Kombucha is fermented tea, which is obtained by the fermentation of sweetened tea with a symbiotic association of acetic acid bacteria and specific yeast cultures.
Originating from northeast China many centuries ago, Kombucha is a miracle fungus that possesses anti-microbial properties and has a very refreshing taste and an extraordinary list of medicinal benefits. In ancient China it was known as the “immortal health elixir.”
The drink has been studied intensively since 1852, with the Russians calling it the “Wonder drink.”
It’s antibiotic properties (bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic) work against a range of pathogens and can be used for therapeutic purposes in humans and animals.
It also detoxifies the body with a powerful detoxifier called glucuronic acid. This acid binds toxins coming into the liver and flushes them out via the kidneys.
This action reduces the load on the pancreas maintaining a healthy liver as a result. It also has the superb property of protecting our body from the harmful effects of pollutants caused from petroleum products, plastics, pesticides, resins and heavy metals.
The glucuronic acid is also a powerful antioxidant, which helps reduce oxidative damage. These antioxidants target free radicals and neutralize their negative effects allowing our body to repair itself reducing diseases and inflammation.
Kombucha has remarkable hepato-protective effects on our liver, restoring levels of glutathione.
Glutathione is the body’s chief detoxifier. Inadequate levels of glutathione affect brain functions, resulting in behavior and mental neurological disorders such as ADHD, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stress, seizures and autism.
“Oncological Research Unit'' and the “Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow'' found that daily long-term consumption of Kombucha was correlated with an extremely high resistance to cancer.
The glucaric acid present in kombucha is quite effective in prevention of various types of cancer including pancreatic and breast cancer due to a resulting shift in pH value of the body towards a more acidic level.
On a softer note, Kombucha has a revitalizing effect, which helps retain the natural color of the hair, keep the skin firm, energize the mind and improve the feeling of overall heath and vigor. Kind of puts a kick back in your step!
Benefits of Kombucha:
In a nutshell, here is the impressive list of health benefits that this amazing drink delivers:
• More than 2.2 billion live and active cultures per 14 oz.
• Reduces obesity - appetite suppressant
• Immunostimulant
• Digestive aid, relieves gastric ulcers, cures haemorrhoids
• Natural energizer
• Antioxidant-rich
• Probiotics and live enzymes
• Reduces atherosclerosis by regeneration of cellular walls
• Improve resistance against cancer and diabetes
• Reduces inflammation
• Wound healer
• Reduces anxiety and stresses in the body
• Reduces arthritis, rheumatism and gout
• Lowers cholesterol
• Relieve bronchitis and asthma
• Reduces kidney calcification
• Reduces menstrual disorders and menopausal “hot flashes”
• Reduces insomnia
• Improves eyesight
• Improves bowel movements
• Detoxifies the body
• Restores levels of glutathione reducing hepato-toxicity
• Shields from oxidative stress, maintains cellular health
• Improves levels of glutathione – reducing ADHD, Parkinson’s, seizures, Alzheimer’s and autism.
• Effective in curing diabetes
Kombucha Cautions:
Although kombucha has been valued as a phenomenal healer, it can also cause allergic reactions including upset stomach and inflammations.
In large amounts it can have adverse effects on your pH levels putting you into lactic acidosis. This is a high-risk health condition, so caution should be exercised in drinking too much.
It would be wise to view kombucha like an herbal tonic. Just because a little is beneficial, doesn’t mean a lot is better. It has impressive, profound benefits when consumed in about 4-6 oz servings/day.
Next week watch for the benefits of Kimchi.
Yours in health,
Kim Chase, CPTS
