Kombucha tea is a fermented tea made from sweet tea and Kombucha mushroom. It also contains a small amount of alcohol, usually around 1%.
Kombucha is a live substance that is technically a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It is most commonly described as a mushroom, but it is an incorrect description as Kombucha is not a fungus. It has also been described as a lichen.
Kombucha Tea is said to have several health benefits for drinkers.
Kombucha Tea has a sharp taste that may be disagreeable to some.
Properties of Kombucha tea
Kombucha tea contains the following active components:
Lactic acid, which is essential for the digestive system - its lack has been established as indicating susceptibility to cancer.
Acetic acid, which gives Kombucha tea its taste and is also used to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Malic acid, which is used in the body's detoxification process.
Oxalic acid, which encourages the cellular production of energy and is a natural preservative.
Gluconic acid, which is effective against yeast infections such as candidiasis and thrush. Gluconic acid works well in conjunction with Butryric acid, an acid produced by yeasts.
Amino acids, which are a group of acids which act as the building blocks of protein. Amino acids is important for building the muscular system, repairing tissues and form antibodies to combat bacteria and viruses.
Enzymes, which are proteins that act as catalysts and boosts the speed at which chemicals are processed in the body.
Kombucha tea also contains vitamins B and C.
Health benefits of Kombucha tea
Proponents of Kombucha tea believe that the tea is able to relieve a large list of ailments and illness. According to users of Kombucha tea, the secret of the tea is not that is acts as a cure, but that it boosts a drinker's body to fight these illnesses.
Health warnings of Kombucha tea
Although rare, severe health complications have occurred in users of Kombucha tea. Amongst these complications are liver damage, metabolic acidosis, cutaneous anthrax infections and deaths.
Metabolic acidosis is caused by an increase in total body acid. This condition can cause kidney failure and coma.
Cutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin, caused by direct contact with the Bacillius anthracis bacteria. It is rarely fatal but often causes blisters and sores.
Even though these health complications may be rare, caution is recommended before drinking Kombucha tea.
