Cha Cha Cha Kombucha!
I had heard about this tasty and trendy beverage for a while and I finally decided to give it a try. I first tried the samples at the New Pioneer Co-op in town (Kombucha on tap) and realized I liked the fizzy drink, while I was also surprised the taste can vary quite a bit between sweet and sour. I was amazed at how many flavors and brands are available. Then I learned the lesson not to shake the bottle after a massive Kombucha “explosion” at home. But what exactly is Kombucha?
Kombucha is made out of green, black, or white tea which is fermented using a culture of bacteria and yeast (also known as “Scoby” or “mother”) and a sweetener (usually sugar, honey or maple syrup). The fermentation process may take from 3 to 30 days and it gives the drink the fizziness that is so refreshing. The Scoby is a perpetuating culture (kind of like that “friendship bread starter” that you can use over and over again).
How about the benefits of consuming this fermented tea? Well, like any fermented item, it boosts the good bacteria in your gut. Think about a probiotic in liquid form. The beneficial bacteria in Kombucha can be a catalyst in detoxifying and may help eliminate some toxins and possible heavy metals from your body. There are studies that point to the higher level of antioxidants in Kombucha compared to regular tea. Another research indicates that this wonderful beverage may reduce blood sugar and help manage diabetes (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22591682).
When I work with my clients that want to lose weight and/ or give up soda and alcohol, we often make a plan for swapping these beverages with Kombucha, specifically the organic and the low sugar type, and use this as a treat. You may be wondering if the fermentation produce some alcohol in this tea. Yes, indeed, about 0.5%, sometimes even higher. So if you want 0% alcohol, then this drink is not for you. I strongly urge you to read the ingredients before you make your choice. Don’t forget to contact me if you want to change other habits that prevent you from bringing the PEARL to the surface. Let your wellness shine!
