Not all kombuchas are created equal. Some come with hefty price tags, others offer false promises of feeling better because they happen to contain "improved bacteria." And some companies even use hidden ingredients that can't be found on their list of ingredients to give them an edge over their competition.
The PROBLEM: Health aid kombucha has been said to help with digestion, fatigue, immune system support, and so much more. It's an all-natural beverage that can be brewed easily at home using no artificial flavorings or preservatives -- so it makes sense that the claims of health benefits are growing.
WHAT'S THE TRUTH: Kombucha contains probiotics (good bacteria) and health-promoting acids like acetic acid -- but the amount of these substances in kombucha has been misreported by non-scientific sources as a result of over-inflated claims by companies making such products.
What is kombucha and what are its health claims?
Health aid kombucha is a culinary fermentation beverage created by the SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast), which is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast that start on sugar, in the absence of oxygen. The SCOBY ferments sugars into organic acids called acetic acid and lactate. The final product also includes small amounts of alcohol from the yeast, which has been reported to be beneficial for its antioxidant properties. It's an all-natural beverage that can be brewed easily at home using no artificial flavorings or preservatives -- so it makes sense that the claims of health benefits are growing.
Why does kombucha have a higher price tag?
There is an estimated $200 million market for kombucha in the U.S., and several companies are cashing in. As a result, many companies are packaging their kombucha products with flashy packaging and selling them at a premium price. The demand is strong, but the cost to produce it is low -- meaning if you're seeing premium-priced kombuchas, that company may not be paying its employees well or investing in safe manufacturing practices.
What can kombucha do to help me?
Kombucha has been said to help with digestion, fatigue, immune system support, and so much more. It's an all-natural beverage that can be brewed easily at home using no artificial flavorings or preservatives -- so it makes sense that the claims of health benefits are growing. Kombucha is also an unregulated food additive, which means there isn't always a guarantee that the product you're buying is safe. Many companies don't even list ingredients on their labels.
Are the health claims of kombucha true?
In short, no. Kombucha has been said to help with digestion, fatigue, immune system support, and so much more. It's an all-natural beverage that can be brewed easily at home using no artificial flavourings or preservatives -- so it makes sense that the claims of health benefits are growing. Kombucha is also an unregulated food additive, which means there isn't always a guarantee that the product you're buying is safe. Many companies don't even list ingredients on their labels.
Is kombucha a probiotic?
Yes, but only by a technical definition of the word. A probiotic is defined as any non-pathogenic microorganism that when ingested improves health. As such, cultured milk products like yogurt and kefir would be considered probiotics. But kombucha doesn't contain microorganisms when you drink it, because the SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) remains intact throughout the fermentation process. When kombucha is removed from the SCOBY during bottling, its once-living culture becomes an inactive mass of fermented tea.
Conclusion
There are many kombucha brands out there, and many of them are making huge promises of health benefits. But to be sure, make sure that you read the ingredients list before you buy. And don't forget to do your research on the company behind the product! You should also be aware that most kombucha products in major stores aren't raw and unpasteurized, meaning you may be taking unnecessary risks when purchasing a kombucha product.
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