Superfood Spotlight: Kombucha

Have you guys heard of Kombucha? It’s known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the ancient Chinese, so with a name like that it’s time we all heard about it, don’t you think?

It’s been around for about 2000 years, but it’s only gaining momentum in the western society now – and it’s about time! This amazing elixir aids in digestion, joint care, and liver detoxification, and also promotes gut health, weight loss, and immune support! All in all, it’s a pretty awesome drink (and it tastes amazing as well!)

The Amazing Benefits of Kombucha Tea

So, how exactly is it so awesome?

Kombucha is a sweetened tea fermented with “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) so it becomes a low-sugar but nutrient dense fizzy tea drink! You can get it in so many flavours, but my favourites are the ones that contain ginger. I’ve also recently had a pineapple one which was incredible!

Digestion

One of the reasons kombucha is so amazing is that it contains probiotics, enzymes and beneficial acids, which play a big role in our gut health and digestion.

Kombucha is actually one of the many fermented foods that provide good bacteria for our gut, alongside saurkraut, kimchi, and kefir. We need billions (yes billions) of good bacteria to maintain good gut health and fight off candida (bad bacteria), so a little extra help can’t hurt!

Immune System

It’s also a great source of antioxidants, aiding our immune system, as it contains a compound called D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (or DSL for short) that has amazing antioxidant properties and that has been identified as beneficial for detoxification on a cellular level!

Liver Detox

The liver plays such an important role in our bodies natural detoxification. With lives today being so full of toxins from the food we eat, the air we breath, the clothes we wear, and the stress in our lives, our poor liver is being overworked! Kombucha contains Glucaric Acid, which aids the liver in its natural detoxification and there is even some research on how it can help in cancer prevention!

Joint Care (and Less Wrinkles!)

This amazing fermented tea can help heal and prevent joint damage in quite a few way. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This helps the preserve collagen and also prevents pain from arthritis. And get this – inn the same way that it supports joint collagen, it can also support collagen of the entire body!! Wrinkles reduction anyone?

The Amazing Benefits of Kombucha Tea

Where to Get it!

You can either make your own (takes 7-12 days!) or you can buy it. I usually buy mine because, well, I don’t seem to have the patience to wait so long for mine! I get it from the lovely market near my house in those pretty glass jars, but I’ve seen them in some supermarkets as well!

A Word of Caution

As with any superfood, if you’ve got an underlying medical condition or you’re pregnant, it’s always best to check with your doctor if you’re in the clear to consume it. Some people can experience bloating because of the change in the good bacteria in their gut, so if it’s your first time don’t drink it right before you’ve got to wear a tight dress to a nice party!
Also, since it’s got natural acids it can be quite damaging to teeth (though still less then sodas!), so instead of sipping on it through the day, drink it once and then just swirl some water around your mouth (but no need to brush with toothpaste or anything). You could also drink it through a glass straw so it doesn’t get anywhere near your teeth (I also do that with my lemon water in the morning!)

The Amazing Benefits of Kombucha Tea

All in all, I adore this drink. It’s amazing for when you want a little something sweet in the afternoon or alongside your morning snack.

It’s a healthy soda that even kids will love!

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