Here’s all you need to know about this trending fizzy probiotic drink
Probiotics help to balance the good bacteria in your stomach and promote gut health, which has a direct impact on your brain function. If you are someone who is looking for healthy additions to their diet, kombucha could be the answer for you. People around the globe have started prioritizing probiotics and are looking for easy ways to incorporate them into their diet. I recommend patients have 4-6 servings of fermented foods a day, and a serving of kombucha counts as two of these servings. In this wave of probiotic consumption, Kombucha has proved to be a shining star for all the right reasons.
What is kombucha?
Kombucha hails from China and has been around for over 2000 years. It has been loved by people throughout Japan and Europe and is now making its way to other parts of the world too. It is a fizzy fermented tea drink with a sweet and sour flavor. It has over 10 billion CFU per gram that reduces blood sugar levels, improves gut health and increases antioxidant activities. This drink has some major merit to it when it comes to aiding digestion and boosting energy.
Why is kombucha good for you?
1. A healthy dose of probiotics
Since kombucha is a fermented drink, it is loaded with the goodness of probiotics. When consumed moderately, you can expect this drink to help you deal with gastro-intestinal issues and promote a better gut environment overall. Probiotics are essential in your diet. Acetobacter and Lactobacillus are the two top strains that are usually present in this fizzy drink. Such probiotics increase good bacteria production and ensure gut health optimization naturally.
2. Detoxifies the body
Kombucha is full of antioxidants that help your liver improve the detoxification process. Even after being fermented, it does contain polyphenol antioxidant compounds that are usually found in tea. It helps get rid of free radicals and reduce their effects on the body, thus boosting your overall health.
3. Maintains blood sugar
Kombucha can be your true friend for maintaining blood sugar levels. It contains acetic acid, which is known to lower blood sugar levels naturally. Also, the consumption of this drink slows down the digestion of carbs and improves the functioning of the kidneys and liver, which take a hit when blood sugar spikes.
4. Boosts immune system
Since you are drinking a fermented version of tea, you can only expect things to go uphill from here. Kombucha takes care of the immune cells residing in your gut by improving the production of good bacteria along with healthy fatty acids. It contains vitamin B that improves your digestion and overall gut environment. While good bacteria reduce the negative impact of bad bacteria, the fatty acids diminish gut inflammation and help create a better gut microbiome.
5. Healthy weight loss alternative
No, it won’t drastically reduce 10 pounds in a month for you, but kombucha does have some good effects on your metabolism. Since it is enriched with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties along with acetic acid, this particular drink keeps you fuller for longer. It also accelerates your metabolism while getting rid of toxins from the body at a higher rate. All of this adds up to you being able to lose a few pounds, the healthy way.
6. Reduces heart risk
Studies show that green tea drinkers have a 31% lesser risk of heart diseases. When the tea gets fermented and is consumed in the form of kombucha, the incredible results persist. It helps prevent LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing, which further reduces the risks of heart diseases.
But, be cautious when choosing kombucha. Follow this guide:
- While up to four grams of sugar is added to ferment this drink, many companies double that amount during the final product processing, making it unhealthy, especially, for pre-diabetic and diabetic people. Make sure you check the label before picking your favorite kombucha from the store.
- I have researched and found the best low sugar and healthy kombucha options for you that are safe for your consumption. These variants are low in sugar and use the best ingredients and brewing practices to stay at the top of their game and impress their customers.
Humm Zero Sugar Kombucha
The no sugar says it all. It’s the closest you can get to a healthier version of Kombucha.
KeVita Master Brew Kombucha
KeVita has unique flavors that are fermented using their proprietary fermented cultures that ensure good health and taste for the consumer.
GT Synergy Organic Kombucha
They offer raw, unheated and undiluted drinks, making it a must-try for you.
How to choose the right kombucha for you?
- Choose refrigerated kombucha
- Check the ingredients. If kombucha is listed at the end of the ingredients list, it’s possible that it is mostly crafted from water. Also, if you see tea extracts or flavors instead of actual green or black tea listed as ingredients, avoid it.
- Look for an expiry date. If you find one, then this kombucha is kept raw and unpasteurized, just how it should be. It should not be pasteurized, filtered or processed.
- Avoid kombucha drinks with any additives.
Aside from adding kombucha as a healthier alternative to your diet, book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Amy Shah to reinvent your lifestyle and make healthier choices.