Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from a mixture of brewed tea, sugar, and symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). During the fermentation process, SCOBY feeds on the sugar and gets converted into alcohol.
Although it does contain small amounts of alcohol, it is unlikely that kombucha will get you drunk, even at the legally non-alcoholic maximum in the U.S. is 0.5%.
However, some store-bought kombucha has an alcohol content as high as 3%, which is comparable to some light beers. Homemade and unpasteurized kombucha may also have a high alcohol content, meaning anyone younger than 21 and pregnant or breastfeeding women may have to exercise caution about consuming the beverage.
How is kombucha made?
Kombucha is made of three basic ingredients:
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Black tea
During the fermentation process, bacteria and acid form, along with a small percentage of alcohol. Other ingredients of kombucha include:
What are the potential health benefits of kombucha?
Nutrients present in an 8-ounce serving of unflavored kombucha include:
- Energy: 30 calories
- Sugar: 2-3 grams
- Caffeine: Small amounts
Some studies have suggested that kombucha may have various health benefits, including the following:
- Cancer: Due to its antioxidant properties, as highlighted by animal studies, kombucha has been recommended for the prevention of cancer.
- Diabetes: A small uncontrolled trial involving 24 subjects reported that daily consumption of 60 mL of kombucha for 90 days can lower or maintain blood sugar levels.
- Immune system: Animal studies have reported that regular consumption of kombucha can stimulate the immune system.
Other purported benefits of kombucha include the following:
- Burns body fat
- Helps with digestive problems
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Lowers the risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure
However, there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.
What are the risks associated with kombucha?
If prepared in unhygienic conditions, kombucha can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Potential ailments caused by kombucha include:
Kombucha can also cause some side effects, including:
QUESTION
Which is one of the few drinks to be considered a superfood? See Answerhttps://www.webmd.com/diet/the-truth-about-kombucha
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/kombucha
https://ascopost.com/issues/september-25-2021/kombucha/
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