The Wonders of Kombucha
It’s official, kombucha is getting trendy. It’s on the lips of many health-seekers as one of the current trendy health drinks (think pomegranate juice). While trends of any kind are often just fads, the truth about kombucha tea is that it’s been around for thousands of years even though it’s just now making its healing mark on our holistically impaired Western culture.
Kombucha is basically a fermented tea. In the ancient Far East, where kombucha originated, it was known as the “Immortal Health Elixir”. A tall order, if you ask me. But kombucha does seem to have some pretty incredible health benefits.
Kombucha is often casually referred to as “mushroom tea”, but in truth, there are no mushrooms involved in its making. It’s actually fermented from several strains of bacterial and yeast cultures. The clustered culture looks like a mushroom when growing on the tea as its being fermented, thus the misnomer. Each bottle of kombucha allegedly contains over a billion of the healthy little guys. The fermentation of this particular mix of microbes creates a drink that’s contains C and B vitamins along with various beneficial enzymes and essential amino acids. The bacteria also results in probiotics being pleasantly rampant in the brewed tea so it’s great for your gut.
Aside from aiding digestion, what else does kombucha actually do for you? Health claims range from boosting liver functionality to actually preventing cancer. It’s an antioxidant, and that’s always good in our toxic world.
Regardless of its heralded health benefits, kombucha is a bit of an acquired taste. It has a tangy bite. I actually heard someone refer to it as “the roquefort of tea”. In my humble opinion, the kombucha that we carry at IO – Kombucha Wonder Drink (not so humble name) – is one of the tastiest of the commercial lot. It’s naturally effervescent, comes in several quixotic flavors with an oolong tea base, and is certified organic. (You can always brew your own kombucha at home, but it’s not for everyone. Aside from being difficult, messy and time-consuming, it’s tough to get the recipe right.)
At the very least, kombucha is a nice twist on a simple refreshing beverage.
I ‘heart’ kombucha,
Amy
19 Jan 2009
Elizabeth (Liz Walton) Rosemond
Hi Amy-
Loved reading this article. I was introduced to Kombucha by a good friend (she has Crohn’s Disease and swears by it)…it is definitely an acquired taste, but I love it too. I’ve never tried the Wonder Drink, but I’m definitely going to seek it out :D
20 Jan 2009
Radesh
I heart Kombucha as well. I am looking for a good home recipe…. I know messy and all, but still worth it.
Been hearting Kombucha for over a year now.
20 Jan 2009
Amy from IO
Liz: Nice ! I am glad we connect on this front. Great to hear from you. Keep in touch.
Radesh: You would be one person I WOULD recommend taking on the project. I’ll be over for Kombucha cocktails once you sort it out. Good for us cocktails. I’m sold.
Smiles to you both…