Kombucha is a fermented beverage that is created by combining sugar, black or green tea, and microbes. Due to the fact that it contains probiotics, live organisms that aid in balancing the intestinal flora, this drink has become very popular. In this write-up, we will discuss the top 10 health benefits of kombucha and how to make it at home.
Health Benefits of Kombucha
1. Contains Probiotics
Tea fermented with a symbiotic colony of micro organism and yeast is used to make kombucha. Probiotics, which can be useful gut micro organism that aid in digestion and standard intestine fitness, are created all through the fermentation procedure. Numerous probiotic microorganism, including Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, and Gluconacetobacter, are found in kombucha. Kombucha’s probiotics can guide the variety and replenishment of intestine health.
2. Supports Immune Function
Supporting immune function is one of the most important health benefits of kombucha. Kombucha’s probiotics and antioxidants make the immune system stronger. The probiotics can also assist fight irritation and infections. The antioxidants help guard cells from unfastened radical harm. Together, these components raise immunity and reduce susceptibility to ailments.
3. Detoxifies the Body
The detoxifying ability of kombucha comes from its combination of probiotics, antioxidants, natural acids and enzymes. These additives help cleanse the frame of pollutants by helping the liver and kidneys. Kombucha has also been shown to help rebuild connective tissue and enhance circulation.
4. Energises and Enhances Mood
Studies have found that people who drink kombucha everyday feel more energised after drinking it. This is attributed to kombucha’s capacity to invigorate the body with B-vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids and organic acids. By lowering oxidative stress and irritation, kombucha can assist in enhancing the mood.
5. Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Next in our list of health benefits of kombucha is that it helps manage type 2 diabetes. Early research indicates kombucha’s potential for improving outcomes for Type 2 diabetics. Its high levels of beneficial acids may help regulate blood sugar levels. The antioxidants also protect against pancreatic cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Many studies have shown evidence to it.
6. Weight Loss
Kombucha’s ability to accelerate metabolism can help increase calorie burn. Its fat-blocking properties may also contribute to weight loss by reducing fat absorption. Kombucha suppresses appetite due to nutrients that curb hunger. But plenty more research is required to verify kombucha’s effects on weight.
7. Rich in Antioxidants
The antioxidants in kombucha, especially from the tea itself, fight free radicals that can cause cell damage. Common antioxidants found in kombucha are polyphenols, vitamin C, beta-carotene. These help protect the body from oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
8. Supports Heart Health
Kombucha helps improve cholesterol levels, which benefits heart health. Studies found it decreases LDL and total cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. It also contains glucuronic acid which can prevent heart disease by stopping plaque build-up. The antioxidants also promote healthy circulation.
9. Liver Health
Liver health is another one of the potential health benefits of kombucha. Kombucha’s glucuronic acid binds to toxins and helps the liver safely eliminate them. By reducing liver cell damage, decreasing toxin burden, and increasing bile production, kombucha creates a cleaner internal environment. Drinking kombucha regularly may help rejuvenate, strengthen, and support overall liver health.
10. Joint Care & Relief
Kombucha protects cartilage and relieves joint pain by reducing inflammation and preventing cartilage breakdown. Glucosamines in kombucha may also help rebuild connective tissue. For arthritis sufferers, kombucha could offer an alternative to NSAIDs and related pain medication.
How to Make Kombucha At Home?
Now that you know the health benefits of kombucha, let’s check out how to make it at home. Follow these simple steps for homemade kombucha:
Supplies Needed:
– 1 cup sugar
– 8 bags black tea or 2 tbsp loose tea
– 2 cups starter liquid from premade kombucha
– 1 scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)
– 1 gallon glass jar
– Tightly woven cloth for covering
Steps to Follow:
1. Brew Sweet Tea:
Bring 1 gallon of filtered water to boil in a pot. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Drop in the tea bags or loose tea and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes to reach desired strength. You need to pick the loose tea out. Let sweet tea fully cool to room temperature.
2. Add Starter Liquid And Scoby:
Once the sweet tea has cooled, pour it into the glass jar. Add the 2 cups of starter liquid from premade kombucha – this introduces the bacteria and yeast needed for fermentation. Gently slide the scoby into the jar of sweet tea and starter liquid.
3. Cover And Ferment:
Use the tightly woven cloth to cover the jar opening and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air flow while keeping out contaminants. Allow the jar to ferment for seven to ten days at room temperature, shielded from the sun.
4. Taste And Bottle:
After at least 7 days, begin tasting the kombucha daily using a straw until it reaches your preferred tartness. When ready, carefully remove the scoby and set aside. Pour the finished kombucha into glass bottles using a funnel, leaving about 1 inch headspace.
5. Second Ferment (Optional):
For a fizzy, flavorful kombucha, add fruit juice, herbs or flavored tea to the bottles and allow to ferment 2-3 more days. This secondary ferment carbonates and infuses kombucha. Refrigerate to stop fermentation and fully carbonate when desired fizz is reached.
6. Serve With Extras
Now you are ready to serve kombucha with extras. Save 2 cups of starter liquid for your next batch. Share extras and scoby with friends and family to spread the probiotic bounty. Making kombucha at home is easy, rewarding and ensures the highest quality. The longer you brew, the better your scoby becomes at creating this effervescent elixir.
Conclusion
The health benefits of kombucha proves its worth as a drink. If you know how to brew kombucha at home, you can customise the flavours to our taste. It also saves money compared to store-bought, and gives us control over the fermentation process. But you must be aware that too much fermentation can damage the taste of it.