Kombucha tea is all the rage right now. But what exactly is it, and why are people drinking it? Kombucha is a fermented drink made from black tea, sugar, and bacteria. It has been around for centuries and was originally used to treat stomach problems.
Kombucha tea is now being studied for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, fighting cancer, and improving gut health. Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of kombucha tea!
#1 – Potential Source of Probiotics
Kombucha tea contains live bacteria, which are also known as probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in your gut and have many health benefits. They can improve gut health by reducing inflammation and balancing the levels of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
One study found that kombucha tea increased the levels of healthy gut bacteria and reduced inflammation in rats with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
More human studies are needed to confirm these effects. However, kombucha tea is a good source of probiotics and may help improve gut health.
#2 – May Provide the Benefits of Green Tea
Kombucha tea is made by fermenting green or black tea. As a result, it contains many of the same compounds as green tea, including polyphenols and catechins.
These compounds are responsible for most of the health benefits of green tea, such as improved brain function and fat loss.
One study found that kombucha tea increased antioxidant activity in the blood more than green tea.
Green tea is also linked to reduced risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon and prostate cancer.
Kombucha tea may provide similar protective effects against cancer. However, more research is needed.
In one test-tube study, kombucha tea prevented the growth of colon cancer cells. It also reduced the activity of a key enzyme involved in cancer development.
#3 – Kombucha Contains Antioxidants
Kombucha tea is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your cells from damage. These include polyphenols and organic acids, such as acetic acid.
In fact, kombucha tea has more antioxidant activity than green tea. One test-tube study found that kombucha tea was more effective than green tea at scavenging harmful, disease-causing molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals are linked to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Therefore, the antioxidants in kombucha tea may help protect against these conditions.
What’s more, kombucha tea may enhance your body’s detoxification processes. Detoxification is the process of removing harmful substances from your body.
Kombucha tea contains glucuronic acid, which is a compound that helps your liver detoxify your blood. In addition, kombucha tea may stimulate the production of enzymes that help detoxify your body.
#4 – Can Kill Bacteria & Improve Digestion
Kombucha tea contains several acids that can kill harmful bacteria. These include lactic acid, acetic acid and gluconic acid.
In addition, kombucha tea may help improve digestion by increasing the production of stomach acid. Stomach acid is necessary for the breakdown and absorption of food.
What’s more, kombucha tea contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that have health benefits. Probiotics can improve gut health by balancing the levels of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
#5 – May Reduce Heart Disease Risk Factors
Kombucha tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because it contains polyphenols, which are compounds that have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
In addition, kombucha tea may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. These are two major risk factors for heart disease.
Finally, kombucha tea contains probiotics, which have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. While more research is needed, kombucha tea may offer several benefits for heart health.
#6 – May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Kombucha tea may also help manage type II diabetes. This is because it can help lower blood sugar levels.
In addition, kombucha tea contains probiotics, which have been linked to a lower risk of type II diabetes.
In fact, a review study of almost 300,000 individuals found that green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic.
While more research is needed, kombucha tea may offer several benefits for people with type II diabetes
#7 – May Help Protect Against Cancer
Kombucha tea may also help protect against cancer. This is because it contains antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
In addition, kombucha tea contains probiotics, which have been linked to a lower risk of some types of cancer.
For example, a review study of over 18,000 women found that those who drank the most green tea had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Similarly, another review study found that men who drank the most green tea had a 43% lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
While more research is needed, kombucha tea may offer some protection against cancer.
Conclusion
Kombucha tea has a variety of potential health benefits that have been supported by scientific evidence. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional black or green tea, kombucha tea may be a good option for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about drinking kombucha tea, and enjoy the many potential health benefits it has to offer!
