Kombucha, a fermented tea that has been consumed for thousands of years, is known for being a healthy beverage with a host of benefits. Thought to have originated in China or Japan, it is proven to have the same health benefits as tea with the added perks of it being packed with probiotics and antioxidants that do the body good. Additionally, it now comes in a variety of flavors, so there is something for everyone.

But, that’s not all that kombucha has to offer those who drink it. Kombucha has many obvious – and not-so-obvious – health benefits that can help people live happier and more healthful lives. Below are seven of the top evidence-based perks that drinking kombucha can offer. Continue reading below to learn more!

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Drinking kombucha has the potential to provide consumers with many health benefits as well as lifestyle improvements. Below are a few of the most commonly discussed health benefits of kombucha.

Kombucha is a potential source of probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that live in the gut and promote positive digestion and continued gut health. Kombucha is made by a process of fermentation where natural bacteria is added to either black or green tea strands. The bacteria then eat the natural sugars, which produce the alcohol content and carbonation that’s synonymous with the drink. Kombucha also has caffeine because it is fermented with green tea and black tea, but the overall caffeine content is very low.

Another thing that happens with this process is that a lot more bacteria are produced, and these are probiotic components. Probiotics improve many aspects of health, including digestion, inflammation, and even weight loss. 

Kombucha contains antioxidants

Along with probiotics, kombucha is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that prevent oxidation in the body. Even though oxidation sounds like it would be a good thing, it’s anything but. Oxidation produces harmful substances called free radicals, which have been shown to cause cancer and other disorders caused by cell damage. 

Antioxidants essentially cancel out free radicals and prevent cell damage from happening.  

Kombucha may help to boost the immune system

The immune system is the way the body fights off illness and infection, so making sure that it is in top condition is vitally important. Kombucha has been proven to boost the immune system because it contains acetic acid. Acetic acid has antimicrobial properties which naturally help to prevent infection. So, with kombucha adding an extra layer of defense to the immune system, the body is able to focus on larger threats to its overall health.

Kombucha may help to reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a common symptom of many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Drinking kombucha can help reduce inflammation because it contains antioxidants that can lessen inflammation in the body, though it’s not a recommended treatment for the condition.

Kombucha has been shown to reduce inflammation that occurs in the digestive tract because it can help balance between the good and bad bacteria that are present in the gut. 

Kombucha may boost cardiovascular health

Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, so anything that can help prevent someone from developing it is essential. Kombucha, when given to rats in a study, has been shown to increase “good” cholesterol levels and decrease “bad” cholesterol levels, which can greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, tea, in general, has been shown to protect good cholesterol particles from oxidation which is thought to contribute to heart disease.

Kombucha may lower the risk of becoming diabetic

Another disease that affects millions of people across the world is Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body cannot produce or stops responding to insulin, which drives blood sugar levels up to potentially dangerous levels. Kombucha has been shown to slow down the metabolization of carbs, which will, in turn, help to keep blood sugar levels lower. Additionally, kombucha made from green tea can help to reduce blood sugar levels because that is a natural health benefit found in all strains of this specific species.

Kombucha may promote liver health

Lastly, kombucha has been shown to naturally aid in body detoxification, which will boost liver health. The liver has the huge job of detoxifying the body and ridding it of any impurities, so anything that will reduce the amount of work it has to do will ensure that it functions properly for longer. 

Final Thoughts on Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha

Kombucha is a tasty beverage and an option for those looking for a healthy drink.. But, the research into the effectiveness of the health benefits is still in its infancy, so for now, it’s not known just how much they affect the body and if drinking a lot of kombucha will actually lead to a significant improvement to one’s health. Conversely, there’s ample evidence that proves that kombucha is packed with antioxidants and probiotics, which do aid the body in several key ways. 

To earn more about kombucha and to browse through all of the amazing flavors that Health-Ade has to offer, buy kombucha today!

Today's blog is written by our very own Daina Trout, MS, MPH

Daina is not just our Co-Founder, she is also a nutritionist that has spent her adult life dedicated to finding and sharing health and wellness through food. With 2 masters' degrees in nutritional biochemistry and public health, Daina has called upon her education often while leading the way at Health-Ade - from how we make every batch of kombucha, to how we talk about gut health to consumers, to even how healthy our employee workplace is! She even writes a few blogs here and there. Happy reading! :)