When is kombucha healthy for the body? Many fans of the natural tea mushroom drink are already convinced of the beneficial effects of the natural product, but are they really that strong? If you are looking for answers to these questions, the following information may help you. You can also use the tea mushroom to prepare delicious drinks so that you can benefit from the health benefits of kombucha tea yourself. Just read on to find out more!
Why is kombucha healthy and how is the tea drink made?
Kombucha is a sweet, fermented and above allhealthy drink, which is known to have various positive effects on the body. It was created around 220 BC. BC in northeast China and his name was given by Dr. Kombu, a well-known Korean doctor. But what is kombucha? Well, it is a fermented, carbonated, sour-sweet drink valued for its healing properties. Additionally, regular consumption of kombucha tea is associated with numerous potential health benefits. The tea mushroom drink is created through a fermentation process for which you can combine different types of tea, tea mushroom and sugar.
During this time, healthy bacteria and acids form in the kombucha drink. Once fermentation is complete, it becomes carbonated, which is why kombucha drink is fizzy. Additionally, the acids and bacteria in kombucha form a film on the liquid known as a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Its short form is known as SCOBY. You can use this SCOBY to ferment kombucha whenever you want. The lactic acid bacteria contained in kombucha act as a probiotic, which is why it is advertised as a healthy drink. It also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. An average serving of 100 ml provides: 16 kcal/67 KJ, 0.0 g protein, 3.0 g carbohydrates, 3.0 g sugar. However, nutritional contributions vary from product to product.
Healthy bacterial colonies through fermentation of the SCOBY mushroom
The fermentation process takes from 7 to 12 days depending on the temperature and strength of the SCOBY. The SCOBY consumes over 90% of the sugar during fermentation, ultimately resulting in a low-sugar end product. This process is similar to what would happen with sourdough bread or milk-water kefir. Once a very obscure natural product, kombucha is now a popular drink available at most health food stores and many local grocery stores. Many people also brew it themselves at home using various methods. The SCOBY or Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast is the collection of microbes responsible for turning sweet tea into a probiotic drink.
Essentially, it is a living colony of beneficial organisms that convert sugars into healthy acids and probiotics. The tea mushroom is the reason why kombucha is also known as “mushroom tea”. On a practical level, a SCOBY is an unattractive rubbery disk that you can use to cover the surface of the liquid you're brewing to seal it from air. This allows fermentation to take place in an anaerobic (air-free) environment. You may also hear a SCOBY called “The Mother” as it is the parent culture that creates the tea. During the brewing process, the SCOBY also often creates a "baby" or secondary culture on itself, which is then used to brew other beverages. With proper care, a SCOBY can last for many years.
How kombucha can affect the body
As mentioned, this flavorful fermented drink contains beneficial probiotics and acids. It's lower in calories than other carbonated drinks like soft drinks, with only about 30 calories per cup. Additionally, kombucha is healthy, with several health benefits attributed to this ancient tonic. The nutrients it contains support the body in many ways. It is also important to note at this point that while there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence from enthusiastic advocates, adequate studies on kombucha are lacking.
So it's not a magic drink or silver bullet, but kombucha can help the body function better by supporting liver detoxification, giving energy, whichPromotes digestionand contributes to better nutrient absorption. These benefits may be due in part to the concentration of beneficial enzymes and acids in kombucha, including Gluconacetobacter, Lactobacillus and Zygosaccharomyces.
Possible risks and side effects when consuming kombucha
There are some precautions and side effects that one should keep in mind when consuming it.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with a medical condition should consult a doctor before consumption. Kombucha contains both caffeine and sugar, which should be limited during pregnancy.
- Some people get bloated when they drink it. This may possibly be due to the presence of probiotics and possible changes in gut bacteria. Anyone suffering from a digestive disorder should also speak to a doctor before consuming it.
- If kombucha is prepared incorrectly, it can contain harmful bacteria and be dangerous. This is rare, but is more common with homemade mushroom tea drinks. When brewing your own product, you should take great care to keep the environment clean and brew it properly following proven methods and instructions.
- Making kombucha in a ceramic vessel can be dangerous because the acidic brew can leach lead from that vessel into the finished drink.
Is kombucha healthy for your mouth?
There are also certain oral health concerns when consuming the tea mushroom drink. The most logical concern that can arise with kombucha is its potential to cause dental problems. Since this tea drink is rich in natural acids, it can be harmful to your teeth if consumed in excess. For this reason, it makes sense to know how kombucha affects teeth and how to consume it without harming your teeth. These steps can also help reduce the potential of the acids in kombucha to harm teeth. It's best to drink it in one sitting, like you do when drinking coffee. Avoid consuming kombucha throughout the day and rinse immediately afterward by drinking clean water.
How to use the Kombucha recipe and preparation method yourself
Now, kombucha is healthy, and if you choose to make a homemade version, the process is simple but nuanced. Check out the guide below for a complete explanation of the process and other methods. This means you can prepare a natural source of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes yourself at home.
Materials and ingredients required:
- large, clean glass, approx. 4 liters
- Lid, coffee filter and rubber band
- Cheesecloth
- Ratio of 3.5 liters of brewed sweetened tea: 1 cup of sugar per 3.5 liters of tea
- SCOBY tea mushroom and 1 cup liquid from a previously brewed kombucha drink
Preparation:
- First, sterilize all containers and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Then make a little more than 3 liters of tea from any type of tea.
- Start by adding 1 cup of natural sugar. Honey is not recommended and other sugar substitutes will not work.
- Then let the sweetened tea cool and pour it into the glass.
- Add 1 cup brewed raw kombucha.
- Place the tea mushroom on top of the mixture to seal the liquid from the air.
- The tea mushroom will grow to fill the container as it ferments.
- Then cover the jar with the cheesecloth or with a piece of organic fabric and a rubber band.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 7-12 days until desired acidity.
- Remove the SCOBY and 1 cup of finished kombucha to begin a new brewing process and repeat steps 1-9.
- If you also want a fizzy finished drink, you can pour the finished kombucha into airtight jars or bottles. Then add organic juice or fresh/frozen fruit. 1 part juice/fruit equals 4 parts kombucha.
- Cover tightly and let sit for another 1-2 days until carbonated.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
