What is Kombucha and should you drink it


What is Kombucha?

 

Chances are, you’ve probably heard of this drink called Kombucha, (“Kom-BOO-cha”) that all the health nuts are raving on about. And as our society becomes more and more health conscious, you will come across many non-health & fitness advocates drinking it - especially in Bali where many restaurants and even warungs have Kombucha in their drink menus.

 

Traditionally, Kombucha is simply a type of fermented tea fusion with sugar, yeast, and bacteria, with recent improved recipes such as our very own Rawganic Kombucha, containing fruit. Like many modern day remedies and healing aids, it is known to have its origins dating back to China around 220 B.C, then slowly working its way throughout Asia and to the rest of the world. Today, it is known as a general health elixir for your overall health and wellness and even as a carbonated drink replacement for those who seek to make healthier choices in their diets.

 

But what is in Kombucha? (For the geeks who want to know)

 

According to Athena Aktipis, a professor at Arizona State University, there’s more to Kombucha than meets the eye. After becoming interested in the taste of Kombucha, she began brewing her own Kombucha (for research purposes and for her own taste buds.) She found that inside every batch of Kombucha is a diverse and cooperative ecosystem of microbes that work together to make the beverage. The process starts by introducing a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast into sweetened green or black tea. This concoction is left to ferment somewhere between a week and a month as several chemical changes occur. Essentially, the yeast and bacteria work on breaking down the sugars into alcohol, and the alcohol is then converted into compounds like acetic acid, or the stuff that gives Kombucha the famed “tang.”

 

Indulge in some PRObiotics

 

Your gut will actually thank you for treating it with Kombucha because of the strong presence of Probiotics, - commonly known as “the good gut bacteria.” According to dietician Maggie Neola, the gut microbiome(the co-existing population of microorganisms that live in our digestive systems) is often neglected – and it’s really important to upkeep its health. After all, the gut microbiome can helps us fight off issues like diarrhea and assist in your general bodily functions. Kombucha can improve the health of your intestinal cells, boost your immune functions, and cut your risk of several digestive illnesses.

 

The probiotics in Kombucha actually help to maintain a natural balance of gut bacteria. When there’s an imbalance, we can suffer from digestive issues, obesity, allergies and even mental health problems. This imbalance can occur due to sicknesses, poor dietary choices, and certain medications like antibiotics.

 

Up for some weight loss?

 

First, let’s start with the obvious. Kombucha itself (if you’re drinking a good brand) is an amazing replacement for carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol. We understand that sugary drinks can be addicting and you may end up building a dependency on them, leading to some unhealthy choices. Of course, you are already aware of the impact of excess sugar on your overall health and weight so we won’t preach to you. But to make an easy start to your weight loss journey, we highly recommend Kombucha. On top of the fact that it feels like soda, it also has a great taste (check out our variety of flavours!) and isn’t a huge leap from your preferred drinks.

 

The probiotics themselves in the Kombucha may help with your weight loss goals. These probiotics actually prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. That unabsorbed fat then gets passed on through system and excreted as opposed to being kept and stored in your body. The probiotics increases levels of the GLP-1 horhomes, which make you feel fuller for longer and burn more calories.

 

Get some booch!

 

Probiotics are a vital part of a healthy diet and Kombucha is a great way to get them into your system. But keep in mind, not all Kombuchas are created equal. We keep all the benefits in mind when we brew our beloved Rawganic Kombucha. If you choose to drink other brands, please make sure they are not filled with processed sugars and other confusing ingredients as they can negate the benefits of Kombucha. 

You can find Rawganic Kombucha all over Bali, such as several restaurants and stores in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud. Here is a list of all our current vendors. Our store is located at l. Batu Belig No.41, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361 - we would love to meet our readers in person! Come by for a drink, a smoothie bowl, and a chat! We hope to see you soon.

 

The Rawganic Team