IS KOMBUCHA REALLY HEALTHY FOR YOU?

Kombucha, which is referred to around the world by several different titles (such as the elixir of life, the tea of immortality, mushroom tea, magical fungus, and the immortal health elixir), is a refreshing and rejuvenating beverage that has been associated with multiple health benefits. With its trademark symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, also known as the SCOBY, Kombucha restores balance and harmony to the body. Adding a serving of Kombucha to one’s daily routine has been a life-enhancing decision for some who were previously struggling to find answers to life-altering health concerns.

The origins of Kombucha can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Chinese Tsin dynasty in 212 BC. Once the tea became known as a health tonic responsible for well-being and longevity, it quickly spread throughout Asia. In subsequent years, news of this miracle elixir continued to spread, and it was soon popularized throughout Russia and Germany. Traditionally, the tea was routinely used by samurai in Japan. With its rich history, no one could counter the fact that the benefits of Kombucha have stood the test of time. Today, Kombucha continues to be used by various cultures throughout the world.

Chances are good that you’ve at least heard about probiotics—the “healthy bacteria” that can help our human bodies stay healthy…

So what is in Kombucha that makes it such a healthy tonic? A blend of probiotics, B-vitamins, enzymes, acetic acid, gluconic acid, and lactic acid all come together to result in this miraculous beverage. Perhaps it is partly due to one its most powerful compounds, its beneficial probiotic solution made up of Gluconacetobacter, Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Zygosaccharomyces. This probiotic blend nourishes the body and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. After all, research is revealing that a large number of health conditions can be traced back to the balance within the gastrointestinal tract.

Kombucha has been shown to aid in digestion, increase energy levels, promote weight loss, and act as a deep cleanser and detoxifier. In addition, Kombucha has been linked to the reduction of joint pain and the production of collagen. Its anti-cancer fighting properties are promising. Kombucha has been proven to be as effective as prescription medications, such as Prilosec, when it comes to treating leaky gut. The beverage is linked to enhanced mental clarity, lower levels of depression and anxiety and has been shown to be a promising mood stabilizer. Furthermore, Kombucha protects against inflammatory disease, cell damage, and tumor growth.

Now that you know all of the amazing health benefits associated with Kombucha, it is time to incorporate this tea of immortality into your daily routine! Kombucha can easily retail between $3.00 – $5.00 per bottle at the store. Yikes! If that price is doable for you regularly, more power to you! If not, it is fairly easy to make it yourself.

All that is needed to make this “elixir of life” is:

– A glass or ceramic jar with a wide mouth, such as a large pitcher or gallon mason jar.
– Eight cups of water
– A piece of cheesecloth that will fit around the jar opening
– One SCOBY disk (or part of a friend’s SCOBY culture)
– ½ cup of organic sugar
– Four bags of black tea
– Eight ounces of Kombucha (either store-bought or from a previous batch)

Bring water to a boil and then add in your tea and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for 15 minutes.
Remove tea bags and allow to cool.
Once cool, transfer the liquid to your large jar or pitcher.
Add SCOBY and Kombucha, cover your container with a cheese cloth, and allow to sit for 7-10 days. That’s it!

Although there is a lot of sugar in this recipe, only a small amount will remain after the process is complete. Kombucha cannot be prepared without sugar! Sugar provides the food for the SCOBY to grow. Once the original recipe is mastered, you can begin to play with the flavors. There are countless recipes for Kombucha out there. You can experiment with various kombucha flavoring recipes. Have fun and be well!