What is Kombucha?

Kombucha, (pronounced ìkom-BOO-chaî), is a remarkable beverage. From detoxifying the body and packing an antioxidant punch to aiding the immune system and improving liver function, kombucha is a spectacular drink that should be on your grocery list this week.

Photo Credit: furilo

I began drinking kombucha last year, though it wasn’t until six months ago that I began consuming larger quantities from the store and then moved to brewing it at home myself.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is awesome. Plan and simple. But what exactly is it and why should you consider joining the money health nuts that love it so much? Let’s find out.

Fight Cancer and Poop Like a Pro

Kombucha, is a fermented tea that originated in China in 221 BC and is brewed using tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast.

According to the Mayo Clinic, kombucha is a colony of bacteria and yeast that is added to sweetened tea and then allowed to ferment. Sugar and caffeine from the tea are required for the fermentation process.

The colony is most commonly referred to as a SCOBY, which stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast. Though the SCOBY is also known as a mushroom, culture, pancake, mother, and other variations.

The SCOBY is the source of all the goodness in kombucha.

Top Health Benefits of Kombucha

Fights Cancer ::: though no scientific studies on humans have yet been published, many people have claimed that drinking kombucha aids in the cancer recovery process. Kombucha is said to contain antioxidants, which fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body.

Many have also claimed that kombucha can boost the immune system, detoxify the body, improve liver function, and aide in overall health and vitality.

Food Renegade says kombucha is “rich in many of the enzymes and bacterial acids your body produces and/or uses to detox your system, thus reducing your pancreatic load and easing the burden on your liver. Kombucha is very high in glucaric acid, and recent studies have shown that glucaric acid helps prevent cancer.”

Lot’s of Probiotics ::: the first sign of awesomeness I experienced came in the form of improved digestion (aka – it was easier to poop). Synergy Brand GTís Organic Raw Kombucha is the most widely recognized kombucha brand on the market and their kombucha is excellent in quality and taste. Also, the flavor selections are incredible.

Many Vitamins, Enzymes, and Acids ::: Kombucha also contains many beneficial vitamins, enzymes, and acids that compliment your already healthy diet, hint hint.Since kombucha is raw, vegan, and organic, you get all the natural benefits of a beverage that comes right from mother nature.

Brew Your Own Kombucha

If you are interested in having a large quantity of kombucha around the house for a fraction of the cost of what you can find at Whole Foods, consider brewing your own. I wrote out the exact step-by-step instructions along with my own personal recipe.

Believe me when I say that it’s awesome to brew your own kombucha. I drink 16 ounces or more every day from my own personal brew.

It tastes fantastic because you can customize the recipe to your liking, including adding multitudes of fresh fruits or any other natural ingredients of your choice.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a physician or qualified medical professional. The information in this article are for reference only and are not meant to take the place of medical advice you receive from your doctor.