Kombucha Tea ... UH? What's That?

Kombuca Tea a most extra-ordinary brew!

So what the heck is Kombucha Tea?!!

I brewed some recently and you can watch a video on my Facebook page here.

Kombuca Tea has been known for 2000 years in China as the "Immortal Health Elixir".  It has had a long history as wielding health benefits like preventing and fighting cancer, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases.
The process of making Kombucha Tea is not too dissimilar to making Beer.

Now that should grab the attention of some of you!!

Kombucha Tea like beer has alcohol in it. The tea has less than 1% generally.  It is made from sweetened brewed black / green tea, a mushroom like bacteria (A.K.A. Scoby or mother), bacteria (starter - taken from a previous batch of Kombucha tea), water and about 1-3 weeks time.  This fermented drink tastes like a bubbly and slightly tart tea.  DELICIOUS!

Kombucha Tea has been know in the western world for about a century, but its popularity and scientific research has not been known to the masses until recently. A lot of the data comes from Russia and Germany in the 1940's.  Research data has shown that there are large quantities of nutrients contained with in the tea like B-vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and glucaric acids (known to help prevent cancer).

The main strength in its validity and its benefits does come from its long 2000 year history of use.  There are many anecdotal cases of it's elixir benefits, but human scientific research is limited.

So...   What are the proposed health benefits of Kombucha Tea?

#1 Detoxification

One of the greatest benefits of Kombucha Tea is Detoxification of the body.  It aids the liver to rid the body of toxins. The large quantities of bacterial acids within the tea are the same bacterial acids our body's produce and use to detoxify our systems, reducing pancreatic load and allowing the liver to purge toxins form our system.

#2 Aids in digestion and the health of the GI tract.

Kombucha is known as a pre-biotic.  It creates an environment that beneficial bacteria (probiotic) can grown and thrive. The 100 trillion bacteria that live, and grow within our GI tract are essential to life for us humans.  We need these little critters to protect us from many other harmful bacteria that we come in contact
every day. This provides ammunition for your immune system to fight and thwart acidic thriving organisms that can harm us and stress our systems.
Digestion is improved with the high amounts of enzymes within the tea, while its alkalinity fights of candida Fungus growth that thrives in an acidic environment.  It has shown great benefits in increasing mental clarity, and stability of moods which is easily correlated with the reduction of fungus growth.  There are many anecdotes showing improved symptoms of depression and anxiety as well. The alkaline qualities of the Kombucha tea are the perfect waters that our bodies that require to maintain our alkaline homeostasis.

#3 Aids in Joint Care

Kombucha tea contains glucosamines known as a beneficial treatment and preventative for many forms of arthritis.  The glucosamines help to increase synovial hyaluronic acid production that functions to preserve cartilage structure and prevent arthritic pain. While also optimizing the body's ability to build connective tissue and tissue structure, increasing lubrication flexibility to joints, and retarding and reducing wrinkling of the skin.

#4  Bolstering of the Immune system

Its naturally occurring antioxidants found with in tea will have a tremendous effect on your immune system and your energy levels.  Especially i you have never detoxified the body before.

The proof of its benefits can easily be sen by drink in this brew daily for one week.

I have been drinking and making my own brew for over 2 years now.  I have noticed great improvements with digestion and reduced symptoms of gas, bloating when eating foods that I know are of particular concern for me.

Well I am convinced of its benefits!  I think for you to have the same conclusions, you simply just have to give it a try!  Hey it's a great alternative to coffee without the side effect, plus it tastes great!!

If you have any questions or experience(s)would like to share?  Please do here or on Facebook!

View the video on Facebook for more information and briefly how to make your own brew!!

Here are a few articles on the health benefits of kombucha:

http://www.kombu.de/val-gwf.htm
http://www.gaiaresearch.co.za/kombucha.html
http://www.acupuncture.com/herbs/kombucha1.htm
http://www.gokombucha.com/health_benefits.html

BE Your Own Health Master!!

Peter