In this day and age where everything we consume is processed or has ingredients that can cause long term health issues, taking the natural approach is what we should all do. Kombucha is a health beverage that can be consumed to reap many short and long term benefits from weight loss to prevention against various cancers.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from sweetened tea and a specific culture known as SCOBY. Scoby stands for ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts’ and is an ingredient used in the fermentation and production of kombucha. It is a thick, rubbery and cloudy mass that aids the fermentation process. The bacteria and yeasts turn the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid. Acetic Acid is what gives Kombucha it’s distinctive sour taste.
The History:
A drink the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir?” Kombucha has been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich anecdotal history of health benefits such as preventing and fighting cancer, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases.
The first alleged use of kombucha was in China during the Tsin Dynasty. It gained popularity as “The Tea of Immortality”.
The Benefits:
Detoxification:
One of kombucha’s greatest health benefits is its ability to detoxify. It contains many enzymes and bacterial acids your body produces to naturally detoxify the system, thus reducing your pancreatic load and easing the burden on your liver. Kombucha is very high in Glucaric acid and studies show that it helps in prevention against various cancers.
Joint Care
Kombucha also contains Glucosamines, a strong preventive and treatment all forms of arthritis. Glucosamines can increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid aids in preservation of cartilage structure and prevent arthritic pain.
It also enables connective tissue to bind moisture thousands of times its weight and maintains tissue structure, moisture, lubrication and flexibility.
Better Gut Health and Digestion
Since it is a naturally fermented drink with a living colony of bacteria and yeast, Kombucha is a probiotic beverage. It is particularly known for improved digestion, fighting candida (harmful yeast) overgrowth, mental clarity, and mood stability. Moreover, it helps in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, etc.
Anti-Ageing and Clears Skin
Kombucha is known for fighting free radicals and boosting collagen that ultimately leads to clear and wrinkle-free skin. Raw Kombucha is great for detoxifying and good skin starts from a healthy gut.
Immune Boosting
Kombucha is extraordinarily anti-oxidant rich which helps in boosting immune system and increasing energy levels. With a healthy immune system, you prevent yourself from an array of diseases. It has also proven to be helpful in weight loss and debloating.
How Can You Make it At Home?
Ingredients you will need for home-made Kombucha:
- Sugar
- Cold filtered water
- Black/green tea (bags or loose leaf)
- Scoby – purchased online, or from an existing batch of kombucha
The first step to make Kombucha is steeping tea and sugar in boiled water and then leaving it to cool before adding the scoby. The mixture is covered and left to ferment for up to a week. It is then poured into an airtight container with some extra sugar and left for a few more days – remember, the longer it is left, the fizzier it will become. Flavourings such as spices or fruit can be added according to your preferences.
Where Can You Find it in Pakistan?
There aren’t a lot of places selling Kombucha in Pakistan yet. However, more and more attention is now being given to the organic way of living. Neco’s is one place in Karachi that may be able to arrange Kombucha for you since it specializes in organic foods and beverages.
In Lahore, stores like Haryali and The Organic Store are your best bet for naturally fermented Kombucha and other ingredients needed for its preparation at home.
