Crazy for Kombucha
This ancient Chinese beverage has been around for over 2,000 years. A well kept secret of a culture known to live well past one hundred years old and age gracefully in the process. They referred to this drink as the “immortal health elixir”… Fast forward to modern day life and let’s explore how we can reap the benefits of kombucha for a vibrant, healthy body!
I first came across this beverage at nutrition school. Its funky name and extensive list of health benefits grabbed my attention right away. How could a drink created thousands of years ago and credited as a key component of longevity be kept a secret in modern society? Naturally, I was eager to learn more about kombucha and incorporate it into my own health regimen. I wanted in on the “immortal health elixir!”
Kombucha is a fermented tea packed with probiotics, digestive enzymes, B vitamins, iron, folic acid, and vitamin C. The brewing process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to complete depending on the preferred taste that the brewer is going for. During this fermentation process, the nutrients in the batch become more and more concentrated, making kombucha a very nutrient dense beverage. Selective health food stores are now beginning to carry bottled kombucha but you could also choose to brew it yourself at home or get it from a local brewer!
Some of the many benefits of drinking kombucha on a regular basis are liver detoxification, boosts overall energy levels, promotes weight loss, speeds up metabolism, rich in gut friendly bacteria, acts as a digestive aid, helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL), supports the immune system, improves nutrient absorption, alleviates allergy symptoms, and reduces bloating from heavy meals. Does this sound like something you could benefit from? Kombucha has become my new favourite drink and has done wonders for my digestive system. I brew it at home every two weeks and enjoy drinking it almost everyday! Mixing it with sweet apple cider is my go-to combination.
As a Holistic Nutritionist I am always recommending it to my clients. I have seen great results from incorporating kombucha into the daily routine. A note of caution before drinking kombucha is that it has a caffeine content (although very low) due to the black tea used in the brewing process. So, if you are very sensitive to caffeine it is best to avoid. Also, the final product contains small traces of alcohol (0.05%), which are also very low but for people with alcohol sensitivity it is best to avoid. If it is your first time drinking kombucha start with small doses (about 50ml or less) and work your way up to about a cup a day or every other day. Try mixing it with fresh juices or add in chopped fruits for a flavour infusion!
Nourish your body with the many benefits of kombucha! Dare to give it a try and share the secret!