A healthy gut goes hand-in-hand with a healthy body and wellness lifestyle, and one of the healthiest forms of food we can consume are fermented / cultured ones. I have eaten yogurt on and off my whole life, and like many Pennsylvanians, enjoy pork and sauerkraut at New Year's day every year. These common menu items reflect the benefits found in numerous fermented foods.
A fermented all-star, which is gaining significant attention in recent years, is kombucha. This fermented tea develops a light carbonation and a slight acidic bite, along with a sophisticated flavor profile. And the benefits to our health are numerous.Kombucha (pronounced kawm-boo-chah) is an ancient beverage, known for its significant health benefits, and enjoyed in eastern Asia for over 2000 years. It is commonly made from black or green tea, a bit of plain sugar, and an active starter culture, referred to as a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).
It is this colony of (healthy) bacteria and yeast which give kombucha its health-power. There are numerous gut-friendly probiotics in kombucha, as well as healthful levels of acetic and lactic acid. Kombucha has proven helpful with boosting immunity, improving gut health, being high in antioxidants and B vitamins, and supporting heart health.
Check out this great overview of kombucha from a Lititz, PA-based brewer, Renewal Kombucha:
Renewal Kombucha FAQ
And for some further reading, see this article from Dr. Josh Axe on the many benefits of kombucha:
Dr. Axe - Reasons to drink Kombucha
By the Way
There are plenty of bottled kombucha options at many grocery stores. Look for unpasteurized varieties, as pasteurizing would defeat the the beneficial bacteria culture.
Store-bought kombucha can be pricey ($3-$4 a bottle) so you could consider brewing your own at home. It's kind of like hard cider, and very simple to make if you are patient and careful with your ingredients.
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