See the full article on line. I love Dr. Josh Axe!!! This is from his site.
"7 Kombucha Health Benefits
In research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food 2014, researchers from the University of Latvia say the following about the health benefits of kombucha:
It is shown that [kombucha] can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies, and promotion of boosting immunity.
We agree! In fact, according to research there are five main health benefits of kombucha..
1. Detoxification
The detoxifying capacity of kombucha is immense. A perfect example is in its ability to counteract liver cell toxicity.
In one study, the liver cells were protected from oxidative injury and actually maintained their normal physiology, in spite of being exposed to a toxin! According to researchers, this was “probably due to its antioxidant activity and could be beneficial against liver diseases, where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.”
2. Digestion
Naturally, the
antioxidant prowess of this ancient tea counteracts free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system. However, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid,
probiotics and enzymes.
Some research has shown kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal
leaky gut and
stomach ulcers. No surprise to us, in some instances it’s even proven to be as effective as drugs like Prilosec, which are commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD and ulcers.
Kombucha can also help heal candida yeast from overpopulating within the gut because it helps restore balance to the digestive system. Kombucha is a great way to fight candida because it contains live probiotic cultures that help the gut to repopulate with good bacteria while crowding out the candida yeast. Kombucha does have bacteria, but these are not harmful pathogen bacteria, instead they are the beneficial kind (called “apathogens”) that compete with “bad” pathogen bacteria in the gut and digestive tract.
One thing to mention here is that candida or other digestive problems can sometimes be complicated issues to fix and symptoms might actually get worse before getting better. This doesn’t mean that kombucha isn’t effective or is exacerbating the problem, just that gut problems aren’t always a straight path to healing and at times some patience or trial and error is needed.
3. Energy
Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people is credited to the formation of
iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process. It also contains some caffeine (although in very small amounts) and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.
Through a special process known as
chelation, the iron released helps boost blood hemoglobin, improving oxygen supply to tissues and stimulating the energy-producing process at the cellular level. In other words, by helping the body create more energy (ATP), the ancient tea can help those who regularly drink it stay energized.
4. Immune Health
The overall effect that kombucha has to modulate the immune system is best seen in its ability to control
free radicals through antioxidant measures.
Clinically proven to decrease oxidative stress and related immuno-suppression, a powerful antioxidant known as
D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL) was discovered during the kombucha fermentation process that’s not found in black tea alone.
Scientists suspect that DSL and the
vitamin C present in kombucha are its main secrets in protecting against cell damage, inflammatory diseases, tumors and overall depression of the immune system. Also, we know the probiotics found in kombucha support the immune system.
5. Joint Care
Kombucha can help heal, repair and prevent
joint damage in a number of ways. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This supports the preservation of
collagen and prevents
arthritic pain. In the same way it supports joint collagen, it also supports collagen of the entire body and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
6. Cancer Prevention
Kombucha is also beneficial for
cancer prevention and recovery. A study published in Cancer Letters found that consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.
President Reagan even reportedly drank kombucha daily as part of his regimen to battle stomach cancer.
7. Weight Loss
Data from a study in 2005 showed evidence that kombucha improves metabolism and limits fat accumulation. Though we need to see more studies before we can confirm these results, it makes sense that kombucha supports weight loss since it’s high in acetic acid (just like apple cider vinegar is) and polyphenols, which are proven to help increase
weight loss."
https://draxe.com/7-reasons-drink-kombucha-everyday/
I am having a blast making Kombucha! I love trying different blends. I know parents say don't play with your food. BUT- I say play with your tea. Be creative!
I got some free gallon jars from a local restaurant! YAY
I wanted to start and I could not wait until I had another scoby, so I ordered one on line. I know it sounds weird, but I checked her out first. (The scoby comes with a cup of already made Kombucha- it is part of the starter)
I have my organic black tea and my peach iced tea bags (8 total for a gallon)
I have my one cup of sugar (for 1 gallon)
The water comes to a boil, I take it off the burner and I stir in the sugar and then add the tea bags. I do this at night and then I let the mixture cool over night. In the morning I add the scoby.
I put the gallon of tea in with the scoby and a cup of already made kombucha. When you share a scoby ALWAYS share a cup of the tea too.
Now I am letting all my blends sit for 7-10 days. My house is cooler, so I will check along the process, but I may let them go 14 days.
Once the taste is where I want it to be I take out the scoby and a cup of the kombucha for another batch. I add juice for my second fermentation- this causes the carbonation. I like Organic apple and Raspberry, peach, and also organic grape. To this peach blend I added grape.
I got my bottles on Amazon. But, you can sue any kind of glass bottle that seals for your second fermentation. I have used old glass Kombucha bottles from Kombucha I have bought at the store too.
Once it has sit for about 7 days it is ready to drink and share!!!!!
