Kombucha tea may still sound foreign to Indonesian people. However, this fermented tea has become a byword for people abroad because considered has many benefits forbody health.
Kombucha tea has been consumed for nearly 2000 years in China. This tea is obtained by fermenting tea, yeast, and sugar for a week or more. During this process, acids, bacteria, and alcohol will form in the kombucha drink. This is what makes kombucha tea sharp, sour, and smells like vinegar.
Benefits of Kombucha Tea
This tea, also known as mushroom tea, contains B vitamins, a little alcohol, antioxidants, sodium, sugar, and probiotics. Therefore, kombucha tea is believed to have several health benefits.
Based on research results from several studies, kombucha is known to have several health benefits, including:
1. Good for digestion
The content of antioxidants and probiotics in kombucha tea drinks can strengthen the immune system, fight bad bacteria that cause infection, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive system health.
Research studies on animals also show that kombucha, which is rich in antioxidants and probiotics, is beneficial for helping the process of removing toxic substances from the liver. This effect is considered good for maintaining liver health.
2. Protects the body from cancer
Kombucha tea is thought to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is thanks to the polyphenol antioxidant content in it. However, the anticancer effect of kombucha tea as a cancer prevention so far still requires further research.
3. Lowers blood sugar level
In research studies conducted on experimental animals, it is known that kombucha can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates in the body. This effect of kombucha is thought to reduce blood sugar levels, so it may be good for people with diabetes.
4. Reducing the risk of heart and kidney disease
Small research studies on laboratory animals have shown that kombucha can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Along with its high antioxidant content, kombucha's effects are good for heart and kidney health.
Things to Pay Attention to Before Consuming Kombucha
The popularity of kombucha tea makes some people interested in making this fermented tea at home. But actually, it is not recommended. Errors in the manufacturing process can cause kombucha tea to be contaminated with harmful bacteria that can cause poisoning.
Despite its fame, this kombucha drink also has some side effects, such as headaches and nausea, if taken too much. Some of these effects are thought to be due to the alcohol content in kombucha tea which is formed from a natural fermentation process.
In addition, this drink should also not be consumed by pregnant women, infants and children, alcoholics, people with liver disease, and people with weak immune systems.
Kombucha tea is believed to have many benefits and benefits for the health of the body, but some of these benefits have not been medically proven. Therefore, if you are interested in consuming kombucha tea to get the benefits, you should first consult with your doctor.