You may have heard of kombucha, the bubbly drink that’s become popular in the health food industry. This fermented tea was first brewed thousands of years ago in China, before spreading to Japan and Russia and finally becoming popular in Europe and the west in the early 20th century.

Kombucha is made by combining green or black tea with sugar and certain strains of yeats, then fermenting the mixture for one week or more. During this fermentation process, lactic acid bacteria forms, giving kombucha its probiotic benefits.

If you’re wondering about what taking kombucha can do for you, here are six health benefits that it can provide.

1. Supports gut health

As previously mentioned, kombucha contains helpful probiotic bacteria because of the fermentation process used to make it. These bacteria, specifically those of the Lactobacillus genus, provide several health benefits. Specifically, L. acidophilus supports your gut’s inflammatory response, while L. rhamnosus GG strain helps promote normal bowel movement and provides a buffer from loose stool associated with antibiotic use.

Meanwhile, another family of bacteria often found in kombucha, Bifidobacterium, can help promote healthy digestion through the production of short-chain fatty acids.

2. Fights inflammation

Kombucha is made from green and black tea, both of which are known for their rich antioxidant content and natural anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea, in particular, is known to be a rich source of polyphenols. Research shows that it has powerful antioxidant effects.

Black tea, on the other hand, is also known to be a source of polyphenols. Studies show that may also provide anti-inflammatory properties, as well as promote healthy blood sugar levels.

3. Supports mental health

Kombucha’s probiotic content may help boost your mental wellbeing. One review of 10 studies found that probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

In addition, studies have shown that an imbalance in gut bacteria may drive a chronic stress response. Kombucha, on the other hand, helps populate your gut with healthy bacteria, keeping it balanced and healthy.

4. Promotes weight loss

The green and black tea used for kombucha can also help promote healthy weight loss. In particular, green tea contains both caffeine and catechin. The latter is a plant-based nutrient that has been found to help speed up metabolism.

Meanwhile, black tea may not contain the same catechins, but the antioxidants and polyphenols in it may be just as effective for weight loss.

5. Boosts immune health

Kombucha may also help boost your immune health, thanks to the fermentation process and the probiotics found in the drink. A review of multiple studies on probiotics found that populating your gut with healthy bacteria can promote general immune health.

In addition, the antioxidants found in both green and black tea have been shown to support your immune system as well.

6. Promotes healthy blood sugar levels

Kombucha may also help promote healthy blood sugar levels. While more research needs to be done, one animal study has shown that kombucha helped optimize liver function in diabetic rats.

In addition, studies have also shown that the green tea used in kombucha can also help reduce blood sugar levels. One study found that green tea drinkers had an 18 percent lower risk of becoming diabetic.

Kombucha is a delicious, fizzy drink that has been shown to have many health benefits thanks to the tea and probiotics that it contains. Feel free to give kombucha a try if you’re ready to experience the many benefits of this fermented tea.

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