Uniquely flavored, strangely made, and full of benefits, Kombucha is looking to set new standards on what a healthy drink should be. This fermented tea is said to be able to nourish the body in tremendous and unique ways, which is why people have employed the benefits for thousands of years.
But what really is Kombucha and why is it so healthy? Let’s start at the beginning:
An Elixir of Immortality
Kombucha is rumored to have first been created in 212 B.C., with specific roots in Asia during the Chinese Tsin dynasty. It rapidly became known as the tea of immortality because of the astonishing health benefits those who drank it would notice. Some rumor that the name comes from Kombu, a Korean physician who introduce the drink in Japan around 414 AD.
More recently, Kombucha showed up in Russia during the 19th century as a folk remedy. Heading into the 20th century, Kombucha became popular with German immigrants. By 1927, many people were coming to the same conclusions as before. Some likened to a “miracle mushroom” because of the shape the bacteria and yeast took as the symbiotic colony grew.
It should be noted, however, that the history of Kombucha is in a bit of a dispute.
Whatever the case, it remains to be known that Kombucha has a great set of benefits to its consumption. Warriors felt stronger on the battle field, some felt that their lives grew longer because of it, and others simply felt that the drink improved their overall well being.
The Health Behind It
With Kombucha, one can experience a number of health benefits. What it largely comes down to are the pro-biotics found in the drink. Of course, though, many argue a more holistic set of benefits are in play. For more information about probiotics and health, check out this resource from Simmons College. Here are some of the argued benefits of Kombucha specifically:
- Improves digestive health by inhibiting bad bacteria and promoting growth of good bacteria
- Improves cholesterol levels, as well as obesity and diabetes
- Aids children with ADD
- May support healthy weight loss
- Helps with healthy detoxification
- Improves cardiovascular system
- Promotes improved mental balance through physical balance
With all of these benefits, giving Kombucha a shot is definitely worthwhile. I can honestly say that after my first Kombucha drink, I felt revitalized, reawakened, and energized. The taste is unique, no doubt, but it is refreshing in a very poignant way. Making Kombucha a part of your everyday really may make you immortal after all!
August 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm
How do I go about finding/making this?
August 4, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Hey Jesse! Thanks for spreading that Kombucha love! It is a wonderful thing.
Hi Kris, I offer a free website with all the info you need to get started brewing.
Here’s a link to the recipe & supplies page: http://www.kombuchakamp.com/kombucha-cultures
August 8, 2011 at 9:17 am
Yogi Teas has a good one that you can find at most health food stores and online, as well as at some Target stores. Usually under $5. I love it! http://www.yogiproducts.com/products/details/green-tea-kombucha/
August 31, 2011 at 6:42 pm
thanks a bunch. Does it taste good?
August 31, 2011 at 7:31 pm
While Kombucha tastes good and I regularly enjoy it, I think you’re perhaps overstating the benefits of the drink. Such “health benefits” are strictly anecdotal and I haven’t come across any serious scientific studies that examine Kombucha in relation to any perceived health benefits (such as studies with popular drinks like green tea). It would be helpful if you could point out that the benefits of Kombucha are anecdotal rather than making those benefits seem like facts.
December 20, 2011 at 12:43 pm
I love it!! We have been drinking kombucha now for a while, and I give away excess ‘mothers’ all the time. I would urge everyone to do this. I even posted a ‘how to’ on my blog!
January 7, 2012 at 11:48 am
This Tea is healing ,the Intention is the Secret to great results. Try it its free.Lucy