Know the Benefits and Risks of Consuming Kombucha Tea

Kombucha tea may still sound unfamiliar to Indonesian people. However, this fermented tea has become a byword for people abroad because it is considered to have many health benefits for the body. Kombucha tea has been consumed for almost 2000 years in China. This tea is obtained through fermentation of tea, yeast, and sugar for a week or more. During the process, acids, bacteria, and alcohol will form in kombucha drinks. This is what makes kombucha tea taste sharp, sour, and smell like vinegar.

Benefits of Kombucha Tea

Tea, also known as mushroom tea, contains vitamin B, a little alcohol, antioxidants, sodium, sugar, and probiotics. Therefore, kombucha tea is believed to have several health benefits for the body. Based on the results of research from several studies, kombucha is known to have several health benefits, including:

1. Good for digestion

The content of antioxidants and probiotics in kombucha tea can strengthen the immune system, fight bad bacteria that cause infections, reduce inflammation, and improve the health of the digestive system. Animal studies also show that kombucha, which is rich in antioxidants and probiotics, is useful for helping the process of removing toxic substances in the liver. This effect is considered good for maintaining liver health.

2. Protect the body from cancer

Kombucha tea is thought to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is thanks to the antioxidant content of polyphenols in it. However, the anticancer effects of kombucha tea as a cancer prevention so far still need further research.

3. Lower blood sugar levels

In research studies conducted on animal experiments, it is known that kombucha can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates in the body. Kombucha effect is considered to reduce blood sugar levels, so it might be good for diabetics.

4. Reducing the risk of heart and kidney disease

Small research studies in laboratory animals show that kombucha can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Along with its high antioxidant content, this kombucha effect is good for heart and kidney health.

Things to Look For Before Consuming Kombucha

The popularity of kombucha tea makes some people interested in making this fermented tea at home. But actually, this is not recommended. Errors in the manufacturing process can cause kombucha tea to be contaminated with harmful bacteria which can cause poisoning. Behind his fame, this kombucha drink also has several side effects, such as headaches and nausea, if taken too much. Some of these effects are thought to be due to the alcohol content in kombucha tea which is formed from a natural fermentation process. In addition, this drink should also not be consumed by pregnant women, infants and children, alcoholics, people with liver disease, and people with weakened immune systems. Kombucha tea is believed to have many health benefits and benefits for the body, but some of these benefits are still not medically proven. Therefore, if you are interested in consuming kombucha tea to get the benefits, you should consult with your doctor first.