The first time I heard about Kombucha's existence was at the Mercearia Bio Café Store, and I was curious to do some research about it and realize the new trend, which has long been used in Asian countries and is believed to have been born in China in 221 BC. I have made amazing discoveries impressive that I will for sure apply in my Nutrition Consultations!

It has a bittersweet, vinegar-like and cider-like flavour, and is obtained by fermenting Black or Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) with Scoby (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) and with refined sugar. Due to the fact that it is not sold, Scoby (which has the appearance of a gelatinous disc), should be donated, usually through groups on Facebook or through popular word-of-mouth. The fermentation takes between 7 and 14 days, and while sugar is consumed by scoby, bacteria, yeasts and alcohol are produced, which are then converted to ethanoic acid (vinegar). When fermenting, the disc expands and divides into small discs - that is, more fungi, which can later be used to make more drink. Since ancestral times this tea is made in a homemade way, but in the 90's began to be sold commercially. Captain Kombucha is the latest and most popular and is produced domestically and exported to many countries!

Being a probiotic drink, with numerous bacteria beneficial to our health, its main function is the regulation of intestinal transit, whether in cases of diarrhea or constipation, very similar to the effect of Kefir. And this is not all, because it does not come from milk or derivatives, it can be used in cases of lactose intolerance.

Another benefit lies in better energy levels due to iron, which results from fermentation, and improves the transport of oxygen in the blood, and the presence of the substance, the substance present in tea.

Another great advantage of this drink is that it is detoxifying and antioxidant (due to the presence of vitamin C), thus helping our immune system (in the recovery of inflammation, eliminating toxins and fighting free radicals).

In clinical terms, a very interesting benefit that should be experienced by the individuals with this symptomatology is still the improvement in the gastrointestinal discomfort, coming from the bacterium Helycobater Pilori. Less abdominal pain, less heartburn ... sure to provide a better quality of life!

With so many benefits ... are there contraindications?

Because it is still a recent product in the Ociental part of the globe, there are not many studies that prove its benefits and / or contraindications. For this reason, it should be consumed moderately (1 to 2 glasses per day), such as hot tea or a cold drink. Excessive consumption may have adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions and particularly in people who are more sensitive to acidic beverages or those with renal insufficiency. Those who feel discomfort should exclude their consumption. As always, balance is the key word in Nutrition and Healthy Eating!

I will try it out! Will you?

 Adriana Sales

Nutritionist