Kombucha is a fermented drink, made with bacteria and yeast, sweetened black or green tea, and commonly consumed for its health benefits. The benefits of Kombucha include better gut health, inflammation reduction, disease prevention, immune support, improved blood sugar control, and more!
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Benefits of Kombucha
Supports Gut Health
Because of its high levels of beneficial acids, probiotics,Β amino acids,Β and enzymes, kombucha supports digestion!
Reduces Inflammation
Eating gut-friendly foods (like Kombucha) may help decrease inflammation in the intestinal tract. Kombucha is not a cure-all, however, it may complement your healthy diet, lifestyle, and medication regimen; because the teas that are used to make kombucha contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can lessen inflammation in the body.
Aids in Disease Prevention
Drinking kombucha tea can be beneficial for many infections and diseases because of its detoxification, anti-oxidation, and energizing properties.
Kombucha contains a collection of powerful antioxidants that can help to detoxify the body and shield against disease.
These antioxidants can aid in reducing inflammation, which can help protect against many chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
Strengthens the Immune System
Optimal gut health is the key to a strong immune system, and the fermenting bacteria in kombucha can boost immunity, due to the good bacteria it provides.
May Improve Mental Function / Depression treatment
Kombucha is good for the MIND! Kombucha provides B vitamins, which are recognized to increase energy levels and improve mental well-being. Additionally, it’s high in probiotics, which are a form of beneficial bacteria that are believed to play a vital role in mental health.
Depression can also causeΒ insomnia, low energy, and poor concentration, however, kombucha might help in boosting your mood by increasing the production of those feel-good hormones, such as serotonin.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Not all Kombucha is created equally – GO FIGURE- so consuming a low-sugar variety (or making your own) could be beneficial. Because of the antioxidants in Kombucha, it has been shown to lessen diabetes symptoms and it may also help support the function of the liver and kidney too.
a great alternative / May Help Maintain Healthy Weight
Kombucha is a great alternative to soda, juices, and even alcohol. Fewer calories, less sugar, and A LOT of health benefits. Kombucha was a great alternative to my sprite addiction and is also a great alternative to Hard Ciders!
Promotes liver + Heart health
Due to its potential ability to detoxify the body, Kombucha may support liver health too by reducing liver toxicity! Kombucha, especially when made with green tea, appears to have antioxidants that affect your liver. Kombucha can also help lower triglyceride levels and regulate cholesterol naturally.
There are so many more Benefits of Kombucha, but you get the idea – Put down the Coca-Cola and DRINK MORE KOMBUCHA!
How to Make Kombucha
What you need to make Kombucha
A Kombucha Organic Essential Starter Kit / (Large Glass Jar + SCOBY) (which you can get from the Kombucha-making community if you have any local friends brewing kombucha, a health food store, or online!
Breathable cloth and rubber band (Often included in Kombucha Starter Kit)
Flip-top bottlesΒ 16oz or 33oz
Kombucha Brewing Recipe:
How to Make Kombucha
Equipment
- 1 Large Glass Jar / Brewing Vessel
Ingredients
- 1 SCOBY with 2 cups of starter fluid Obtain from a friend who makes Kombucha, a health food store, or online!
- 1 Gallon Cool Water (Chlorine-Free)
- 2 Tbsp Loose-leaf Green or Black Tea (Or a mix of both) or 4-6 tea bags
- 1 cup Organic Sugar
Instructions
- Make sure you have obtained a SCOBY from your health food store, a friend, or online – this is a great starter kit – Kombucha Organic Essential Starter Kit
- Heat 1 quart of the water to just below boiling.
- In the brewing vessel, Add the sugar and hot water, and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour the remaining 3 quarts of cool water into the brewing vessel
- Make sure the temp is below 100Β°F before adding the SCOBY (if not, just set aside)
- With clean hands, add SCOBY to the brewing vessel, + Pour the starter liquid on top of the SCOBY
- Cover the vessel with breathable cloth, secured with a rubber band
- Set it in a warm location (ideally 75-85Β°F [24-29Β°C]), out of direct sunlight
- Send good vibes, It is a culture of living organisms and responds to energy, (positive and negative.)
- Allow the sweet tea to ferment for 7 to 21 days; once the brew reaches the flavor you like, it is ready to harvest.
- Repeat steps to keep a continual brew going and to have Kombucha on stock all day, every day!!
Notes
If youβre pregnant, take medication, or have an existing medical condition, speak with your doctor to make sure kombucha is safe for you!
Flavoring Kombucha
Flavoring kombucha is my favorite part!! It’s a way to get creative!
You can flavor your Kombucha with:
- Fresh Fruit
- Fresh Vegetables
- Fresh Herbs
- Fruit Juices
If you use fruit juice, make sure it is 100% fruit juice, with no added sugar or artificial flavorings/colors. And if using fresh produce or herbs, try to choose organic!
I love being able to use the fruit and herbs that I grow in my own garden!
Flavoring Ideas:
Fresh Ginger, Turmeric + Vanilla Extract are all great additions to flavoring kombucha!
- Strawberry + Lemon Balm
- Watermelon + Lavendar Flower
- Blueberry + Ginger
- Vanilla + Blackberry
- Strawberry + Ginger
- Mixed Berry (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, + Blackberries)
- Orange Dreamsicle (Orange, Turmeric, Ginger, Vanilla)
- Wild Berry + Herbs (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, + Blackberries, Lemon Balm, Basil, Lavender)
*** Mango, Pineapple, Grapefruit + apple are also great fruits to use! + you can use spices too!
Place fresh fruit + herbs in a blender & pulse/chop the fruit – if you puree it, sometimes it’s harder to swift out at the end! OR if you have a juicer, juice the fruit!
Add to flip-top bottles, as much as you would like – thereβs no hard and fast rule when it comes to adding fruit juice to kombucha, so you might need to take some time to experiment with your juice to kombucha ratio to find the perfect blend for you.
What to look for when purchasing Kombucha
Not all kombucha is created equal. Some brands are high in sugar, some brands add natural flavors and other artificial ingredients. Hereβs what to look for when choosing a kombucha that supports your health:
- Choose one with 100% natural ingredients, avoid ones that say natural flavoring
- Choose one with less than 9 grams of sugar
- Choose glass bottles – I think all Kombucha is sold in glass bottles!
Favorite Kombucha Brands
Some of my favorite brands include GT’s Kombucha, Brew Dr, Flying Ambers Hard Kombucha, Unity Vibration Kombucha Beer, and I will probably add a few more to this list – I often treat myself if I find a good one when traveling!
For More Healthy Livin Recipes
- Instant Pot Hummus
- Coconut Rice With Ginger Peanut Sauce
- Paleo Salted Caramel Tahini Almond Chocolate Bars
- Iced or Warm Matcha Latte
Find more paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly recipes here, or check out our Pinterest for more recipes, travel, and yoga content here!
For More Inspiration
For More Inspiration
About Me
I spent 5 weeks on a spiritual journey with my husband and immersed myself in the age-old traditions and rituals of yoga on Koh Phangan island in the Gulf of Thailand. Focusing on Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga. Completing my 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training. Learn more about my experience here!
I then received my Integrative Nutrition Health coach training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized βroadmap to healthβ that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Learn more about my training.
Learn More About MeΒ Here!Β
Yoga inspires me to live more mindfully in the present moment. It has taught me to be stronger, more flexible, fearless, and open, both mentally and physically, on and off the mat. Practicing various yoga techniques has helped me connect deeper with the body, mind, breath, and soul.
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