The Kombucha Hype

The topic of kombucha came up recently in one of my classes. One member had recently gotten hooked and was asking my thoughts.  Other members had no idea what we were talking about so here I am talking kombucha today.Always honest, here, I confess that this is one health trend that I have tried to join on more than one occasion, but just can't.  For me, drinking kombucha is like drinking my first beer.  It just isn't good.  When I was in college I was not a big drinker.  In fact, I was often the designated driver my first two years of college - and yes, I did attend the University of Georgia.  Go figure.  About my junior year, a new boyfriend introduced me to beer.  I confess that I didn't much like it at first, but, of course, somehow I cultivated a taste for that ice cold bottle of beer on a hot day.  I have tried on and off over the past few years to cultivate that same taste for kombucha that I did for beer,  and it just hasn't happened.  It isn't the taste, either.  I have tried many different flavors and while I might like the flavor,  I do not like the consistency.  I do not like the bubbles.  I think I would like it if it was a "flat" drink, but if it was "flat" then it would lose what makes kombucha a kombucha.  If the word kombucha means nothing to you, here is what we are talking about.You may have seen these bottles in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.  It used to be that you could only get it at specialty health food stores or Whole Foods.  These days they can be found in most groceries, like Publix and Kroger.  In a very basic explanation, kombucha is a fermented beverage of black or geen tea, sweetened with sugar from cane sugar, fruit or honey. The fermentation occurs when the sugar is combined with a colony of bacteria and yeast called SCOBY.  After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid.  It is intended as a functional beverage for health benefits.Kombucha hit it big here during the 1990's, but has been around in China, Japan and Russia for years.  In fact, the Chinese have been making kombucha for about 2000 years.What has brought kombucha to the limelight are the claims that it can treat a lot of different health conditions and has so many health benefits.Now you know what it is.  But what does it do?Detoxification:  The claims are that kombucha helps with detoxification to make the liver healthier and, in effect, can aid in cancer prevention.Joint Care:  Kombucha contains glucosamine which is a treatment for arthritis and help with the inflammation of joints.Digestion and Gut Health:  Due to the fermentation, it is a probiotic.  As a probiotic it has a variety of benefits such as improved digestion, fighting harmful baceria in the gut, mental clarity and mood stability.Immunity Booster:  Kombucha contains antioxidants which are known for boosting the immune system and improving energy levels.You can also check out Dr. Axe's Seven Reasons to Drink KombuchaMany folks say that if taken daily, one will notice improvement in immune system functioning, energy levels within about a week, the healing of more minor ailments within a month or so, and the healing of more radical illnesses within a year or so.  That sounds pretty miraculous to me!That seems to be a lot of good coming from a bottle.  When I was looking into kombucha, I reviewed the Mayo Clinic website which does downplay any of the health benefits of kombucha as not scientifically proven, researched or substantiated.So, I say, if you are looking for an added probiotic, a drink that may help your digestive system and adds vitamins, enzymes and acids to your system, and you want to see how kombucha makes you feel, try it and let me know.  If you want to know more about the bottles you are likely seeing in your grocery, read this fascinating article about GT Dave, the King of Kombucha.  He actually began GT'S Kombucha when he was 17 years old.In light of research and writing this post, I've gotten a couple of new kombuchas and and giving it one last try.  They do say your tastebuds change every few years . . .So, what about you? kombucha lover?  Favorite flavor?  Do you feel any different when drinking it regularly?  Love to hear!Enjoy Your Day!