3: The Future of Processed Foods

Kombuchas popularity has skyrocketed since the 90s.

Heres what the science tells us aboutkombucha benefits.

What is kombucha?

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Its made through combining tea, yeast, bacteria, and sugar.

The sugar acts as food for the yeast and bacteria, driving the fermentation process.

Thanks to the fermentation process,kombucha will offer us healthy bacteria, or probiotics.

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registered dietitian

Probiotics feed your gut microbiome by boosting its beneficial bacteria population.

Plus,probiotics boost our immune systemwith their natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antifungal properties.

B vitamins are vital for proper energy metabolism and ensure that our cells function properly.

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Seeing as kombucha is made from tea, it also carries the same benefits as this popular coffee alternative.

Tea is notably high in plant compounds, especiallyEGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), kaempferol, and quercetin.

Are there any drawbacks to drinking kombucha?

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So while they can still be beneficial to us, they arent a product of the fermentation process.

Further, because of the acetic acid content in kombucha, it is a lower pH beverage.

All kombucha will contain a small amount of alcohol as a natural by-product of the fermentation process.

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registered dietitian

Keep in mind: The alcohol content of kombucha is of much greater concern when its homemade.

But evidence has yet to show that kombuchas benefits really translate into improved health outcomes in humans.

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