Kombucha: everything you need to know about the fermented drink of the moment

Origins of kombucha

The origins of kombucha date back more than 2,000 years to the Manchurian region of China, where it was prized for its alleged beneficial properties. According to monkombucha.com, the drink was introduced to Japan in 415 AD by the Korean physician Kombu, who used it to treat the Japanese emperor suffering from digestive disorders. Later, kombucha spread to Russia and Eastern Europe through trade routes, and then conquered the rest of the world in the 20th century.

How do you make kombucha?

The preparation of kombucha begins with the infusion of black or green tea in hot water, to which sugar is added. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is introduced, which starts fermentation by converting the sugars into organic acids, gases and other compounds. This process generally takes one to two weeks, depending on environmental conditions and personal preferences regarding taste and effervescence. If you wish, you can prepare Kombucha at home as well! ( source: microbilogiaitalia.co.uk)

Is Kombucha good for you?

Kombucha is often associated with various health benefits, including improved digestion, strengthened immune system and increased energy. As momentobenessere.it reports the presence of probiotics in the drink helps maintain intestinal flora, facilitating digestion and supporting the immune system.

Contraindications of kombucha

Although kombucha is considered a healthy and beneficial drink for many people due to its probiotic and antioxidant properties, it is crucial to pay attention to certain categories of individuals who may experience side effects or risks related to its consumption. In particular, certain types of people should be more cautious or, in some cases, avoid kombucha altogether. Here are the main categories to consider:

• People with compromised immune systems: Kombucha, containing live bacteria and yeast, may pose a risk to those with compromised immune systems, such as people with autoimmune diseases or those taking immunosuppressive therapies. These individuals may be more vulnerable to infection or unwanted reactions. It is recommended to consult a physician before consuming it.
• People with weight problems and diabetes: Many commercial kombucha contain added sugars that, if consumed in excess, can hinder weight management and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. For those with weight problems or diabetes, it is advisable to choose variants without added sugars or make the drink at home.
• People taking medications or following specific treatments: Kombucha, due to its probiotics and bioactive compounds, may interact with some medications, affecting their metabolism and causing side effects. Those taking immunosuppressive, antibiotic, heart or anticoagulant drugs should be careful. It is important to consult your doctor before including it in your diet, especially with long-term drug therapies.

Popularity of kombucha in Italy and the World

In recent years, kombucha has experienced significant growth globally, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness. According to a report by Grand View Research, the size of the global kombucha market has been estimated at $1.67 billion in 2020 and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.7 percent from 2021 to 2028 (source: Etprotein.com).

The global trend toward consumption of fermented foods and beverages has contributed to the rise of kombucha, making it a popular choice among those seeking healthy alternatives to traditional beverages.

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