Gut Health Boosters: What are the benefits of Kombucha?
After gaining widespread popularity in recent years, the buzz around this refreshing, health-boosting drink and its potential to support gut health in particular have made it a must-have addition to people’s wellness routines. Touted for its potential to improve digestion, this fizzy, fermented tea is rooted in ancient cultures and is now a staple in supermarkets and wellness stores. Packed full of probiotics, antioxidants and other nutrients, kombucha is more than just a trendy beverage, it can also be a powerful tool for enhancing your health.
If you’re curious about the many health benefits kombucha can have and what it can do to support your gut, keep reading as we delve into why so many people are turning to this bubbly brew for a natural health boost.
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast to create a fizzy beverage packed with gut-friendly probiotics. Historically known as Manchuria, kombucha first originated in northeast China around 220 B.C. where it was known amongst locals for its many medicinal purposes. Fast forward to now and kombucha has become immensely popular amongst health food markets and wellness circles as a natural way to improve gut health and boost general immunity. The taste of kombucha is part of what makes it so popular, due to its tart and sweet taste with a unique fizz, and when mixed with other flavours, this fermented tea can make a great alternative to traditional fizzy drinks.
Is kombucha good for your gut?
Yes, kombucha is known for its incredible gut health benefits. The mix of bacteria and yeast found in kombucha creates a probiotic culture called a SCOBY which stands for Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast. Although drinking bacteria and yeast may not sound appealing, this SCOBY creates a diverse microbiome in your gut, which can aid in digestion, helping with gut-health issues such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.
What are the benefits of kombucha?
It’s what is in kombucha that makes this drink so unique. The cultures present within the tea, feed on sugar, tannins and polyphenols and convert them into vitamins, antioxidants and beneficial bacteria that have many health benefits. As discussed above, one of the key selling points of kombucha is its ability to support gut health, however, that is not the only benefit of this unique beverage. There are many advantages to drinking kombucha, a few of which we have outlined below.
Supports the immune system
Kombucha is made from black or green tea that has natural antioxidant properties which can help protect your cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Although free radicals are a normal part of the body’s process, the key to minimising their impact is to consume food and drinks with high amounts of antioxidants. The immune-boosting properties of the bioactive antioxidant compounds contained in kombucha are increased in the fermentation process, making kombucha a great option for those looking to strengthen their immune system. However, it is important to note that the level of antioxidants found in kombucha can vary depending on the length of fermentation and the type of tea used.
Naturally boosts energy levels
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your morning coffee, kombucha can be a great option to give you that daily boost of energy without the unwanted crash in the middle of the day. As kombucha is made from green tea or black tea, the small amount of caffeine found in this drink can give you a subtle energy boost throughout the day without the jitters usually associated with more intense caffeine sources such as coffee and energy drinks.
Improved gut health and digestion
Kombucha is among the group of fermented foods such as yoghurts, sauerkraut and kefir that all contain live microorganisms that help to balance levels of bacteria in the gut and improve digestion. The SCOBY found in kombucha contains insoluble fibre, which can help aid digestion and waste processing. The amount of probiotic microbes and the types of strains in kombucha will vary depending on differing factors, including how the kombucha is made and the length of the fermentation process.
Supports detoxification and reduces inflammation
As well as helping to maintain digestive well-being and rebalancing your gut flora, the fermentation process of kombucha produces enzymes and acids such as glucuronic acid, which are thought to help remove toxins from the liver. Therefore, by drinking kombucha regularly it is possible that this drink can help flush these unwanted toxins out of your body and in turn support liver health and overall natural detox processes.
Here at Planet Organic, we offer a wide range of live kombucha and fermented drinks in various flavours available in-store and online so you can experience the many benefits of this delicious beverage.
LA Brewery Citrus Hops and MOMO Raspberry Hibiscus Kombucha
For those looking for a more flavoursome kombucha, this MOMO Raspberry Hibiscus Kombucha is a great choice. Brewed in the traditional way, this kombucha combines deliciously refreshing hibiscus with cold-pressed organic raspberries to bring a refreshing and fruity twist to your traditional kombucha. Rich in naturally occurring probiotics, this kombucha not only helps to support digestion but can also deliver a healthy dose of vitamin C from the hibiscus and a sweet, tart taste from the raspberries. Ideal for those looking for a low-sugar, organic alternative to a traditional sugary drink, this kombucha is a great pick-me-up beverage that helps to support overall health and vitality.
For a more tart, refreshing taste this LA Brewery Citrus Kombucha is a great choice. Made through a traditional fermentation process with SCOBY to create a revitalising wellness drink, this citrus hops blend balances notes of lime, tropical fruits and flowers with our crisp kombucha for a refreshing hoppy finish. Rich in antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and promote detoxification, this kombucha is great for those looking to naturally boost their wellness with live gut friendly cultures.
When is the best time of day to drink kombucha?
To reap the full benefits of this gut-friendly drink, the best time of day to drink kombucha is in the early morning or late afternoon as the tea leaves in the kombucha contain caffeine. Raw kombucha will typically contain around 30% of the original caffeine content, which although a small percentage compared to that of coffee, can still interrupt sleep if consumed too late in the day. When consumed earlier in the day, kombucha not only gives you a boost of energy but can kickstart your digestive system for the day ahead.
Improve your gut health with the help of Planet Organic
Want to experience the unique taste of kombucha for yourself? Browse through our full range of kombucha and fermented beverages here at Planet Organic to try one of these tasty teas today to discover the range of benefits it can have. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more ways to support your gut health, head on over to our collection of gut health products to find the right solution for you.
