One of the more fashionable themes at present is the intestinal health. Every day we have more references that endorse the unmatched benefits of a healthy gut microbiome, is an aspect of health that affects the immune system, mood and general well-being.
Years ago we saw how one weird custom of the older people consumption of probiotics, today we know that they are key to good health and disease prevention. Probiotics belong to the category of “Functional Foods” whose components optimize health, beyond their nutritional contributions.
Not in vain in last years everyone talks about the benefits of probiotic consumption. Son live microorganisms that can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements and have been related to a wide range of benefits to health. These include benefits for weight loss, digestive health, immune function, the skin, promote good heart health and benefit mental health, just to name a few of their greatest qualities.
With such a list of therapeutic wonders we all want to know more about best sources for consume probiotics. And without a doubt the kombucha is one of the most popular and consumed alternatives at present.
What is kombucha? Kombucha is a fermented drink that is made with the mixture of a tea – preferably green or black tea – and a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria beneficial known as SCOBY (for its acronym in English Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeasts) u kombucha mushroom, which has a characteristic gelatinous shape, and is capable of transform the polyphenols in tea in others organic compounds that prevent other microorganisms from developing.
The peculiarity of this combination is that you have to leave it ferment between seven and 14 days, period after which it becomes a Refreshing drink, somewhat sour and bubbly. They can also be get different flavors if they are added Natural fruits behind the fermentation process.
The truth is that much has been said about kombucha tea benefits. It has A study published in 2014 in the magazine, Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, which refers to the properties and effects of kombucha. Among which are:
- his detoxifying power, it is ideal for purify the body. Thanks to its content in glucuronic acid, which adheres to toxic substances and eliminates them in the urine.
- Reduce high cholesterol levels and positively intervenes to regulate blood pressure.
- It is a good ally for combat the symptoms of arthritis and gout.
- Balances the intestinal flora and regulates its activity.
- Powerful anti-inflammatory, It is a great ally to treat hemorrhoids.
- Reduces the formation of kidney calcifications.
- It is beneficial to reduce cases of asthma and bronchitis.
- Minimize Headaches.
- Relieves Menstrual disorders and it is a good complement to control the symptoms of menopause.
- Improves the health of nails, hair and skin. It’s a great anti-aging agent.
- Promotes the liver functions and it is the perfect complement to debug it.
However there is a factor of which few people speak and it can contain a decent amount of alcohol. Basically most of the kombucha contains naturally a certain amount of alcohol and the reason is simple: it is a fermented drink, therefore, as in any product obtained through this process, it will have presence of alcohol.
Thus the amount of alcohol in kombucha varies according to the fermentation process, finally it can be between 1-3% alcohol. It may not sound like much, however some light beers have only one 4% alcohol, therefore it is an interesting data especially in the populations that susceptible to alcohol consumption like pregnant women. The truth is that it is difficult to determine an exact amount of alcohol in each kombucha (unlike other fermented drinks), as it is a “Live drink”, is changeable.
Usually the commercial kombuchas, Have less than one 0.5% alcohol. I mean, we would have to take at least 30 glasses of kombucha to consume the alcohol it contains a glass of wine. Also currently the industry of organic foods, has createdsome kombuchas that are certified as non-alcoholic, so you will always have an alternative to consume it.
Finally drinking kombucha is a magnificent health habit, which is associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer benefits. Is perfect as moisturizing throughout the day, a great substitute for soft drinks and their consumption it will only bring benefits to your health.
.
