To Drink or Not to Drink: Is Kombucha Really Good for Health 0 5

Kombucha is an unusual beverage. Depending on the added ingredients, its taste can vary, but it most often resembles apple cider with slight vinegar notes. This drink has been used in China for over 2200 years, providing vigor and helping to cope with the effects of poisoning.

With the expansion of trade routes, kombucha made its way to Russia and then to other countries in Eastern Europe. During World War II, it was brought to Germany, and in the 1950s, it became popular in France and North Africa. By the 1960s, Swiss scientists claimed that kombucha was as beneficial for the gut as yogurt.

Kombucha is prepared based on black or green tea. White sugar is added, after which the mixture is fermented with the help of yeast and specialized bacteria for 1-2 weeks. The fermentation process is crucial, as the bacteria and fungi convert polyphenols—compounds commonly found in tea, fruits, and vegetables—into other organic molecules. This leads to an increase in acidity, which inhibits the growth of undesirable microorganisms.

Slightly fermented products contain beneficial bacteria for the body. There is a theory that these microorganisms help our gut in digesting food. Studies show that an increase in the concentration of such bacteria can improve mood, reduce stress levels, and also aid in combating excess weight and food cravings. However, other studies indicate that continuous intake of these bacteria is necessary to achieve such effects.

Two studies—one on cell cultures and the other on animals—demonstrated that kombucha drink may possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. It is believed that this is related to the action of D-glucuronic acid-1,4-lactone, contained in the brew, which may inhibit the enzyme β-glucuronidase associated with the growth of cancer tumors.

However, laboratory studies have shown that the polyphenols, acids, and vitamins found in kombucha are also present in black and green tea. Consuming kombucha does not cause negative health effects, but if you do not like its taste, you can easily obtain the same beneficial substances from black or green tea.