Kombucha- should you be drinking it??
Kombucha is a slightly sweet, yet acidic, fermented beverage that is currently promoted in the media to be a “super food”. But what is it and is it something that is necessary to add to your diet?
Komucha is made from water, black or green tea, bacteria, sugar and yeast. Devotees of this drink claim it can stimulate the immune system, prevent cancer, improve digestion, prevent heart disease and boost liver function. You may also get some healthy bacteria to help your digestion. However, there’s minimal scientific research to support any of these health claims.
Despite the lack of evidence, there are some advantages of drinking kombucha over soft drinks and juices. Most of the sugar added during the fermentation and brewing process is evaporated, so the beverage is only approximately 1% sugar. This is much lower than juices (8-14% sugar) and iced teas (5-6% sugar), and is therefore lower in kilojoules.
So, is it something to add to your diet? No, it's not a necessity, particularly if you are already consuming a balanced diet which will provide a variety of nutrients. It won't provide you anymore benefits if your diet is adequate. The bottom line is, drink it if you enjoy the tart, not-too-sweet flavour. Just be mindful that it’s not going to perform miracles for your health.
