Kombucha: THE elixir of life

Have you heard of Kombucha? The beverage the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir”? Some call it mushroom tea (It’s not made from mushrooms per say) or just buch. It’s been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich history of health benefits like preventing and fighting cancer, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases.

This fizzy drink is made from sweetened tea that’s been fermented by a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (a SCOBY, a.k.a. “mother” because of its ability to reproduce, or “mushroom” because of its appearance). Kombucha didn’t gain popularity in the West until recently and now it seems like just about everyone is starting to brew their own. Along with Kombucha brewing companies gaining more widespread acceptance.

Kombucha contains a ton of healthy bacteria in the form of lactobacillus acidophilus and a dozen other probiotic strains. It also has a wide range of organic acids, enzymes, anti-oxidants and vitamins (particularly B1, B2, B6 and B12) that provide the body with an enormous amount of health benefits.

Here’s a few…

KOMBUCHA HEALTH BENEFIT #1 Immune Boosting

The healthy bacteria gained by drinking kombucha may help stimulate the immune system, which is closely connected to the living organisms in the gut. Probiotics, specifically from those in fermented foods, can strengthen our natural defenses against harmful microbes and some forms of illnesses. When our natural microbiome is depleted, harmful microbes such as ones that cause ulcers, diabetes or cancer can take hold. Kombucha also contains DSL and vitamin C, which may fend off inflammatory diseases, tumors, cell damage, and other concerns.

KOMBUCHA HEALTH BENEFIT #2 Gut Health

The fermentation process of kombucha means that this effervescent drink is rich in probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are similar to healthful bacteria that are found in the gut. Kombucha can also help heal candida from overpopulating within the gut by restoring balance to the digestive system, with live probiotic cultures that help the gut to repopulate with good bacteria while crowding out the candida yeast. Plus, naturally, the antioxidant prowess of this ancient tea counteracts free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system and throughout the entire body. However, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid, probiotics, amino acids and enzymes. And as one of our partners in wellness,The Beauty Chef, says: "Beauty begins in the belly".

KOMBUCHA HEALTH BENEFIT #3 Detoxification

The liver is one of the body’s main detoxification organs. Kombucha is high in Glucuronic acid, which is beneficial to the liver and aids its natural detoxification. Glucuronic acid binds to toxins in the stomach which are then removed in the urine. As Kombucha also supports healthy gut bacteria and digestion, it helps the body assimilate food more easily.

KOMBUCHA HEALTH BENEFIT #4 Joint Care

Another powerful compound found in kombucha is glucosamine, which can stave off and treat all types of arthritis. Glucosamines enhance hyaluronic acid production, which may help to protect cartilage and reduce arthritic pain.

KOMBUCHA HEALTH BENEFIT #5 Energy!

In addition to small amounts of caffeine, kombucha contains energizing B vitamins and iron. The iron may increase hemoglobin in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen flow. Many people home brew kombucha for this very reason. An energy boost without the adverse effects that come with a high concentration of caffeine? Umm - yes please. #butfirstkombucha

Join us for bloom: food is medicine and learn how to brew your own Kombucha!

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