This past Tuesday 540WMain Community Center held it’s first ever Kombucha Making Workshop with Matt Keefe.

Leading up to the class we were able to promote the amazing benefits of this health improving ancient elixir on our various social media platforms. So what’s all the hubub about?

Well, unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard something about this often mispronounced probiotic-filled beverage. It’s become the latest health trend across the country even though it has been around for decades. Per usual we’ve got you covered with the facts and the myth associated with kombucha.

Learn more about Kombucha below

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha a fermented black tea beverage rich in probiotics can aid in weight loss, increased energy, immune support & much more. It is said to be originated by the Chinese in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is

How do you make Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented beverage of black tea and sugar (from various sources including cane sugar, fruit or honey) that’s used as a functional food. It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar.

Why should I drink it?

There are a number of healthy probiotics found in kombucha.An article published in the journal Food Microbiology established that the following probiotics make up this health elixir:

• Gluconacetobacter (>85 percent in most samples)
• Acetobacter (<2 percent)
• Lactobacillus (up to 30 percent in some samples)
• Zygosaccharomyces (>95 percent)

This cocktail of good bacteria interacts together in a unique way to aid the body in detoxification, weight loss, GI issues, digestion and more.

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard something about this often mispronounced probiotic-filled beverage.

Is Kombucha safe?

Kombucha is absolutely safe to drink especially the versions that are purchased in health food stores. Like all food products producers have to certify and verify that their beverage making practices are in alliance with the FDA. As far as the homemade versions it is best to find a quality recipe since the process of fermentation involves bacteria and live cultures.  The most safe bet is to purchase a bottle before attempting to make your own version and then working with an expert the when making your own batch.

I have a chronic illness with kombucha cure me of it?

As with all health treatments, vitamins, natural or otherwise there is not magic pill or potion when it comes to living with a chronic illness. As with most things consulting with a physician and/or nutritionist when adding something to your daily diet is the best piece of advice we can give. Understanding that every little bit of good that we do to our bodies helps us manage and living better in the long run and drinking kombucha is no different. It can certainly help but it is not a magic cure.

Another point worth considering is not all natural remedies work for all people. The key is being open minded but reasonable enough to try something new without lofty expectations.

How do you make Kombucha?

After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are tied with the following effective.

The process can seen complicated by beginners hence the reason fo  the workshop at our head quarters. But for our readers who dare to take a risk check back tomorrow for a very simple Kombucha recipe.

To learn more about the benefits of kombucha click here