The Benefits of Booch

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Kombucha and its health benefits. Though the beverage has been around for centuries (as early as 220 BC, according to some reports!), the modern surge in popularity started in just the past few decades.

So what is truth, what’s conjecture, and what’s just plain nonsense? Well, we aren’t scientists or medical professionals, but we’ve read a lot on the subject and below are some of the claims we feel carry weight. Effects can vary from person to person, but if you’re looking to understand a bit more about what’s going on with this bewitching brew, read on!

But first….what is kombucha?

Right, let’s just give a quick explanation of what kombucha actually is. Kombucha is a fermented tea, which is made by combining tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (“Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast”). This mixture is left to ferment for anywhere from a week to a month (sometimes more!) while the yeast consumes the sugar. The result is a fizzy, tangy drink loaded with organic acids, B vitamins, antioxidants, and live cultures.

OK, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are some of the top benefits we believe kombucha to possess:

Improved Gut Health

This is probably the one you’ve heard of the most – and the one with the most scientific-backed evidence. Kombucha is a fermented food product, and fermented foods are well known to be good for your gut microbiome. The fermentation process produces probiotics (healthy bacteria), as well as organic acids like acetic, lactic, and gluconic acid, and antioxidant-rich polyphenols from the tea itself. Together, these compounds work to keep gut flora healthy and functioning properly, which can aid digestion, decrease inflammation, and support a healthy immune system.

Reduced Inflammation

We mentioned this before, but it’s worth noting that the polyphenols (which come from the tea in kombucha) can act as strong antioxidants in the body to decrease inflammation. However, drinking kombucha alone is not going to suppress your body’s inflammation on its own. It’s best when combined with an anti-inflammatory diet and other lifestyle practices.

Strengthened immunity

Again, the immune system benefits are also linked to the improved gut health that is often associated with kombucha. In addition to the probiotics, polyphenols, and antioxidants (all of which are beneficial to your immune system), kombucha contains healthy levels of B vitamins which are good for your immune system. The fermented tea is also high in acetic, glucuronic, and D-Saccharic acids which can fight against bad bacterial growth.

Detoxified Liver

The glucuronic acid produced during fermentation has been studied for its potential role in supporting the liver’s natural detoxification processes, helping to bind toxins so they can be flushed from the body more efficiently. There’s also a simpler angle: by swapping alcohol with kombucha — even some of the time — you reduce stress on the liver. Sometimes the best detox is just giving your hardest-working organ a night off.

Healthy heart

Some studies have suggested that kombucha may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels by supporting healthy HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The antioxidants and organic acids produced during fermentation are thought to be the contributors here, though as with most kombucha research, the science is promising rather than conclusive. Think of it less as a treatment and more as a genuinely useful addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The list of potential benefits of kombucha can go on and on. From weight loss to cancer prevention to reduced risk of diabetes, there have been some studies (and a lot of anecdotal evidence) that kombucha can help in these areas. But like everything else, there is no silver bullet. Kombucha is a great addition to a lifestyle that is filled with activity, healthy nutrition, and reduced stress. So come to one of our yoga events, drink a booch, and snuggle your dog. That trifecta will probably do wonders for your mind, body, and spirit. And if you can’t see the benefit in that, well….kombucha is the least of your worries.

Get in Touch

Have any questions, suggestions, or requests? Send us a message and someone will get back to you ASAP!