Kombucha Is In the Air

I don’t know if it’s my new love affair with Kombucha, the Cabernet Sauvignon or the warm-ish weather but something is in the air.
My son, the expert negotiator and master procrastinator is extremely agreeable today!?

No arguments, no pushback, straight to his nemesis the piano he went to practice. 
Homework? No problem!
Can I carry the groceries? Yes please!
What’s up?
Come to think of it, I did gave him a sip of bucha earlier in the day so there, mystery solved…Kombucha is a miracle worker!
Ever try it?
I’m a Kombucha virgin but it reminds me a lot of Russian Kvas although, from what I recall, Kombucha is way yummier with many health benefits.
It’s not just a delicious alternative to soda, but also a health tonic rich in B vitamins and probiotic bacteria that helps to heal your gut and build your immunity.
So what is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a naturally carbonated and fermented tea and you know that fermented foods are very good for you.
While pasteurization and irradiation kill bacteria and yeast, fermentation actually uses live bacteria and yeast, as well as a sugar source, to create its end products, which include naturally fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, beer and wine, yogurt, and yes, kombucha.
Kombucha is not as fermented as wine or beer — it only has a tiny percentage of alcohol although, there was a time when Whole Foods pulled it from their shelves due to questionable alcoholic content.
Now sold at many health food stores and grocery stores, it can be made at home for pennies using organic black tea, sugar, and a starter culture called a SCOBY.
Kombucha is an ancient drink, made for centuries and celebrated for its many health benefits. It is said to have originated in China during the Tsin dynasty, where it was nicknamed the “elixir of life.”  It then made its way to Russia (Kvas?), and eventually to the United States.
Here are some of the many health benefits of Kombucha.  Enjoy and tell me, do you have a favorite brand? Favorite flavor?  The more I learn, the more I’m thinking of making my own but in the meantime, excited to try the Kevita Tart Cherry and Ginger.

#1: Boosts the Immune System.
Got allergies? Run down frequently with colds? Build up your immunity naturally by consuming more fermented foods and drinks.
Our immune system is in our gut. Most of us have grown up on antibiotics and other drugs that kill off beneficial bacteria. The result? Kombucha’s fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are good for your gut, and good for immunity.
Kombucha is also rich in antioxidants, which help to strengthen immunity.

#2: Natural Detoxifier.
Kombucha has probiotics and enzymes that promote detoxification. One of the main jobs of the good bacteria in your gut is to detoxify. By adding more beneficial bacteria to your gut, you’re getting the job done faster.
Regular consumption of kombucha tea also supports liver function.

#3: Rich in Vitamins and Enzymes.
In addition to beneficial bacteria, Kombucha contains B vitamins and enzymes.
B vitamins provide support for the body’s metabolic functions including overall energy, utilization of carbohydrates, heart health, and healthy hair, skin, and nails. Adequate intake of B vitamins can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, boost memory, and relieve PMS.
Most of us don’t get enough enzymes these days because we don’t eat enough raw food. The role of digestive enzymes is to break down the foods that we eat into smaller compounds so the nutrients can be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

#4: Energy Boost.
Who doesn’t need more energy?  Many…like me, do a lot of coffee, tea, sugar, caffeinated sodas, and “energy drinks”.
Kombucha is the original energy drink. It’s not an artificial jolt of caffeine or sugar but a natural energy booster.  Because Kombucha helps the body detoxify, there is less burden on your system, and as a result, you get more energy.

#5: Increased Metabolism.
Enzymes boost metabolism plus, all the beneficial bacterial and enzymes in the Kombucha help your body work better and take the burden off of it’s functioning.

#6: PMS Relief.
Kombucha helps to relieve PMS. How? B vitamins help to break down and flush out excess estrogen from the body (a condition called estrogen dominance). This can help to reduce PMS symptoms…yes!

#7: Relief from Arthritis and Joint Pain.
Arthritis is an immune disorder. Scroll back up to Kombucha Health Benefit # 1-Kombucha is rich in probiotic bacteria which help to rebuild healthy gut flora, and strengthen immunity.
Well that’s it for now.  Hope this was helpful and here’s Kombucha to your health!

Alya