Is kombucha really healthier than soda? – Wel.nl

Kombucha is a fermented beverage commonly consumed for its potential health benefits. It is made by fermenting sweet tea (usually black or green tea) with a culture of bacteria and yeast, often referred to as “SCOBY” (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast).

The fermentation process usually takes a week or more, during which time the SCOBY produces vinegar and other acids that give the tea a slightly sour taste. Also, a small amount of alcohol is produced during this process, but most commercially sold kombucha has an alcohol content of less than 0.5%.

Kombucha can be flavored with a variety of fruits, herbs, or spices. The drink is often praised for its prebiotic properties, which may promote gut health.

Kombucha is often touted as a healthy alternative to soda, mainly due to its lower sugar content and the presence of live bacteria, which may provide the benefits of probiotics. Here are some of the reasons why people consider kombucha a healthy choice:

1. Less sugar: Kombucha usually contains less sugar than traditional soft drinks. Although kombucha is made with sugar, some of it is fermented into vinegar and other acids, which results in a lower final sugar concentration. The amount of Stuger left varies greatly from brand to brand: it can range from 3 grams to over 20 grams. If it contains more than 5 grams of sugar, you have about the same amount of sugar as soda or fruit juice. For example, if you compare 10 brands, it is remarkable that some brands even contain 4 sugar cubes in total. This is too much.
2. probiotics: Kombucha contains live bacteria that may contribute to gut health. These are the so-called probiotics, which can support digestion and strengthen the immune system.
3. Antioxidants: Kombucha, especially that made with green tea, contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage.
4. Acetic and other organic acids: These substances, which are produced during fermentation, may have various health benefits.

However, it is important to note that research on the health benefits of kombucha is still in its infancy. While there is some evidence that kombucha may have some benefits, more scientific research is needed to fully understand and quantify these effects.