Kombucha — Is It Worth It? 5 Reasons You Need to Try It Today
Kombucha, this seemingly magic elixir, seems to be EVERYwhere these days. It’s even used to concoct yummy non-alcoholic elixirs — TikTok is flooded with recipes.
While the fizzy elixir may be a recent trend, kombucha has long, deep-seated roots for aiding in digestion, mood, and energy. It originated long ago in ancient cultures.
All of us looking for smart, simple ways to boost our health can quickly see why trying kombucha is worth a try.
We are tired of gimmicks and hype, and we don’t want another energy drink. We just want some solid go-to items that help us keep our bodies healthy in the midst of carpool lines, work deadlines, squeezing in our Barre class, school permission slips and managing our homes — something healthy that is quick and easy to grab at the store would be GREAT.
NcComa Health is happy to outline key things to know about kombucha so you can make an informed decision before buying.
We even include a ⭐BONUS⭐ deal to try one of our favorites for free!
What is Kombucha?
The simple definition of “kombucha” is fermented tea combined with a sweetener.
However, the REAL star of the show — what really makes kombucha what it is — is called SCOBY (pronounced “sk-oh-bee”).
It may look gross, but it’s quite impressive.
SCOBY is the crucial element that converts tea into this popular, healthy drink called kombucha. SCOBY stands for a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast.
This gelatinous-looking cellulose mat that houses the necessary bacteria and cultures of kombucha is sometimes considered kombucha’s “mother culture.” It is KEY to why kombucha is what it is: a tonic full of multiple benefits.
This combination of bacteria and yeast live off the tea and sweetener it’s placed in.
As in it literally feeds on it, and then reproduces itself during the fermentation process. Truly amazing.
While fermenting, it produces the following byproducts: [1]
More bacteria and yeasts (which do a ton of beneficial probiotic work)
organic acids (more good stuff)
carbon dioxide (creates the carbonation)
a trace of alcohol (rarely enough to give a buzz)
and B vitamins (which we all know are good for us)
End result: kombucha, now a popular, healthy drink enjoyed worldwide.
Origins of Kombucha
Kombucha has been around for hundreds — probably even thousands — of years. It originated in China and spread throughout other Asian and European countries. [1,2]
When it was first developed, people thought this tonic had powers of longevity and immortality. It must have had some pretty impressive results to achieve that street cred.
At that time the fermentation process was strictly a homebrew process. Families would brew kombucha for themselves and friends.
Home fermentation can still be done today, and plenty of people still do so. Google will deliver plenty of recipes and tips about DIY kombucha. However there are elements that a brewer (and consumer) need to be aware of, concerning sanitation and pasteurization.
Today there are regulations for processing and producing kombucha so it can be sold in stores — which is apparently worth the effort, because the industry for this tonic has boomed.
Less than 10 years ago it was a $1.4 million industry — now it’s in the billions and is still growing. [3]
Maybe there is something to those powers of longevity and immortality after all!
Why is Kombucha Popular Now? Five Top Benefits
While kombucha has been around for centuries, it's only been popular in the US for the past decade. Grocery stores are making more and more shelf space for probiotic drinks.
In addition to having multiple flavor options that make it easy to choose as a healthier option over soda or alcohol, kombucha benefits are numerous.
Here are the TOP FIVE benefits of kombucha:
Good yeast and bacteria are gut-healthy [1,5]
Antioxidants and polyphenols fight inflammation [4,5]
B vitamins boost immunity [4,5,6]
Lower sugar, lower-calorie alternative to soda [5,7]
Enzymes work to detoxify the liver — a bonus for gut health [4,5]
Let’s dive in to each of these a bit more.
Good Bacteria and Yeast Boost Gut Health
Going back to our friend the SCOBY, remember it is the heart and soul of what makes the kombucha a healthy tonic. Luckily, it’s not usually visible in the drink we buy at the store. If it was, people may be a little more reluctant to try kombucha.
The SCOBY’s surplus of bacteria and yeast it produces is the highlight of why kombucha is so highly regarded for its benefits. These bacteria are probiotics that help your gut’s microbiome stay healthy, and work as it should.
Most of us live a busy lifestyle, with processed foods, sugary drinks and daily stress that mess up our guts’ processes.
Integrating kombucha in our diet as a way to support our gut is a wise decision. Some will even reach for a bottle to relieve an upset or nauseous belly.
Now, please know we are not saying that kombucha should be used medicinally. It is not medicine. But it does have true, happy-gut benefits.
What we can do is use kombucha to complement a healthy diet and exercise to continue working towards a healthy lifestyle.
Chock-Full of Antioxidants
Another result of the SCOBY’s fermentation process is an abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Most of us know what antioxidants are — powerhouses to both protect against and reduce inflammation. Polyphenols work alongside antioxidants and in a way mimic them. In essence they act as antioxidants in your body.4
This is a significant benefit of kombucha, considering inflammation often leads to disease and illness today.
This is why choosing what we eat — and drink — is so important.
When given a choice, why not choose wisely? Choose the thing that gives health, instead of sickness.
