If you haven’t heard about kombucha, it’s a fermented drink that’s loaded with an impressive dose of gut-friendly probiotics. It’s one of the best things you can sip on to take back your gut health.
Kombucha is packed with antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamins E, C, polyphenols and other carotenoids, therefore, its benefits don’t stop at probiotics. Here are 12 health benefits…
1. It’s a potent detoxifier
Kombucha contains glucuronic acid (GA) which is well known as a detoxicant. It combines with toxins in the body like environmental ad pharmaceuticals pollutants. It then converts them into soluble compounds that the body can excrete. Drinking this potent detoxifier can also help prevent your tissues from absorbing industrial toxins from the environment.
2. It aids digestion
This antioxidant prowess counteracts free radicals that create havoc in the digestive system. But, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of probiotics, beneficial acid and enzymes.
3. It boosts energy levels
Kombucha’s ability to boost energy levels is credited to the formation of iron released from the black tea during fermentation. Furthermore, it contains small amounts of caffeine and B vitamins, which help energise the body.
4. It heals gastric ulceration
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Indomethacin are toxic to the gut. They can disrupt blood circulation to the stomach’s mucous membrane and lead to gastric ulcers. The researchers believe kombucha can effectively heal gastric ulceration and protect the lining of the gut. Furtherore, it also reduces gastric acid secretion that can damage the mucous membrane.
5. It supports immunity
The high levels of vitamin C in kombucha boost immunity. In addition, its antioxidant power also protects against inflammatory diseases, cell damage, tumors and suppressed immunity. This is all due to this powerhouse’ ability to control free radicals through antioxidant measures.
6. It provides joint protection
Kombucha can help repair heal and prevent joint damage. Its glucosamine content increases synovial hyaluronic acid production. This helps supports the preservation of collagen and also prevents arthritic pain. Futhermore, just as it supports joint collagen, it also supports collagen of the entire body and further helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
7. It promotes weight loss
According to a 2005 study, kombucha limits fat accumulation and improves metabolism. It also supports weight loss because of its high levels of acetic acid and polyphenols.
8. It helps decrease blood sugar levels
Several studies show that it can decrease blood sugar levels. In fact according to a new study, it may be considered a candidate for the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
9. It enhances the absorption of iron
Organic acids in kombucha helps make iron from plant sources more available to the body. Furthermore, its vitamin C content enhances iron absorption. Researchers suggest that this powerhouse is especially beneficial for vegetarians and elderly people because it enhances the absorption of iron which in turn helps prevent iron deficiency.
10. It counteracts the effects of sugar and caffeine
Instead of opting for an energy drink or a cup of coffee, opt for kombucha instead! This will prevent you from overloading your system with caffeine. Furthermore, the L-theanine in fermented tea counteract the harmful effects of high-sugar drinks and high-caffeine, giving you sustainable energy.
11. It lowers stress levels
Low amounts of alcohol can be beneficial to your health. Kombucha isn’t an alcoholic ferment like beer or wine but contains low amounts of alcohol. These low alcohol levels can help lower your stress levels and increase feelings of well-being and vitality.
12. It combats antibiotic resistant infections
Kombucha is loaded with strong antibacterials that can combat infectious diseases such as scarlet fever,typhoid, influenza and dysentery. In addition, it’s effective against Salmonella typhimurium, Helicobacter pylori, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus because of its high total acidity. Kombucha may be an effective alternative to synthetic antimicrobials that are becoming increasingly ineffective.
