Kombucha - A Magic Potion Or A Toxic Drink?
October 17, 2008
There has been an ongoing debate as to whether Kombucha is a magic portion or a useless and even toxic drink. Scientists from all over the world have started to make research after research trying to reveal the mystery behind this ancient beverage. Thousands of years ago, people started drinking Kombucha and there is historic evidence to back it up. Kombucha has been reported to help against a large number of diseases, as a matter of fact, the number is so large that people get sceptical over it.
The Kombucha tea is gaining popularity all over the country at a tremendous pace. Now, with the trend of living and eating healthy, the growing interest in Kombucha seems quite normal as more and more people are turning to traditional medicine based on herbs. Some reporsts say that right now, more than three million Americans are growing the fungi.
When it gets fermented, Kombucha creates a sparkling beverage, similar to wine and apple juice in taste. Friends of the drink claim that it improves vitality, raises T-cell numbers, lowers blood pressure, eases aches and pains of arthritis. Others thouhg, share the opinion that it’s nothing more than a marketing trick and could even be dangerous.
Paul Stamets who works as a mycologist in Olympia, Washington says the following regarding Kombucha: “This is potent stuff and the risk for contamination is high. It could be a fabulous addition to drug therapies, but we have little idea of what it is, no idea what its side effects are and no doubt that it can become contaminated by spores in the air. You could kill yourself or your friends with a contaminated culture.” Yet, the Fedeal Food and Drug Administration has not received a single report of adverse reactions related to Kombucha.
Bottom line is that if Kombucha is not properly cultivated, there is a serious risk of contamination, so it’s important that you are able to acquire a safe Kombucha. The drink definitely works, since so many people are crazy about it, but it’s of critical importance to cultivate it carefully with the necessary know-how.
You can make Kombucha tea in your home at a really low cost. The entire preparation process is quite easily if you know what you’re doing. When you work clean and add the required substances in the right direction, there is no doubt that you will have an excellent Kombucha beverage. If you are following proven instructions, you can definitely produce a tasty and effective drink without any health risks involved.
FAQ About Kombucha
October 5, 2008
Kombucha is a relly interesting beverage, hence it’s no wonder why there are so many questions surrounding its use. If you are new to kombucha, then it will definitely be of good use to you to read the lines bellow.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is turning out to be the new health drink in USA, as many people are now embracing it due to its taste and health benefits. Kombucha is a form of tea, but fermented using colonies of bacteria and yeast, a process which results in production of a various vitamins, amino acids, and mild acids including acetic acid found in vinegar. Kombucha can be produced by adding the right amount of bacteria and yeast cultures to black or green tea.
What Are The Benefits?
There are various benefits related to the consumption of kombucha. First of all, kombucha helps the liver detoxify, reducing the effects of various toxins in the body. So if you have been on an alcoholic ‘diet’ for several days, it’s a good idea to help your liver get back to normal by drinking plenty of kombucha every day. Kombucha also has immune boosting properties, and ability to fight a variety of health maladies such as cancer, arthritis.
Are There Any Concerns Regarding Kombucha?
There are some reports claiming that the consumption of kombucha might cause certain problems. One such concern is associated with the potential for Kombucha tea cultures to be contaminated with bacteria or fungi that cause disease, especially if the fermentation process takes place at home under less than sanitary conditions. Other health concerns relate to allergic reactions, adverse effects on the liver, and the potential for it to interact with medications that the person could be taking already.
How Can I Make A Kombucha Tea?
Traditionally, kombucha tea was made from sugar and black tea. But one older recipe calls for the use of sugar, elder berries, and rose hips. For a gallon size batch use 1 1/4 cup sugar and 3 teaspoons of elder berries and 3 to 6 teaspoons of rose hips. This will result in a very nice fruity kombucha drink with lots of vitamin C in it.
Can I Get Drunk From Kombucha?
As mentioned, kombucha is made out of fermented tea, so it contains certain amount of alcohol (0.5% to 1%), but can you get drunk from it? Well, you might, but take into account that considering the amount of alcohol contained in it, you will have to drink an entire gallon of kombucha to match the drinking a half can of beer. Or in other words, kombucha tea has the same amount of alcohol as a fermented piece of fruit.
What Does Kombucha Contain?
Kombucha contains a raange of vitamins and minerals, including - B1(thiamine) B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine ), B15 (pangamic acid), Biotin (Folic Acid), Choline, Inositol, PABA (para-amino benzoic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid), Acetic acid, Caffeine, Citric acid.
When Should I Drink Kombucha?
Dr. Sklenar, a Kombucha pioneer from Germany, suggests that the first glass should be taken before breakfast on an empty stomach and the rest during the day after meals.
Can I Drink Kombucha Continiously?
It’s wise as it all types of medication and supplements to take a break from kombucha at least every 2-3 months.
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