Skeptics claim that the benefits of kombucha drink are unproven, but enthusiasts continue to extol its virtues.
Kombucha is a sour, fizzy drink that can be made in your own kitchen or purchased from health food stores. Its lovers attribute many benefits to it, including improved digestive health, appetite suppression, and an energy boost. But skeptics say medical research hasn’t proven these facts, and bacteria in a homemade drink can be dangerous. So where is the truth?
Kombucha, according to scientists, is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds.
So why do fans drink kombucha?
Memory problems
Premenstrual syndrome
Joint pain
Anorexia
High blood pressure
Constipation
Arthritis
Helps hair growth
Increases immunity
Prevents cancer
Despite the benefits attributed to kombucha for the immune system, liver, and digestion, there are other opinions. The director of the Department of Complementary and Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic says there is no documentation that kombucha is beneficial, but there are at least a few clinical cases where people have been affected, and he asks patients to avoid kombucha.
It’s true, doctors say, that acids cleanse the insides, and the probiotics in the drink promote healthy microflora, which is necessary for the intestines. There are enough benefits to reject kombucha. But in order for it to be safe, you need to follow the rules of antiseptics. If any inclusions appear in the liquid or the starter is spoiled, you need to get rid of the entire batch.
Mike Schwartz, an instructor at the Culinary Arts Institute and co-owner of BAO Food and Drink, was the first to obtain a government license to produce kombucha starter. He tests his product daily to make sure the pH balance and bacteria are correct.
Schwartz and his company want to make homemade kombucha an affordable alternative to soda and energy drinks. According to them, kombucha is especially good after a workout, as it prevents the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, increases energy and helps digest food better.
Because kombucha is difficult to keep sterile, it is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Kombucha can be bad for blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Keep in mind that kombucha contains caffeine and is not recommended for those suffering from diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. Caffeine can exacerbate these problems.