Kombucha: A review of the health benefits

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for centuries and has recently seen an increase in popularity.

A source of probiotics and antioxidants, this fermented tea is gaining popularity and is being used as a metabolism booster, helping to detoxify the body and aiding digestion. Kombucha has recently seen a move away from health food stores and into mainstream markets, being incorporated into products such as carbonated drinks, fruit juices and even ice creams.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink made from a mixture of black tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. The fermentation process makes it high in glucuronic acid. Kombucha has been around for centuries, but it has seen popularity in the past decade.

Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha

Many people drink Kombucha to help with their digestion, immune system and overall health. It is also recognised to have anti-inflammatory properties, but there is not enough research on this yet.

1. Aids in Digestion

There are claims that Kombucha is good for digestion. It is said to help treat upset stomach, constipation and other digestive issues. However, there have not been many in-depth studies done to show a correlation between the consumption of Kombucha and an increase in digestive health.

2. Improves Immune System Function

There are claims that drinking Kombucha is beneficial for your immune system. Some people say it boosts their immune system and helps with allergies, viral infections and other illnesses. However, there have not been many in-depth studies done to show a correlation between the consumption of Kombucha and an increase in immune function.

3. Boosts Energy

Some people say they feel more energised after drinking Kombucha. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it boosts energy levels.

4. Alkalizes Body pH Levels

There are claims that Kombucha is good for your pH levels and can help alkalise the body. It is said to help balance the pH levels when drinking acidic foods or beverages. However, there have not been many in-depth studies done to show a correlation between the consumption of Kombucha and an increase in maintaining healthy pH levels.

5. Improves Skin Quality

Kombucha is said to be good for your skin and can help eliminate acne. Researchers have found that glucuronic acid in Kombucha has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with sunburns, eczema and other acne-related issues. However, more research needs to be done in this area.

Are there risks associated with drinking Kombucha?

Yes. Kombucha can have some side effects.

Aside from excess calorie and caffeine consumption, Kombucha is unpasteurised and contains various types of bacteria and yeasts that can cause problems for people with weakened immune systems.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take care due to the caffeine and alcohol in Kombucha and the fact it is unpasteurised. More research is needed into the full effects of Kombucha, and we would always recommend consulting with your doctor before trying a new health product.

Kombucha in the Marketplace

People can buy Kombucha on the shelves of their local supermarket or health food store, or they could brew it at home. Kombucha is also sold as a dietary supplement and could be found in powder form to mix with water or other beverages. Kombucha is being incorporated in several categories, including energy drinks, tea, fruit juices, premium beverages, and frozen yoghurt. As consumers are becoming more tuned in to their health and the role that food plays in their overall wellbeing, Kombucha is getting a great deal of attention. The market for natural, non-alcoholic beverages has grown significantly over the last decade as consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking to make more healthy choices about what they eat and drink.

In terms of sales, growth is being driven by health-oriented consumers and the growing demand for healthier non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, new flavours and products are being introduced regularly in this market to cater to consumer needs. The change of taste and sparkling or fruit juice based drinks has been a key factor that helped Kombucha gain momentum across Europe. The sweetened versions of Kombucha are becoming increasingly popular in the soft drinks market as there is a growing demand for low sugar and calorie-free beverages.

Conclusion

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has many alleged health benefits. While some people claim they feel an increase in energy and have better digestion after drinking Kombucha, there isn't enough evidence to support these claims of increased overall health. This seemingly hasn't stopped the drink from rising in popularity, especially among young people looking to enhance their overall wellbeing. More research needs to be done in this area before making definitive claims about the benefits of Kombucha.

If you're interested in developing your product range, or if you are just looking for inspiration, get in touch with our NPD team, who will be happy to help.