Kombucha is everywhere these days, but what’s it made fromand is it good for you?
But what is it, exactly?
Heres what to know about this fizzy, funky tea drink.
Photo:Irina Knyazeva/Getty Images
What Is Kombucha?
The tea and sugar are blended and then turned into kombucha with the help of something called S.C.O.B.Y.
which stands for symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast.
During the fermentation process, the yeast in the SCOBY converts the sugar into alcohol.
From there, bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid and other compounds.
Here’s a look at what you’ll find inside one 8-ounce glass of organic kombucha.
Does Kombucha Have Caffeine?
The exact amount of caffeine will depend on the brand you buy.
How Much Alcohol Is in Kombucha?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before sipping kombucha.
Like coffee, however, you should still drink kombucha in moderation because there’s still some caffeine.
This means that it helps the body fight depression and stabilizes mood.
Improves Liver Health
Kombucha has been shown to improve the liver metabolism.
Research suggests it could restrain hepatocyte apoptosis and reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis.
Additionally, the antioxidant properties in kombucha could help protect the liver from oxidative stress.
In turn, these compounds slow down the skin aging process, keeping the skin looking youthful longer.
Pregnant people are advised to avoid kombucha because of the possible presence of alcohol in kombucha.
Kombucha may also contain heparin, which inhibits the proteins in the body’s blood clotting system.
This can increase the risk of hemorrhaging.
Yes, it’s possible for you to consume kombucha every day.
Drinking four ounces of kombucha a day is considered safe.
But if you’re new to Team Kombucha, it’s probably easiest to buy your first bottle.
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