B Vitamins
Kombucha keeps showing off, featuring another well known health booster: the B vitamins.
Vitamins B6 and B12 seem to be the most commonly talked about B vitamins, though there are many other types crucial to healthy living, and help build your immunity.
Here are B vitamins found in kombucha:
B6
B12
Folate
Niacin
Riboflavin
Thiamine. [5,6]
These B heroes are amazing — just check out what these guys do: B6 and B12 keep nerves and cells healthy, while riboflavin helps cells grow, develop and function. Thiamine is crucial for basic cellular function. Folate and niacin are necessary for DNA production and repair and niacin also converts nutrients into energy.
Kombucha deserves a *high five* JUST for this 👆. Seriously.
Healthy Alternative to Soda
We all know soda isn’t great for us.
There is even debate about the zero sugar options, depending on our perspective on artificial sweeteners… and that, dear reader, is a whole other article.
The good news is that kombucha, with its *fizz* and tang, truly makes for a great soda substitute.
When looking for a carbonated beverage to replace that unhealthy soda we can easily grab at the store, kombucha is the best we will find.
While we DO have to be cautious about how much added sugar is in our kombucha of choice, this fizzy tonic is nearly always lower in calories than traditional sodas. [4,7]
Further, it has quality ingredients that carry multiple benefits — none of which are in any soda, diet or otherwise.
Liver Detox
We may question — does kombucha really detox the liver, too? That’s a rather hefty lift.
Yep. It sure does. Kombucha is a powerhouse.
Its ability to help detoxify your liver is thanks to the acids and enzymes produced during fermentation. [1,4] The liver processes (rids) toxins from our bodies, which means it plays a crucial role in keeping us and our guts healthy.
Kombucha’s acids and enzymes assist the liver in its efforts to get rid of those unwanted toxins.
In today’s world, with so many processed foods and drinks, rampant pollution, harmful habits and toxic mindsets all around — our livers need as much help as possible to clear out as many toxins as possible.
Bonus! Kombucha Flavors
This one is a bonus section. An extra point after the promised five reasons to try kombucha.
Humans are creatures of habit. We may say, “I’ll try something different next time.” But chances are, we won’t. We will grab the same thing we had last time, because it’s familiar, comfortable.
So trying this kombucha stuff may not seem too appealing — especially at $2-3 a bottle — when we know that the ginger ale over in the front cooler is cheaper and tastes great. We know what to expect.
After reading the article, we know why kombucha is priced as it is. The price speaks of its worth for its health benefits.
But, what does it taste like?
Luckily, there are LOTS of delicious flavor options in today’s kombucha market. Further, there are even different levels of what we may kombucha intensity. We have the option of choosing either a “light-bodied” refresher or a full-bodied punch to give our systems a significant boost.
Here are some top sellers that are great for kombucha newbies:
Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Refreshers [8] (the Mojita is a favorite)
Kevita Herbal Spritzers [9]
Health-Ade Pink Lady Apple Kombucha [10]
Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda [11] (this discovery is a treasure — it is the perfect soda replacement)
GT’s Synergy Raw Kombucha [12]
This is only a sampling of amazing probiotic drinks that are on the market today — and you can find ALL of these and MORE at NcComa Health.
Who Shouldn’t Drink Kombucha?
For the most part, anybody can drink kombucha in moderation. Alcohol content used to be an issue, but today’s regulations limit alcohol content so anybody can buy.
However, if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, it may be best for you to skip the kombucha. Small children should also avoid it.
Lastly, if you are diabetic, please be diligent in checking sugar content. This drink is a wonderful elixir with many health benefits, and there can still be some with enough added sugar to make it one to avoid.
Grab a FREE Kombucha at NcComa Health
So now that you are 100% on board with trying kombucha, visit us in downtown City or online to discover your new favorite health beverage.
We can’t wait to see you, and hear which you like best. Use promo code kombuchahealth for a FREE kombucha drink with any $20 purchase until July 1, 2024. Promo available in-store and online.
Thanks for reading!
~NcComa Health
REFERENCES
[1] Cultures for Health: “KOMBUCHA BACTERIA | WHAT IS KOMBUCHA CULTURE AND KOMBUCHA BACTERIA?” June 23, 2022.
[2] GT’s Living Foods: The History of Kombucha: Ancient Origins for Healing Today.” January 23, 2023.
[3] The Food Institute: “Kombucha Gains in Popularity as Functional Beverage Market Growth Continues.” September 10, 2021.
[4] Cleveland Clinic: “Is Kombucha Good For You?” March 6, 2023.
[5] WebMD: “Kombucha: Is It Good for You?” September 10, 2022.
[6] Harvard TH Chan School of Health. The Nutrition Source: Niacin - Vitamin B3. n.d.
[8] Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Refreshers. N.d.
[9] Kevita Herbal Spritzers. n.d.
[10] Health-Ade Pink Lady Apple Kombucha. n.d.
[11] Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda. n.d.
[12] GT’s Synergy Raw Kombucha. n.d.