Kombucha

Kombucha has been a hot topic for the last decade. There are numerous health benefits associated with drinking kombucha. These claims range from improved digestion to improved cholesterol levels, reduction in liver toxicity, improved immunity and a reduced risk of several cancers. While some of the more outlandish claims are still up for debate and based on rat studies, there is quite a bit of peer reviewed evidence showing kombucha's benefit..

For maybe thousands of years, humans have been brewing and consuming kombucha. To brew it you add a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) to brewed tea and sugar and it ferments in a glass jar for 1-4 weeks. Green, black or oolong tea is used. Many of the health claims for kombucha come from the fact that most kombucha contains green tea.

I have been enjoying the benefits of kombucha for 5 years. While I can't speak to all of the health claims, I can personally attest to the probiotic gut health benefits. I have an easier time digesting meals, experience less bloating and overall feel healthier when I regularly drink a bottle a day.

For 3 years now I have brewing kombucha. Once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy. When I started it took about an hour to brew one gallon but I can now regularly produce 3 gallons in about 40 minutes. It saves me a lot of money: I used to pay $3-4 per bottle and it costs me roughly $0.30 per bottle. I also enjoy the process.