Kombucha, a healthy alternative to conventional soft drinks
In recent years, kombucha has become a great alternative to soft drinks and energy drinks. This fermented beverage made from green tea and sugar, which contains a colony of bacteria and yeasts called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast), offers a wide range of health benefits. Below, we will look at some of the advantages this age-old ferment has to offer compared to the harms of ultra-processed soft drinks.
Health benefits of kombucha
Because it is obtained through a fermentation process, kombucha contains probiotics, vitamins, digestive enzymes and acetic acid, among other nutrients. These compounds offer a wide range of health benefits, such as improved digestion, reduced risk of heart disease and a stronger immune system. In addition, if we look at the glucose spikes each drink causes, kombucha contains less sugar and fewer calories than conventional soft drinks. It is therefore a healthy alternative not only for people with eating disorders, but for anyone who wants to take care of their body.
Moreover, if we compare kombucha with the energy drink segment (widely consumed by students and some unsuspecting athletes), the list of advantages multiplies. While energy drinks usually contain large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants such as taurine, kombucha is naturally stimulating. This is due to its glucuronic acid content, which helps the liver eliminate toxins from the body. In addition, kombucha does not contain the countless additives, colorants, flavorings and artificial aromas found in energy drinks. It is therefore a healthy alternative for those who want to stay active.
How to incorporate kombucha into a balanced diet
Kombucha can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on its own, or as an ingredient in dressings. Given its acidic character, it can be used in salad vinaigrettes, sauces and sweet or savory marinades. Some people also mix it with fruit juice to lower the glycemic index. In short, you can drink kombucha in any context where you would have a soft drink or any fruity beverage. Going back to its origins, some military groups such as the samurai drank it before going into battle because of its beneficial properties.
Although there are more and more breweries producing kombucha in Spain, you can also make it yourself at home. You just need to get a SCOBY and get to work. That way you’ll get the flavors you prefer.
