseases, and so adding this tea to your daily routine can help in disease prevention and keep your body’s inflammation response in check.

For those who struggle with diabetes or insulin resistance, kombucha can be a powerful ally in helping reduce blood sugar spikes. Glucose levels have been seen to decrease in those who regularly add kombucha tea to their daily routine. This may be especially true when consumed alongside a heavy carb meal.

Kombucha tea gives a vinegar-like taste due to its content of acetic acid, known to improve insulin sensitivity, by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and so lowering blood sugar levels, particularly if consumed before or alongside high-carb meals.

Learn more about low carb diets.

Due to its benefits in reducing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity, as well as replacing sugary soda drinks, kombucha may aid in weight loss when used alongside a healthy balanced diet.

For those who enjoy a fizzy carbonated drink with their meals, or after, kombucha couldn’t be a healthier replacement. Low in sugar and calories, it can help you replace a bad soda habit with a healthier, gut friendly replacement.

You can read more about sparkling water benefits and downsides.

While it offers many health benefits, there are some kombucha tea dangers and downsides you should be aware about, let’s explore them in detail:

Although Kombucha is known for its gut health reset benefits, some individuals may experience adverse after effects such as bloating, nausea, or stomach ache. Those with IBS may want to be particularly cautious, as kombucha is high in FODMAPs, which can trigger IBS symptoms.

Due to being high in acetic acid, when used in excess Kombucha may cause tooth erosion, rinsing your mouth after consumption can help reduce the impact of its acidity.

Kombucha tea is not recommended for pregnant women or children, due to its low alcohol and caffeine content. There is also the potential of bacterial contamination in Kombucha, particularly if brewed at home, which could be unsafe for children and pregnancy.

Learn how to achieve healthy eating for kids.

Kombucha is generally low in sugar, however, a lot of store bought brands may increase added sugar to make the product more appealing. When buying it make sure to pay attention to its sugar content. Look for drinks that contain less than 4 grams of sugar per serving.

You can read more about healthy sugar alternatives.

What is kombucha tea made of and how can you brew it at home? If you want to learn how to make kombucha at home, here is an easy recipe you can follow. To start off, you will need the following ingredients and steps:

Note: Thoroughly clean all tools and containers to prevent bacterial contamination.

The second fermentation is the second time you make kombucha. It is slightly different from the first. Just make sure to save a bit of your first batch and repeat the process. Add some of the old kombucha with the new and this time you can experiment with all kinds of tastes and flavors, adding fruit and herbs. Some flavor ideas include: 

This time you can also make kombucha by bottling it, adding carbonation and fizz. Just make sure you “burp” it (release pressure by removing the lid) once a day to avoid pressure build up.

Enjoy your DIY Kombucha!You now have an easy step by step guide on how to make kombucha tea at home from scratch. Make sure to keep everything as clean as possible for a safe, mold-free and contamination-free fermentation.

As with most healthy habits, its full impact is felt alongside a healthy diet. If you are ready to reap the full benefits of kombucha tea combined with a healthy diet, download the Calo App now! Discover what it means to eat in the way your body truly deserves. You can choose a monthly subscription all made by our nutritional experts, just for you.

Kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol (less than 0.5%), as it is a fermented drink. However, the percentage is so low that it is considered a nonalcoholic drink.

Yes, it is generally considered halal. Its alcohol content is not considered intoxicating and is understood as a byproduct of fermentation.

Yes, kombucha contains caffeine as it is brewed with black tea or green tea. However, caffeine is significantly reduced during the fermentation process, typically under one-third of the original tea’s caffeine content.

Yes, for most healthy adults with no immune issues, kombucha is fine to drink every day. However, it is best to still be mindful of consumption levels due to the caffeine and sugar content, as well as for its highly acidic nature.

So what is kombucha tea good for after all? It’s full of health benefits and delicious, this ancient tea was given the title the “Tea of Immortality” for a reason. Whether you are paying attention to your blood sugar, being gut health conscious or just looking for a soda replacement drink, kombucha might just be your top choice. Make sure to be mindful of its sugar content, especially when store bought, and follow instructions closely to avoid any contamination if you’re making it at home. Happy brewing! Learn more about Psyllium Husk Benefits, and learn about Gluten Intolerance, and many other health related topics on our Calo Blog.