Do you know what kombucha is? Kombucha tea is a kind of fermented tea that is prepared using a culture of yeast and bacteria. Let’s discover this tea through this article.
When I first heard of kombucha tea (pronounced com-boo-ka ), it sounded so weird and weird. A friend of mine (a health nut) quenched my curiosity and informed me that this is a drink for the health conscious. Apparently, this fermented tea helps provide the body with much-needed good bacteria. I knew a bit about zymology (the science of fermentation) so I knew the benefits of fermentation. Nevertheless, I did some research and here is what I found.
kombucha tea
When fermentation comes into play, it invariably signifies the presence of living organisms in the foods we eat. Apparently, we all consume “live foods” most of the time, without even thinking about it. Millions of good bacteria that enter our body through the food we eat, help digest food and detoxify our blood.
Some of these “living foods” include pickles, yogurt, tempeh, miso, kimchee, sauerkraut, etc. Kombucha tea is also a “living” fermented beverage, often consumed for its medical benefits. It is made from the fermentation of bacteria and yeast which is mixed with sweetened green or black tea.
Cultivation of kombucha
The culture of kombucha, used to prepare this tea is somehow linked to ancient Asian culture. She was born in Manchuria around 220 BC, the knowledge of which later spread to small villages around China, Japan, Korea and Europe. This culture is actually a living symbiotic colony of beneficial bacteria and yeast, which is added to an infusion of tea and sugar. It is then left to go through the natural process of fermentation.
This converts sugar into organic acids and carbon dioxide. Besides these products, other compounds are produced like glucuronic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, malic acid and usnic acid. These compounds are not only detoxifying, but also nutritious. This fermented tea produced is rich in vitamin B and probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and S. boulardii that aid in better digestion.
Benefits
Benefits of this tea include balancing metabolism, cleansing blood, maintaining blood pH levels, improving digestive health, reducing hormonal imbalances, lowering cholesterol levels, and more. It also helps improve liver and gallbladder function. Then again, it also helps to improve the immune system of a person and increase the energy level of the body.
There are different types of kombucha tea which are made from different teas like black tea, oolong tea, white tea and green tea. I went to taste this tea, and believe me, its flavor surprised me to the highest degree. It has a sour tint that resembles the flavor of apple cider vinegar. Although strange for the taste buds, after a few sips you get used to it. Nevertheless, it is an acquired taste. Try this fermented drink and experience its taste for yourself.
Note: Speak to a naturopath or medical expert before trying to drink kombucha. This warning is intended primarily for people taking medication or for those who have certain mild or severe medical conditions.
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