In the last few years, you may have heard about kombucha. It became the go-to healthy drink for celebrities, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. But what exactly is kombucha?
Kombucha is thought to have originated in China around 220 B.C and later on consumed in parts of Europe. Kombucha is made of a mixture of black or green tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast known as SCOBY. The mixture is then left to ferment at room temperature for up to 3 weeks and then bottled for 1 to 2 weeks. Because of fermentation, kombucha contains a small percentage of alcohol. Home-brewed kombucha may contain up to 3% due to home-brewers being untrained in the fermentation process. Commercially-produced kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol.
There is still ongoing debate regarding the health benefits of kombucha. It is often advertised as a probiotic and contains vitamin B and antioxidants. While it may seem a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, some health experts warn against using kombucha as a substitute for a healthy diet and advise pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with compromised immune systems from drinking kombucha as the live bacteria in the drink can be harmful. If you’re unsure about adding kombucha to your diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor first.
Editor: May Thu Myint
