So… what ARE the real health benefits of kombucha? Many kombucha devotees like me give personal claims to the drink’s health benefits. Today, we discuss three vital benefits of regular consumption.
But, before you read on, it is important for me to be crystal clear:
I am the Booch Witch, not the Booch Doctor.
I do not provide medical advice. Please speak to your doctor about the possible benefits or side effects of adding kombucha to your diet, especially if you plan to drink it a couple of times a week.
1. Improves Gut Health
What is “gut health”? Gut health is the balance of bacteria in parts of your gastrointestinal tract. This area includes our intestines, which are vital for us to digest food with comfort. Basically, better gut health promotes better digestion.
Furthermore, according to gut health experts like OmniBiotic, the benefits of ingesting foods with probiotics contributes to better gut health and digestion. First signs of this positive effect can include:
- a reduction in bloating and gas
- more regular bowel movements
Kombucha is full of probiotics because it contains lactic acid bacteria. With healthy kombucha brews, come the healthy bacterias needed to keep that optimal gut bacteria balance in check.
2. Full of Antioxidants
When made at home, kombucha can be full of antioxidants. One of the reasons I suggest, and teach, using green tea in kombucha is for the antioxidants found in plain, organic green tea.
This tea is full of polyphenols, also known as antioxidants. Polyphenols are micronutrients we can benefit from by ingestion from certain plant-based foods. It’s thought, and it is my personal experience, that polyphenols help treat digestion and weight management issues.
Fruits in the flavoring process add a multitude of nutrients, as well. Being thoughtful about the natural fruits you use in flavoring can play a fun and healthy role in antioxidant consumption.
3. Promotes better mental health
When you make kombucha for yourself, you begin a new ritual. This new practice is a powerful example of self-care. By investing in the energy of the new hobby, you not only reap the financial reward, but you also have a deliciously fulfilling creative outlet.
The flavor process of kombucha is fun and never gets old. Seasonal brew flavors help any home-brewer welcome in the change of season. When we take the time for ourselves, we promote a more positive and spacious mindset. And that can lead to things that make us happy ????
There’s also evidence surfacing in medical news journals (Fermented foods, the gut and mental health: a mechanistic overview with implications for depression and anxiety) surrounding kombucha’s positive association with depression, thanks to a link with probiotics.