Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black tea drink commonly consumed for its purported health benefits. Sometimes the beverage is called “Kombucha tea” to distinguish it from the culture of bacteria and yeast. Juice, spices, fruit or other flavourings are often added.
However, the basic ingredients in kombucha are yeast, sugar, and black tea. The mix is set aside for a week or more. During that time, bacteria and acids form in the drink, as well as a small amount of alcohol. This process is known as fermentation, and it’s similar to how cabbage is preserved as kimchi, or how milk is turned into yoghurt.
These bacteria and acids form a film on top of the liquid called a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). You can use a SCOBY to ferment more kombucha. Kombucha bacteria includes lactic-acid bacteria, which can work as a probiotic. Kombucha also contains a healthy dose of B vitamins.
This is why kombucha is also widely known as the “Miracle Tea” for its ability to optimise the body’s performance at a cellular level. It does not miraculously cure any disease, but it detoxifies the body so that your immune system can function to its optimum level. It’s also known to provide vitamins, antioxidants and probiotics, which are all components of a healthy diet.
Kombucha helps populate the gut with good bacteria that aids the digestive process and the B-vitamin-rich yeast in Kombucha helps the cells function properly. It provides digestive function support in the form of living organisms and healthy acids, enabling the body to protect itself more effectively. It’s also good for detoxification and as an adaptogenic tonic. As mentioned, kombucha does contain antioxidants, so it can be a source of nutrients along with your regular intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other plant foods.
Wondrous Kombucha is made from specially sourced tea leaves that are of top quality. You can choose between 4 flavours – the original black, the original green, the original oolong and the original white – for a refreshing and healthy drink. Ideal for those with poor gut health, and who generally practise a high carbohydrate diet with high intake of processed foods.
In our Eastern culture, tea is thought to have many health benefits, but if you don’t like the hot or iced kind, drinking kombucha may be a way for you to enjoy tea in a different form. It also contains very little caffeine, so if you’re avoiding or limiting that, kombucha may be a good option for you!
