Many people drink tea because of its wonderful benefits, but many never heard of or tried kombucha yet. This is a fermented tea that has been consumed for thousands of years, thought to originate in China or Japan. Nonetheless, there are many benefits of kombucha that will help improve your health.
Source Of Probiotics
Kombucha is made by adding specific strains of bacteria, yeast, and sugar to black or green tea, then allowing it to ferment for a week or more. It is known as "mushroom tea" because during this process, the bacteria and yeast form a mushroom-like film on the surface of the liquid. Therefore, a large amount of bacteria grow in the mixture, which serve a probiotic function for you. Drinking kombucha provides your gut with healthy bacteria that can help improve digestion, inflammation, and even weight loss.
Kills Bacteria
One of the main substances produced during the fermentation of kombucha is acetic acid, which is also abundant in vinegar. This acetic acid is able to kill many potentially harmful microorganisms and has strong antibacterial properties. Therefore, kombucha can help kill and fight off infection-causing bacteria and yeasts by suppressing their growth. Pretty cool right?
Contains Antioxidants
Since kombucha is made from green tea, it serves many of the same benefits such as increasing the number of calories you burn and reducing belly fat. One big one though is containing antioxidants, substances that fight free radicals that can damage your cells. Natural antioxidants from foods and beverages are better for your health than antioxidant supplements, so start drinking up some tea! Research found that drinking kombucha regularly reduces liver toxicity caused by toxic chemicals, which can decrease the risk of liver disease.
Reduces Heart Disease
On top of reducing liver disease, kombucha may reduce your chances of getting heart disease. It has been shown to improve “bad” LDL and “good” HDL cholesterol levels, which are two markers of heart disease. Tea drinkers also have up to a 31% lower risk of developing heart disease, so wouldn't you want to protect yourself? Heart disease is the world's leading cause of death, so it can't hurt to improve your cholesterol levels and try.
Protects Against Cancer
It's no surprise that another leading cause of death is cancer, which is defined by cell mutation and uncontrolled cell growth. Evidence recently showed that kombucha can help prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells though, due to its high concentration of tea polyphenols and antioxidants. It's believed that the polyphenols block gene mutation and growth of cancer cells, while also promoting cancer cell death. For this reason, tea drinkers are less likely to develop various types of cancer.
Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Additionally, kombucha can improved several markers of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects over 300 million people worldwide, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Nevertheless, studies found that kombucha slowed down the digestion of carbs, which reduced blood sugar levels. This also improves liver and kidney function. Therefore tea drinkers have an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic, which may be worth it for you to start.
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-Gina
