Once upon a time, though, not that long time back, I had written about Kombucha. The drink, by now, has escalated its pace way up the ladder of commercial beverages sold across the globe. It is not, however, a new beverage put together in the recent years. It has been around for thousands of years. It is a fizzy, fermented drink made by mixing tea (black or green) and sugar with a bacteria-yeast culture known as SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). This mix is allowed to ferment for over a week resulting in the bubbly, carbonated beverage that it is!

What makes Kombucha different from other Beverages?

Kombucha is a functional beverage. Functional beverages are generally non-alcoholic drinks that have beneficial effects on some functions of the human body, or overall. Several functional beverages are available in the market today-from dairy-based drinks, probiotic drinks, energy boosters, sports drinks, vegetable and food beverages to adaptogen drinks-you name it. People are seen to be veering away from sugar-rich soft drinks and leaning more on healthy intakes, whether be it in terms of food or drinks. With that, it has been observed that the preference for functional beverages is on a mount. Functional beverages, like the Kombucha, are beneficial in improving gut-related ailments, boosts immunity, regulates sleep cycle and relieves stress.

Health Benefits:

1. Antioxidants: It contains a good sum of antioxidants. Antioxidants have multiple health benefits and is known to prevent cell damage, thereby limiting chronic inflammation. Of course, it needs to be combined with anti-inflammatory food for best results.
2. Probiotics: Kombucha is a probiotic drink. Probiotics are non-pathogenic living microorganisms, the presence of which is beneficial to the host body. Probiotics help prevent certain kinds of diseases and also helps in treatments when administered in requisite amount. The benefit of yogurt is known to many. Similar benefits are also seen in this sparkling beverage which is a great source of probiotics in your body.
3. Boosts Immunity: Kombucha, rich in vitamin B, is known to boost immunity and can help one to get rid of gut-related problems. This tea has strong antibacterial properties, mostly against infection-causing bacteria.
4. Weight Loss: Kombucha can be made from both green and black tea. Kombucha made from green tea boasts some of the ‘green tea benefits’. Replacing sodas and sugar-rich drinks with Kombucha can aid one in their weight loss journey.
5. Detoxification: Enzymes and acids in Kombucha can act as detoxifiers. It is a rejuvenating drink that helps one to stay energised- an excellent energy-booster.
6. Low-Calorie Low-sugar Drink: Kombucha is low in sugar content and has far lesser calories than sodas, juices or soft drinks, which is why it is an excellent alternative to most sugar-rich drinks. 

Kombucha is available, now a days, in any local store or any supermarket stores. It is also prepared locally in one’s homes. However, like any probiotic drink, or any drink for that matter, consumption of Kombucha in higher quantity is not recommended. If having homemade kombucha, one must ascertain its sanitary aspects. But it is an amazing alternative to sodas, synthetic juices other soft drinks. It can prove to be a tastebud teaser if you are bored of the regular go-to drinks and want to give something different a try!