Ayurvedic Artisan Kombucha
What is Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, gut and immune supportive beverage, traditionally consisting of black tea and sugar that’s used as a functional, probiotic food. The sugar-tea solution is fermented by bacteria and yeast commonly known as a “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar.
Although it’s usually made with black tea, kombucha can also be made with green tea, redbush tea and other non-caffeinated herbal teas. After fermentation, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, B vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic). These bacteria are known as “cellulose-producing bacteria,” meaning they produce cellulose, which acts as a shield to cells.
The following probiotics make up this health elixir:
- Gluconacetobacter (>85 percent in most samples)
- Acetobacter (<2 percent)
- Lactobacillus (up to 30 percent in some samples)
- Zygosaccharomyces (>95 percent)
Benefits of Kombucha
Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits extending to your heart, your brain and (especially) your gut.
Due to the fermentation process involved in creating kombucha, it contains a large number of healthy bacteria known as probiotics. These bacteria line your digestive tract and support your immune system, as they absorb nutrients and fight infection and illness.
Since 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, and the digestive system is the second largest part of your neurological system, it’s no surprise that the gut is considered the “second brain.”
Drinking kombucha every day can help you to maintain peak immune health, which trickles down into an impressive number of benefits for your overall health. It’s a healthier and delicious substitute for sodas, satisfying that craving for a fizzy drink.
1. Helps prevent a wide variety of diseases
2. Supports a healthy gut
3. May help improve mental state
4. Beneficial for the lungs
5. Powerful antibacterial agent
6. Helpful in managing diabetes
7. Good for the cardiovascular system
8. Helps maintain a healthy liver
