Ollis Chiropractic - Louisville

What is kombucha?

Simply put, kombucha is a carbonated, probiotic tea.  It has a tangy, vinegary taste with some sweetness.

How is kombucha made?

Kombucha is made by placing a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), into sweet tea.  The tea is made with black tea or a combination of black and green tea.  When the SCOBY is placed in the sweet tea, the yeasts feed on the sugar, carbonate the water, and produce by-products for the bacteria.  Meanwhile, the bacteria are multiplying and inoculating the water.  As a result, you get a fizzy, low-to-no-sugar probiotic drink.  This tea is consumed straight, or placed in tight-sealing bottles with fruit or fruit juices to give it a customized flavor.

What are the benefits of kombucha?

Kombucha is high in probiotics.  These good bacteria will populate your large intestine and aid your gastrointestinal health.  Since kombucha is made with black and/or green tea, kombucha also has a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  Plus, the tea in it gives you a caffeine boost.

Kombucha is a great alternative to soda.  Kombucha drinkers forego the processed sugars and synthetic food dyes associated with most soft drinks.  

Kombucha is also a great alternative to coffee.  Coffee has some great health benefits, but is high in caffeine.  If you want to cut some of the caffeine throughout your day, but maintain some coffee-like health benefits, kombucha can fill the void.  If you are used to having an afternoon cup of coffee for a pick-me-up, try picking up a kombucha instead!  

Where do I get kombucha?

Kombucha can be easily made at home (I myself am an avid kombucha brewer!).  Minimal time, money, and materials are required to make your own kombucha.  Brewing your own is cheaper than buying it in the store.  Here is a link to the website I bought my SCOBY’s from:  www.kombuchakamp.com.  My SCOBY’s came with instructions on how to make kombucha.

You can also find kombucha at most grocery stores now-a-days.  I recommend GT’s Synergy kombucha.  It’s the most popular brand, has a plethora of flavors, and has no added sugar.  Other brands tend to add sugar.  Be sure to check the nutrition label on the back to see if there are any added sugars.

Take one more step toward a healthier life by trying some kombucha for the first time!