What is Kombucha and how is it made?

Kombucha has recently been gaining popularity as a wellness drink. However, its health benefits have long been the “tea” in the market.

The sweet – and often, slightly acidic – drink is a combination of tea (e.g., green, black, or oolong), sugar, and Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY).

In its fermentation process, the SCOBY breaks down the sugar into alcohol, organic acids, and friendly probiotic bacteria – yes, similar to the ones found in your Yakult and yogurt. Eventually, it also becomes carbonated, giving it a soda-like fizziness.

Kombucha’s history has been traced back to 220 B.C. in China. It was originally consumed for its “energizing and detoxifying” effects on the body. Later on, it was also brought to European countries as a medicinal drink.

In recent years, it became the “fastest growing functional beverage category” as it further penetrates a global market captivated with “healthier options”.

Kombucha in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, a wide array is available in physical and online stores. A 350mL bottle of flavored kombucha may cost around Php180 to Php200. Teazen – which grew after BTS’ Jungkook was seen drinking their product – also costs Php595 for a pack of ten sachets in BeautyMnl.

Is Kombucha a healthy drink option?

Kombucha’s popularity has often been attributed to the benefits of probiotics. These “good” bacteria often help in easing digestion, producing vitamins, and destroying “bad” bacteria.

Moreover, green tea – a tea ingredient option – is known to burn fat and combat heart disease. It also contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

In addition, other claimed benefits of kombucha include the “reduction of cholesterol levels and blood pressure, the improvement of liver, immune system, and gastrointestinal functions, and the reduction of cancer propagation.”

However, health benefits of kombucha itself, are yet to be supported by scientific research. In 2019, researchers looked into 310 studies that claim numerous health benefits of kombucha and found that they are mostly tried on nonhuman subjects. Unfortunately, there was only one study tested on humans, and it lacked a control group. More studies on human clinical trials are therefore warranted.

Does drinking kombucha have potential risks?

The preparation of kombucha also includes possible hazards, particularly with inadequate pH or alcohol levels, mold growth, and even sanitation. Improper kombucha production and consumption or certain pre-existing conditions may cause some side effects, including “allergic reactions, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and head and neck pain”. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration crafted guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of kombucha production.

In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that drinking around four ounces (4 oz.) of kombucha every day may not cause harmful effects on healthy individuals. However, CDC warned of its potential risks, particularly to individuals with preexisting health conditions. Its alcoholic content may also be harmful to pregnant women.

The bottom line.

Kombucha may be a better alternative to less-healthy sugary sodas, but further research should be done, along with caution in its formulation and consumption.