Healthy Sparkling Drink: Kombucha!

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha has been used by ancient Chinese people for 2,000 years as the "Elixir of Immortality." The key ingredient in this bacteria- and yeast-based tea is a tea culture known as the kombucha mushroom. It originated in East Asia and reached Germany in the early 19th century via Russia. The culture resembles a flat disc and is made up of a gelatin-like membrane. The kombucha culture lives in a nutrient solution of tea and sugar, continuously reproducing within this liquid. The mushroom-like layer spreads across the entire surface of the tea and then thickens. The culture has a constant tendency to reproduce. During the fermentation and oxidation process, various reactions occur, and the culture — fed by sugar — produces glucuronic acid, lactic acid, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic substances, and other valuable compounds that enter the tea. Although kombucha is commonly referred to as a mushroom, Günther W. Frank has noted that it is not exactly a mushroom, but rather a symbiotic culture of bacteria and fungi. Considering that these cultures have been used by people since ancient times, all around the world, to produce health-promoting fermented drinks and foods, kombucha is in fact a kind of ancient home remedy that carries with it a great cultural heritage. Kombucha tea detoxifies the body of harmful substances and improves metabolism, thereby enhancing the body's defensive capacity. It is also an excellent remedy for regulating intestinal activity, and for combating fatigue, weakness, nervousness, gout, rheumatism, kidney stones, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and its associated dizziness, aging, harmful gut bacteria, and especially all metabolic diseases and early-stage cancers. It is also highly recommended for athletes and those engaged in intense mental work. Some of the many health-promoting properties attributed to kombucha tea require further research. However, other active mechanisms have been fully proven through both scientific testing and experimentation — for example: regulation of intestinal flora, cellular strengthening, detoxification of the body from harmful substances and elimination of waste products, metabolic balancing, antibiotic effect, and facilitation of pH balance.

What Does Kombucha Contain?

Kombucha contains amino acids, organic acids, probiotics, polyphenols, organic enzymes, B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals.

**Polyphenols

They are beneficial to human health due to their antioxidant properties. There is evidence that antioxidant polyphenols reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer by lowering oxidative stress (stress caused by reactive oxygen species). These compounds have also been shown to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

**ORGANIC ACIDS

Glucuronic Acid: Normally produced in the liver. It has a powerful detoxifying effect and is easily converted into glucosamines. It is one of the fundamental building blocks of our skeletal system. Acetic acid: It is antiseptic and acts as an inhibitor against pathogenic bacteria.
Hyaluronic Acid: A very important component for skin and cartilage tissue.
Lactic Acid: Primarily helps support healthy digestive movement. Produces energy for the liver.
Malic Acid: Assists the liver in its detoxification functions.

Why Should You Drink Kombucha?

* Elimination of toxins harmful to the body through the kidneys and water (drug residues, chemical residues, radioactive residues, residues from unhealthy and hormone-treated foods, etc.)
* Strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance. Protects the body from diseases and fights illness.
* Increases body performance by boosting energy levels.
* Helps accelerate blood circulation, deliver abundant oxygen to cells, and speed up metabolism.
* Helps normalize blood values, stabilize blood sugar, and regulate blood pressure.
* Helps protect against cancer and eliminate tumors.
* Protective against heart and vascular diseases. (Strengthening of the cardiac muscle, arteriosclerosis, vascular disorders, varicose veins, etc.)
* Helps strengthen intestinal flora and maintain intestinal regularity.
* Helps regulate body weight.
* Supports the regular functioning of the nervous system and helps address insomnia and stress, panic attacks, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, low mood, chronic fatigue, and weakness.
* Helps treat respiratory disorders.
* Relieves muscle and joint complaints. (Muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, joint inflammation, rheumatism-related conditions, arthritis, gout, calcification, and tendon problems.)
* Supports the treatment of MS (Multiple Sclerosis), SSPE, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenic disorders.
* Helps increase sexual performance and resolve sexual problems.
* Provides significant support in strengthening the liver and treating liver disorders, and supports the body in microbial and viral illnesses.

For more detailed information, you can visit www.kombudha.com.

Spec. Dietitian Merve TIĞLI ÇINAR